June 30,2023
June 30,2023
Lithium batteries have been mainstream in the past years. Of course, there are numerous battery brands in the market but no matter what electric bike you buy nowadays, chances are it runs on a lithium-based battery. Lithium batteries have been around since 1912 but it’s only been in the last 15 years that they caught on and became economical in consumer applications like EVs and E-bikes. Electric bike batteries are often worth about one-third the value of an electric bike and every single battery has a life cycle from 1 year up to 5 years. So the question is: Do you expect your battery life span to be up to 5 years?
We collect some tips to enhance batteries' life cycle for all the Ebike riders.
#1. Maintain your battery cool
Environmental conditions are an important factor affecting lithium batteries. For instance, leaving a battery in the vehicle in the hot sun days can shorten the battery's life span. In fact, that would be the worst case scenario: keeping a fully charged battery in high heat. It is a good rule of thumb to store your bike in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, and when not in use, keep the battery in a cool place, preferably below 20°C (68°F).
#2. Store partially charged batteries
Storing a fully charged battery has an impact on the recoverable capacity. What's more, storing a fully depleted battery can be disastrous because, even if you don't use a Li-Ion battery, it will slowly discharge over time. If the voltage drops below a certain point, this can cause irreparable damage to the battery, depending on how long it's been left in. Ideally, when storing the battery for an extended period of time, make sure it is between 80% and 40% of a full charge. Some chargers have a lower "storage" voltage setting, so just switch to this setting before charging for storage. An easy option is to ride the bike after it's fully charged and before storing it.
Also, do not leave the battery on the charger for extended periods of time, as storing it at or near 100% charge will shorten the battery's lifespan. You can also check the battery every few months during the winter. If you notice the battery level indicator dropping too low, you can quickly recharge it to bring it back to the ideal storage voltage (this is less necessary if the battery level is 40% or higher). If you don't have a battery indicator, it's a good idea to charge the battery for half an hour every few months. Again, try not to set aside a fully charged battery (but if that happens, it won't be the end of the world.)
#3. Reduce the frequency of fully discharging
Surprisingly, we still see tech sites recommending a full discharge of the battery on a regular basis, even though this has been shown to be harmful. The diagram below proves that regularly discharging Li-Ion batteries to 0% is harmful, and regular recharging for partial discharge is recommended to prolong the battery's charge cycle life. Occasionally full discharge on super long rides is no problem! Lithium batteries can be charged periodically, as shown in the diagram below, and are best run during the first half of the discharge cycle; Lithium batteries do not have the "memory effect" that some other battery chemistries have. If you do short rides on a regular basis, it's best to charge every few rides rather than every ride (to avoid prolonged charging or near 100% charge, as described above).
As an extra note in winter, make sure your battery is above freezing point before charging, or you may damage the battery. Riding the bike in sub-freezing conditions is fine (it won't damage the battery), just make sure to let the battery warm up before charging. When you ride in very cold weather, you will notice a drop in power and range; this is normal and expected. You can help avoid this by putting the battery inside to keep the battery warm when you're not riding. This way, you will gain extra power!
Proper maintenance and storage of the battery as described above will significantly extend its lifespan. A well-maintained lithium battery lasts three to five years, while a poorly maintained battery can be severely damaged in a season or less.
Magicycle 52V Most Powerful ALL Terrain Electric Bike Only $1589! Limited Offer. Don't miss it! Free Shipping to the USA Over 48 States！
We collect some tips to enhance batteries' life cycle for all the Ebike riders.
#1. Maintain your battery cool
Environmental conditions are an important factor affecting lithium batteries. For instance, leaving a battery in the vehicle in the hot sun days can shorten the battery's life span. In fact, that would be the worst case scenario: keeping a fully charged battery in high heat. It is a good rule of thumb to store your bike in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, and when not in use, keep the battery in a cool place, preferably below 20°C (68°F).
#2. Store partially charged batteries
Storing a fully charged battery has an impact on the recoverable capacity. What's more, storing a fully depleted battery can be disastrous because, even if you don't use a Li-Ion battery, it will slowly discharge over time. If the voltage drops below a certain point, this can cause irreparable damage to the battery, depending on how long it's been left in. Ideally, when storing the battery for an extended period of time, make sure it is between 80% and 40% of a full charge. Some chargers have a lower "storage" voltage setting, so just switch to this setting before charging for storage. An easy option is to ride the bike after it's fully charged and before storing it.
Also, do not leave the battery on the charger for extended periods of time, as storing it at or near 100% charge will shorten the battery's lifespan. You can also check the battery every few months during the winter. If you notice the battery level indicator dropping too low, you can quickly recharge it to bring it back to the ideal storage voltage (this is less necessary if the battery level is 40% or higher). If you don't have a battery indicator, it's a good idea to charge the battery for half an hour every few months. Again, try not to set aside a fully charged battery (but if that happens, it won't be the end of the world.)
#3. Reduce the frequency of fully discharging
Surprisingly, we still see tech sites recommending a full discharge of the battery on a regular basis, even though this has been shown to be harmful. The diagram below proves that regularly discharging Li-Ion batteries to 0% is harmful, and regular recharging for partial discharge is recommended to prolong the battery's charge cycle life. Occasionally full discharge on super long rides is no problem! Lithium batteries can be charged periodically, as shown in the diagram below, and are best run during the first half of the discharge cycle; Lithium batteries do not have the "memory effect" that some other battery chemistries have. If you do short rides on a regular basis, it's best to charge every few rides rather than every ride (to avoid prolonged charging or near 100% charge, as described above).
As an extra note in winter, make sure your battery is above freezing point before charging, or you may damage the battery. Riding the bike in sub-freezing conditions is fine (it won't damage the battery), just make sure to let the battery warm up before charging. When you ride in very cold weather, you will notice a drop in power and range; this is normal and expected. You can help avoid this by putting the battery inside to keep the battery warm when you're not riding. This way, you will gain extra power!
Proper maintenance and storage of the battery as described above will significantly extend its lifespan. A well-maintained lithium battery lasts three to five years, while a poorly maintained battery can be severely damaged in a season or less.
Magicycle 52V Most Powerful ALL Terrain Electric Bike Only $1589! Limited Offer. Don't miss it! Free Shipping to the USA Over 48 States！
