How to Get the Most from an Ebike Battery

The biggest reason for premature battery failure is lack of use.

Periods of non-use that exceed 3 weeks can cause a battery to go into “hibernation”. To get out of battery hibernation you need to charge and then use the battery for a few cycles. During this time you’ll experience a lower range and a bit less power. The battery should return to full performance once you do this a few times.

If you look after it, you shouldn’t need to replace your battery for 4-6 years. Here is how to care for the e-bike battery to maximize its performance and reliability.

The ebike battery uses Lithium Ion chemistry in the form of 18650 cells which look like oversized AA batteries. (each cell is 18mm in diameter and 65mm long, hence the name.) Many of these cells are assembled into a battery to produce 36 or 48 volts and a specific capacity, depending on the bicycle it is made for. The overall shape and physical dimensions of the battery dictate how it is assembled and often also how much capacity it can hold.

https://evelo.com/blogs/learn/get-the-most-from-your-ebike-battery

Difference between ebike lithium batteries and normal batteries?

Lithium-Ion batteries require different handling from other types of batteries. They don't exhibit the 'memory' effect seen on nickel-based batteries and offer a much wider usable charge range than lead batteries. Inside the battery case is a battery management system (BMS), which is an onboard computer that controls how/when power flows in or out of the battery.

The BMS protects the cells from overcharging and over-discharging but also balances the cells so they match as close to each other as possible, which will make the battery perform better and improve the electric bike's performance. When charging, the battery will charge to 80+ percent of charge in a relatively short time - the rest of the time is the 'satiation' portion of the charge cycle, where each individual cell is fully charged and balanced. It's ok to skip the satiation charge occasionally, if in a hurry, but it is important to do it regularly. 

AN EBIKE BATTERY SHOULD LAST 3 YEARS AT PEAK PERFORMANCE AND THEN SLOWLY DECLINE.

A lithium battery has a finite number of charge cycles. That’s how the lifespan of the battery is calculated, however, it’s not quite a straightforward situation in real life.

A full charge cycle is from 0 to 100%, which is rare for most riders since few people deplete their battery all the way. They charge their battery only charging part of a full cycle.

For example, if the battery down to 45% and charge it back up, that's only charged 0.55 of a charge cycle and not 1 full charge as most people are afraid of.

Charge cycles are an important metric for any battery, but for most users, they simply won't even get close to wearing out a battery by using it. Time takes its toll on us all, and batteries are no exception.

Get the most out of an ebike battery

It’s recommended to use the battery as frequently as possible. The health of the battery is more contingent on frequent use than it is on how it is depleted. Ride the bike often and charge the battery often. It’s better to deplete and charge in small stages than to regularly drain the battery down to 0.

The last half of the battery charge depletes faster than the first half, plus the motor produces more power when the battery is closer to full charge.

Smart Charging Your Bike’s Battery

Most ebikes come with a smart charger for the battery. It automatically detects when a viable battery is plugged in and then charges until it sees the battery has reached full. Once the battery is full, the charger turns off and indicates such by switching the light from red to green.

It's okay to leave the charger plugged into the battery for a day or two but not long term. The charger will attempt to search for a battery periodically and this pulse of power into the battery will hurt it over time.

Never plug the charger in at the end of the riding season and then unplug it in the spring when ridden again.

Consider with a brand new battery:

• The battery is mostly charged, but due to it having sat for some time, will not exhibit full potential until 4-6 charge cycles.
• Doing an initial charge will help wake up the battery and also balance the cells. This will provide a good/solid start to a healthy battery.
• One can test ride a bicycle before doing the first charge. But don’t go on a long ride until the finished the conditioning charge.
• It's not needed to take it easy on the battery the first time riding.
• Avoid 35+ mile rides until at least 4 charge cycles on the battery.

THE FOLLOWING TIPS HELP IN MAINTAINING EBIKE BATTERY HEALTH:

• Partially deplete the battery regularly. Ideally at least once a week and not completely.
• Charge the battery regularly. Best is after every ride unless still over 90% charge.
• Unplug the charger from the battery quickly after its done charging. Hours are ok, days/weeks are not. Consider an inline timer if this is a concern.

How to Store an EBike Battery

Keep batteries out of extreme cold and heat. Using them in cold or hot weather is not an issue, but storing them in a place that is not climate controlled could damage the battery. 

Lithium-Ion batteries are the happiest, in use, at the same temperature as a human body. For storage, a cool place is slightly better for the battery, but it is important that they stay above freezing.

To store a battery long term, charge it every 30 days. Ideally, discharge it partially, and then charge it again to 100%