Our pick
LiFePO4 Prismatic (100Ah)
Per cycle$0.42
Per kWh$266
Cheapest per kWh and per cycle — the only candidate that wins both.
Cost per kWh of installed capacityLower is better · $/kWh
Bars are $/kWh; only the pick carries the pass color — one winner, not six categories.
| Option | $/kWh | $/cycle | Cycles | Weight | Safety margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LiFePO4 Prismatic (100Ah) Our pick 15S1P, 15 cells · 4,800 Wh | $266 | $0.42 | 3,000 | 48.0 kg | 3.3× |
LiFePO4 Cylindrical (32650) 15S7P, 105 cells · 2,016 Wh | $417 | $0.42 | 2,000 | 15.2 kg | 7.0× |
21700 High-Cap (e.g., Samsung 50E) 14S8P, 112 cells · 2,016 Wh | $361 | $1.46 | 500 | 7.8 kg | 2.7× |
18650 Budget (e.g., Samsung 25R) 14S16P, 224 cells · 2,016 Wh | $389 | $1.57 | 500 | 10.1 kg | 10.7× |
18650 Premium (e.g., Samsung 30Q) 14S14P, 196 cells · 2,117 Wh | $463 | $1.96 | 500 | 9.4 kg | 7.0× |
21700 Standard (e.g., Samsung 40T) 14S10P, 140 cells · 2,016 Wh | $486 | $1.96 | 500 | 9.4 kg | 11.7× |
Why the LiFePO4 Prismatic wins
- $266 per kWh installed and $0.42 per cycle over a 3,000-cycle rated life — the cheapest in the table on both counts.
- Hits 48 V as a 15S1P, 15 cells and installs 4,800 Wh — 2.4× the target, because the smallest cell step lands there.
- Rated for 3,000 cycles at 80 % depth of discharge — 1.5× the next-best candidate.
Where our pick is the wrong answer
48 kg and a fixed prismatic footprint. If the pack has to fit a bike triangle or be carried, take 21700 High-Cap (e.g., Samsung 50E) at $361/kWh — it's 7.8 kg for the same energy, and you're paying $1.03 more per cycle for the privilege.
What's in these prices
Cells only, at typical single-unit prices. No BMS, nickel, holders, welding, or shipping — those don't scale with cell count the same way, and adding them would hide the comparison this table exists to make. Cycle counts are manufacturer figures at 80 % depth of discharge.