A research launched by Underwriter’s Laboratories revealed that not solely do most individuals not know the composition of a lithium-ion battery, however a whopping 49 p.c of us cost our e-bike in a location that blocks our exit path.
There are particular practices that e-bike homeowners can and may observe when charging. In our article we are going to define the steps that customers ought to take any time they cost their e-bike’s battery. Now we have 14 suggestions that can assist cut back the prospect of an issue when charging.
Battery hygiene guidelines
We’ve consulted with prime consultants within the trade in assembling our suggestions. This record compiles the responses we acquired from consultants after we requested them: What would you like shoppers to find out about charging their e-bike?
Listed below are the steps they advocate:
1. Use solely the charger that got here with the battery or e-bike.
2. Comply with the directions within the proprietor’s guide.
3. Cost indoors in a spot the place the temperature will stay between 50 F and 77 F (10 C–25 C)
4. Choose a location with good air circulation to maintain the charger cool whereas charging
5. Plug the charger into the e-bike or battery first, then plug the charger within the wall; this prevents the potential of an arc that would injury digital parts
6. Plug the charger immediately into an outlet; don’t use extension cords or energy strips.
7. Be certain there are not any flammable supplies close to the battery and charger.
8. By no means cost when nobody is current.
9. Don’t go away the battery charging in a single day. As soon as the battery is charged, disconnect it from the charger.
10. For the forgetful, use a timer to show off the charger after 4 to 6 hours.
11. Mount a smoke detector above the charging space.
12. By no means attempt to use or cost a broken or faulty battery.
13. Purchase high quality batteries. Not used, low cost, or reconditioned batteries.
14. Make sure whoever is current understands that such a hearth requires a fast evacuation.
Comply with these steps and the prospect that you just’ll ever have a difficulty will likely be minimal.
We have to remind everybody that lithium-ion batteries don’t have a limiteless lifespan. Following a number of years of every day or near-daily use, an e-bike’s battery will should be changed. Now we have some suggestions so that you can observe when the time comes to switch your e-bike’s battery:
It’s time to switch your battery if:
1. If the battery’s capability has dropped by 25 p.c or extra, it’s time. Virtually talking, which means if the e-bike used to cowl 20 mi. in PAS 5, however now covers solely 15, it’s time.
2. If the battery is scorching to the contact at any time, whether or not driving, charging or in storage. Thermal runaway can start at 233 F internally. A battery that’s scorching to the contact is bother.
3. If the show exhibits error messages associated to the battery, that’s seemingly an indication that it has reached the tip of its life.
4. If there’s a loss in different efficiency metrics moreover vary, akin to slower acceleration or an incapability to hit prime velocity, that battery is on the finish of its life.
5. If the battery displays a sudden drop in voltage; when this occurs a rider will expertise a sudden lower in velocity—that battery is compromised.
6. If the casing bulges, swells or displays cracks, it must be changed.
7. If the battery produces smoke, a burning scent or another foul odor, whether or not in storage, whereas charging or in use, it must go.
8. Indicators of corrosion on the battery or charger contacts are indicators the battery is compromised.
9. If the battery expenses rapidly and discharges rapidly, leading to a lack of vary, it needs to be retired.
10. If the battery turns into absolutely immersed in water—as in underneath water, not rain—that may trigger corrosion and compromise the battery; substitute it.
Any one among these indicators offers ample trigger to switch the battery. A number of indicators aren’t mandatory, however multiple makes alternative extra pressing.
