How to Read a Lithium Battery Spec Sheet

Direct answer

Focus on four numbers: rated capacity (ask for the 0.2C test result, not the label), cycle life (with test conditions . temperature and DoD), C-rate (continuous vs peak), and cell grade (A vs B). Inflated capacity and vague cycle-life claims are the two most common tricks.

The four numbers that matter

Capacity: a real 48V 100Ah delivers 5.0-5.12 kWh at 0.2C. Anything under 4.8 kWh is mislabeled.
Cycle life: "6000 cycles" must state DoD and temperature. 6000 at 80% DoD, 25°C is realistic for grade-A LiFePO4.
C-rate: 1C continuous = can output its full kWh as kW. Watch peak vs continuous.
Cell grade: insist on grade-A with the cell brand named (EVE, CATL, Ganfeng).

Compare against the grade-A vs B guide and the 2026 price guide ($620-780 FOB for 48V 100Ah).

Frequently asked questions

What spec-sheet number is most often inflated?

Rated capacity and cycle life. A '100Ah' pack that delivers 80Ah at 0.2C discharge is common with B-grade cells, and '6000 cycles' often means 6000 cycles to 80% capacity at 25°C . not at the 45°C your site may hit. Always ask for the 0.2C capacity test report and the cycle-life test conditions.

Want a spec sheet you can trust?

Luchu Energy includes the 0.2C test report and named cell brand in every quote. Request it →