There's plenty of advice on conserving battery power, but not much on properly maintaining your batteries. Here are some tips to help extend their lifespan.

In today's mobile world, battery life is invaluable. Just visit a busy coffee shop and observe the laptop warriors – it can get quite intense when two people spot the last available power outlet at the same time.

While it's easy to pick up tips for preserving your battery's current charge, proper battery care is equally important and often overlooked. Maintaining your battery correctly ensures it operates efficiently. Here are some key tips to keep your lithium-ion batteries in top condition.

[ 1 ] Keep your batteries at room temperature

That means between 20 and 25 degrees C. The worst thing that can happen to a lithium-ion battery is to have a full charge and be subjected to elevated temperatures. Don’t leave or charge your e-bikes battery in a hot/humid location. Heat is by far the largest factor when it comes to reducing lithium-ion battery life.

[ 2 ] Think about getting a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, rather than carrying a spare

Batteries deteriorate over time, whether they’re being used or not. A spare battery won’t last much longer than the one in use. It’s important to remember the aging characteristic when purchasing batteries. Make sure to purchase legit brands, like Samsung or LG.

[ 3 ] Allow partial discharges and avoid full ones (usually)

Unlike NiCad batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory. That means deep-discharge cycles are not required. In fact, it’s better for the battery to use partial-discharge cycles.

There is one exception. Battery experts suggest that after 30 charges, you should allow lithium-ion batteries to almost completely discharge. Continuous partial discharges create a condition called digital memory, decreasing the accuracy of the device’s power gauge. Let the battery discharge to the cut-off point and then recharge. The power gauge will be recalibrated.

[ 4 ] Avoid completely discharging lithium-ion batteries

If a lithium-ion battery is discharged below 2.5 volts per cell, a safety circuit built into the battery opens and the battery appears to be dead. The original charger will be of no use. Only battery analyzers with the boost function have a chance of recharging the battery.

Also, for safety reasons, do not recharge deeply discharged lithium-ion batteries if they have been stored in that condition for several months.

[ 5 ] For extended storage, discharge a lithium-ion battery to about 40 percent and store it in a cool place

You might have always kept an extra battery for your electric bike, but it probably never lasted as long as the original. Now you know that this is because you were storing the battery fully charged, which accelerates lithium-ion oxidation. It’s recommended to store lithium-ion batteries at a 40 percent discharge and in the refrigerator (not the freezer).

1. Use Genuine Chargers: Always use manufacturer-approved chargers to prevent compatibility issues and potential damage.
2. Charge When Low: Recharge your battery when it reaches about 20% capacity. Avoid complete discharge to prevent damage.
3. Avoid Overcharging: Unplug the battery once fully charged to prevent overheating and reduce stress on the cells.
4. Prevent Moisture Exposure: Keep your battery dry at all times to avoid short circuits and potential damage.
5. Safe Charging Environment: Charge on hard, dry surfaces away from flammable materials to minimize fire risks.
6. Identify and Address Issues Promptly: If you notice overheating, unusual odors, leaks, or physical changes, stop using the battery immediately and seek professional help.
7. Regular Inspections: Frequently check battery contacts for damage, burn marks, or unusual smells to catch potential problems early.
8. Proper Storage: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and flammable materials.
9. Monthly Maintenance Charging: If not in use for extended periods, charge the battery monthly to maintain cell activity.
10. Minimize Vibrations: Secure the battery properly to prevent damage from excessive vibrations during rides.
11. Discontinue Use of Damaged Batteries: Stop using damaged batteries or chargers immediately and have them professionally inspected or safely disposed of.
12. Responsible Disposal: Recycle lithium batteries at certified disposal sites or contact local waste management for proper disposal instructions.
13. Temperature Awareness: Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures. Operating or storing batteries in very hot or very cold conditions can reduce their lifespan and performance.
14. Charge in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure that the charging area is well-ventilated to dissipate heat generated during charging.
15. Avoid Deep Discharges: Regularly charging before the battery gets too low helps maintain battery health. Aim to keep the battery between 20% and 80% for optimal longevity.
16. Battery Calibration: Occasionally calibrate your battery by fully charging it and then allowing it to discharge completely.
17. Keep Contacts Clean: Regularly clean the battery contacts with a soft, dry cloth to ensure good electrical connection and prevent corrosion.
18. Monitor Battery Age: Be aware of the age of your battery. Even with proper care, lithium-ion batteries typically have a lifespan of 2-5 years.
19. Avoid Physical Damage: Handle the battery with care to avoid drops or impacts that could damage the housing or internal components.
20. Educate Yourself on Battery Technology: Stay informed about the latest battery technology and care practices.
21. Check for Firmware Updates: If applicable, check for firmware updates for your electric bike or battery management system.
22. Consult the User Manual: Always refer to the specific user manual for your electric bike and battery for manufacturer-recommended care practices and safety precautions.

Final thoughts...💭

Lithium-ion batteries are a huge improvement over previous types of batteries. It's not uncommon to achieve 500 to 1,000 charge/discharge cycles with a lithium-ion battery.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the longevity and performance of your electric bike battery.❤︎