An electronic load is what turns a battery test bench from being able to charge a cell into being able to prove how it actually performs, because discharge behavior under a controlled, repeatable load is what capacity, C-rate and cycle-life numbers are measured against. Choosing the right one comes down to three things: power, voltage range and which operating modes you need.
CC, CV, CW and CR: Why the Mode Matters
A programmable DC load can typically operate in constant current («CC»), constant voltage («CV»), constant power («CW») and constant resistance («CR») modes. Battery discharge testing leans heavily on CC mode for standard capacity tests at a fixed C-rate, CV mode for end-of-discharge voltage holds, and CW mode when you are simulating a real load profile, such as a motor or inverter, that draws roughly constant power rather than constant current as the pack voltage sags.
Entry to Mid-Range: Kewell E5000
The Kewell E5000 Normal configuration starts at 150 V / 200 A / 2.2 kW and scales up within the same chassis family to 150 V / 1200 A / 13.2 kW in Pro configuration, giving you a wide window to size a load to your pack without moving to a different product line. It is a practical fit for module and small pack level discharge test where you need real power handling without stepping up to rack-scale equipment.
High-Power Rack Systems: GW Instek PEL-5000C and Chroma 63200A
For full pack and system-level discharge test, the GW Instek PEL-5000C series covers 1200 V systems from 240 A / 6 kW up to 960 A / 24 kW in a single unit, with an equivalent 600 V range at higher current for lower-voltage, high-current packs. Chroma's 63200A series covers a comparable 1200 V / 24 kW envelope in a rack-mount format built for continuous duty in automated test systems.
Sizing the Load, Not Just the Power Number
- Match voltage headroom to your highest pack state-of-charge, not the nominal voltage, so the load can hold its programmed operating point across the full discharge curve.
- Check continuous versus peak power ratings separately, since a long capacity test lives on the continuous number, while a pulse or load-dump test can use the peak rating.
- Plan for parallel operation if your roadmap includes larger packs, since most of these families are designed to be paralleled rather than replaced when power requirements grow.
ALLdata works with battery and energy storage test teams to size the right load for the pack chemistry, voltage and duty cycle involved. Browse the Power Equipment collection or request a quote with your voltage and power requirements, and we will confirm the right model before you order.