Batteries are at the heart of modern electric mobility solutions, and they are essentially the reason behind the global acceptance of the electric revolution. Ebikes are no different in this regard and their batteries are, in fact, a miniature version of the ones used in electric cars. The small handheld ebike battery may look simple on the outside but there’s more than meets the eye. This article dives into several details of an ebike battery so ebike owners & potential buyers can take better care of what is fundamentally the heart of an ebike.
How Long Do Ebike Batteries Last?
This is probably the most frequently asked question regarding an ebike battery and rightly so. An ebike battery constitutes a significant chunk of an electric bike’s price and replacing it frequently can be a headache for many. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this query as many factors get into play. The most contributing factors to an ebike's battery life are the charging cycles, its brand, power rating, and the environment in which it is used.
Keeping in mind the factors involved, you should expect a battery life of 2-5 years. Though, beware that a lifespan of 2-5 years is given for a quality-made ebike battery or an OEM one. Batteries manufactured by unknown brands or those that are available at a dirt-cheap price are an exception as they’re prone to failure at any moment.
How Often Should You Charge an Ebike Battery?
How long an ebike battery lasts depends greatly on how well its owner takes care of it. An ebike battery requires charge even if it isn’t being utilized frequently. Therefore, it is a good idea to juice up your ebike battery once a month even if the ebike has been gathering dust for some time.
On the other hand, if you are regularly using your ebike, then a good rule of thumb is to plug it in as soon as the charging level has dropped to 30 or 40%. Consuming the last drops of charge can put a serious strain on an ebike battery, therefore, it is wise not to wait till the last moment. The software built into modern batteries & chargers automatically shut off the power supply once the battery has been fully charged but try not to overcharge the battery as a precautionary measure to enhance its life.
When Should I Replace My Ebike Battery?
An ebike battery’s life starts deteriorating after every discharge & charging cycle. Eventually, there comes a point when the storing capability of a battery is severely compromised. Such a point is pretty obvious since your ebike would neither be able to coast on electric power alone nor would it be able to support you via pedal-assist for long. Since the usable lifespan of an ebike battery lies between 2 to 5 years, therefore, the battery should be replaced around the same time period. In short, change the battery when you start noticing that the battery isn’t capable of supporting your ebike for the entire span of your average journey.
Pro Tips on How to Maximize Ebike Battery Life:
Sooner or later, your ebike battery would give up but there are certain proven tips you can follow to prolong its lifespan. The following tips may sound rather mundane, but you’ll be surprised by their long-term effect on your ebike’s battery life:
Preventing Direct Exposure to Heat:
Out of all the culprits responsible for shrinking the battery life of an ebike, direct exposure to heat undoubtedly ranks towards the top. Modern Lithium batteries are relatively immune to direct heat, nevertheless, direct heat always has a detrimental effect on any kind of battery. It alternates the chemistry of the electrolytes packed inside and therefore it is a good idea to store/park your ebike & its battery in a shady area or a cool place.
Unplug Charger Once Your Ebike Battery is Completely Recharged:
As mentioned earlier, almost all the ebike batteries & chargers nowadays are equipped with software that automatically shuts off the power supply. However, the software is prone to glitches which is why it is a good idea to unplug the charger once the battery has gained ample juice. Excessive charging can heat a battery & can also cause bloating sometimes which can either reduce the lifespan or render the battery useless.
Don’t Forget to Recharge your Battery anytime it runs out of Charge:
It may be rather hard for you to believe, but some of us cyclists are also lazy especially when it comes to looking after our prized ebike. The thought of plugging the battery till its charging level drops to single digits is somewhat also tempting. Though, it is never a good idea to wait till the last moment as some juice is always crucial for the battery to perform at its optimum level in the long run.
Do Not Use Third Party or Unbranded Chargers:
While many third-party chargers nowadays are better or at par with OEM chargers, it is wise not to get fooled by substandard chargers as they will only be detrimental to your ebike's battery. If a third-party charger is a last resort, then make sure that it is made by a reputed brand and has the same specifications as the original charger.
Take Good Care of Your Ebike Battery:
Ebike batteries are pricey and some of the OEM batteries are also hard to come by. Therefore, it is vital that you take good care of them so they can last as long as the manufacturer’s claimed lifespan. The saying “you take care of the machine, and the machine will take care of you” fits perfectly here.
Коментарі