Depth of Discharge (DoD) Impact Calculator

Battery wheel animation

The Depth of Discharge (DoD) Impact Calculator helps you understand how deeply discharging your eBike battery affects long-term health, cycle life, and usable capacity. A lower DoD means the battery is discharged less per ride, resulting in significantly increased lifespan and reduced degradation.

How Depth of Discharge (DoD) Affects Battery Life

Lithium-ion batteries last much longer when they are not drained to 0–20% frequently. Manufacturers typically rate battery life assuming **100% DoD**, meaning a full cycle from full to empty. But real-world usage often involves partial cycles.

Typical Battery Lifespan vs DoD

  • 100% DoD: ~500–800 cycles
  • 80% DoD: ~800–1200 cycles
  • 60% DoD: ~1500+ cycles
  • 40% DoD: ~2500+ cycles
  • 20% DoD: ~4000–6000 cycles
Tip: For maximum lifespan, avoid draining below 30% and avoid charging above 90% whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Depth of Discharge (DoD)?
A: DoD represents how much of the battery capacity you use before charging. 80% DoD means you use 80% of the battery each ride.
Q: What DoD level is best for battery life?
A: 40–60% DoD is optimal. Lower DoD dramatically increases cycle life.
Q: Does deep discharging damage the battery?
A: Yes. Regularly draining to 0–20% accelerates degradation and reduces long-term capacity.
Q: What happens if I discharge to only 50%?
A: You effectively double or triple the total cycle life compared to 100% DoD cycles.
Q: Is partial charging better?
A: Yes. Charging between 30% and 80% greatly increases battery lifespan.