Latest updated time: 03/26/2024

 

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity for their lightweight, environmentally friendliness, and long life. As we all know, the battery is an integral part of the e-bike system. It stores the electricity in it and boosts you up with the motor.

When the battery gets to the end of its life cycle, it won't stop working immediately, you will find you can get 30 miles before, but now just can go 25 then 20 or less on a full charge.

 

Something you must know before you read this article:

1, All li-ion battery life is limited, depending on our actual use, it might be shorter or longer.

2, All li-ion batteries begin ages after they are born, even if not used.

3, One charge cycle is counted as charging the battery from 0% to 100%.

4, Usually, a Li-ion battery can reach 600 to 800 cycles (sometimes more).

 

To extend the battery's life, here are some tips for you to refer to:

 

Try to avoid high-current discharge

 

If you ride an e-bike in pure electric mode, the faster you go, the higher current the battery takes; the higher current result in lower battery efficiency. The same as going up hills, the steep the incline is, the higher current will be.

 

When at 10 mph, the battery discharge at about 3 Amps, efficiency is around 99%; 15 mph at 5 Amps with 95% efficiency; 20 mph at 8 Amps with 90% efficiency.

*Tested on a 48V 500W(rated) motor, there will be differences.

 

We have done an experiment on an e-bike equipped with a 48V 13Ah battery; in pure electric mode, it can reach 51 miles when kept 16 mph, if at 31 mph, just can reach 23 miles. See the differences? The battery's efficiency when at 31mph just reached 89% of 16mph, that's the result of a higher discharge current for the battery.

 

Frequent acceleration especially full-acceleration also will drain the battery in a high current, when cruising at 10mph, output power is around 150 watts(current 3 Amps); when full-acceleration from standstill, output power(peak) is around 750 watts(current 15 Amps).

 

So, try to maintain a suitable and constant speed to keep the battery working steadily, it can make your battery last longer.

 

Try to avoid a deep discharge rate

 

Many factors can affect the life of the battery, one of the most important factors is the depth of discharge. A study published by Cadex Electronics described that a Lithium-ion battery would have a 50% longer lifespan if it is charged after 50% discharge instead of fully discharged(like dropping to 0%). What's more, charging after only a 25% discharge rate resulted in a 67% longer lifespan!

 

So, try not to dry it out totally, like discharge it way down to 0 % before recharging it, According to many articles and experiments, the lithium-ion battery doesn’t like being fully(deep) discharged; try to avoid draining your batteries below 25% when possible.

 

For example, I had done an experiment: On two iPhone 13 which also use the lithium battery. Usually, my iPhone always gets charged when the battery is around 50%, and my wife's iPhone always gets charged around 1% or after shut down(0%); After one year, my Battery Health says it can hold 97% of its MAX capacity while my wife's battery just can hold 83%. See the differences?

 

By the way, If you use 25 percent of the battery’s capacity, then recharge to 100 percent, you can do this 4 times to reach one charge cycle.

 

Try to charge the battery up to 80%

 

To maximize battery life. It is better to charge to 80 percent if you know you don't need a full battery(Pro tip: Chargers are less expensive and last much longer. If you're considering the purchase of a second battery to keep at the office, buy a second charger instead.).

 

Most would agree that you will get more charge cycles if you charge your battery to 80%; in my experiment, I charged 100% every time, because I think the battery is just for me to use, and I want to go anywhere any time I want, enjoy my life. From the test result I did on two iPhone, this makes a little difference.

 

But if you want, you can get a Timer, we all have better things to do than to sit and watch a battery charging; many Timers can cut off the power automatically, so get yourself one and set it for hours when charged nearby 80%

 

Lithium-ion batteries have NO memory effect, this was for Nickel Cadmium batteries that went out of style decades ago, yet this is a surprisingly common question people ask about any rechargeable battery.

Learn more: Lithium-ion batteries do not have “battery memory”

 

Store batteries charged at 50%

 

Are you not using your e-bike for a longer period of time? Avoid leaving the lithium-ion battery in a state of long-term power loss, this will result in a much-reduced lifespan for sure. Try to keep your battery charged between 40% and 60%.

 

Unlike most other battery types (especially lead-acid), lithium-ion batteries do not like being stored at high charge levels

 

For storing batteries long term, charge them to about 50% and check on them every 2 to 3 months, Is it below 40%? (the battery will self-discharge over time), if so, give it a booster charge to return to the 50 percent range.

 

Store batteries in a cool & dry location

 

Try to keep your batteries cool whenever possible, Storing at temperatures higher than 185℉ or lower than -49℉ can be really bad for your e-bike battery.

 

This is why it is important not to leave your battery in the car, during summertime, the inside of your car can exceed above 140℉ in 20 to 30 minutes under direct sunlight, the highest even reaching 186℉. Keep an eye on the temperature. even The best BMS in the world can’t keep a battery from frying in a 186℉ car.

 

It is recommended to store your batteries between 0-40℃, which is 32-104℉.

 

To Summary

 • Try not to discharge to 0% often

• Charge your battery to about 80% to get more cycle life.

• All batteries get ages naturally, whatever is it used, just buy it when you need to use it. 

• Get a larger battery if possible, so you can still get enough range and high cycle life by light discharge.

• Avoid exposing your battery to high temperatures and store it in a cool and dry place with 50% charged.

 

Keep in mind you can do all or none of the above, the bike will still work fine, but the battery may not live as long.

 As time goes on, battery management systems (often referred to as BMS) and smart chargers get better and better, allowing you to be more carefree with the battery. (Something the BMS can't do anything about, like exposed to sunlight)

 

 

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