Ebike lithium battery care. Can an e-bike battery leak?

E-bike battery care

The care of your e-bike battery is one of the most important things you as an e-bike rider can do: correct battery care maximises the range, capacity, and service life of the battery. The number of charging sessions your battery will give you is high, but if you take good care of the battery, you can make that number even higher. In this entry of the Lexicon, you will learn how to charge your battery correctly, what you need to keep in mind when caring for your e-bike battery, and how to prevent it from being damaged.

How do I charge an e-bike battery correctly?

The lithium-ion battery typically installed in e-bikes will give you between 500 and 1,000 complete charging sessions, depending on the model. In order to maintain the charging capacity in the long term and to generally take care of the battery, you should do the following things when charging your bicycle’s battery:

• always use the original charger
• never completely charge or discharge your battery
• if possible, charge after every journey
• store at room temperature (between 10 and 20 °C)
• store your battery at a charge level of between 30 and 70%

When charging, be sure to use the manufacturer’s original charger, as this is best suited to your battery. In addition, you should never completely discharge and recharge your e-bike battery; if possible, charge your battery after each ride. If you do not use your battery for an extended period of time, for example if you do not ride in winter, you should remove the battery and store it at room temperature (between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius). Try to keep your battery at a charge level of between 30 and 70%. The battery may gradually lose its charge over the course of prolonged storage. This means that while you are storing your battery, you should check the charge level regularly and recharge it if the charge level has fallen below 30 percent.

What do I need to keep in mind about the care of my e-bike battery?

An important part of battery care is to avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures. Both extremely cold and extremely high temperatures can have a negative effect on the battery. If possible, remove your battery from the e-bike in winter and store it at room temperature; likewise, do not park your bicycle in direct sunlight in summer. Battery care also includes cleaning the battery. Do this with a damp cloth only and avoid using abrasive cleaning products. Immersing the battery in water or using a high-pressure cleaner can damage the battery. If the contacts are dirty, have them cleaned by an e-bike specialist dealer.

If you suspect a defect in your battery, you should also consult your specialist dealer or workshop. Under no circumstances should you open the housing of the battery itself, as this could damage the battery cells. The e-bike professionals in the workshop can diagnose any problems through the diagnostic jack. If, after a few years, you find your battery’s performance starting to deteriorate. buy a replacement battery from the original manufacturer.

What can damage an e-bike battery?

A big part of battery care is to avoid the things that can damage the battery. These include the following:

• extreme temperatures
• storage outside room temperature
• allowing the battery to completely discharge (even by self-discharge)
• cleaning with large amounts of water or high-pressure cleaner
• using third-party chargers
• always using high assist level while riding
• demanding terrain

Additionally, your riding style plays a major role in battery care. If you are always riding your e-bike at a high assistance level, this demands that your battery put out a lot of energy and so puts a greater burden on it. Likewise, the battery needs to work harder in higher gears. Steep inclines in mountainous terrain or poor road conditions and surfaces such as sand or gravel also place a greater strain on the battery. If you want to save your battery, you should choose an economical assistance level as a rider and, if possible, ride on well-paved roads.

Ebike lithium battery care

It’s no secret that here at Liv we’re huge fans of electric bikes. Just the mere mention of our women’s E-bike range breaks us out in a big smile.

But. we’ll also put on our serious face and discuss electric bike battery safety with you. Because we know that E-bikes, with their high-tech batteries, can sometimes feel complex.

That’s why we’ve broken it down in this article. So read on to discover :

• What’s inside an electric bike battery (the techy stuff)
• How we ensure the highest battery safety standards on our Liv E-bikes
• The 13 must-know best practices for ultimate E-bike battery safety

The techy stuff: What’s inside an E-bike battery?

E-bike battery packs consist of individual battery cells containing lithium-ions. These battery cells store the energy to power the motor.

E-bike batteries are made with either cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped cells. The shape of these cells is really important. High-quality E-bike battery suppliers like Panasonic, Shimano, and Bosch use cylindrical cells because they handle higher temperatures without deforming.

Aside from the individual battery cells, a critical component inside an E-bike battery is the battery management system (BMS).

The BMS is hugely important as it regulates the individual performance of each battery cell. Regulation is important because even when they’re installed at the same time all the individual batteries don’t drain, deteriorate or perform at the same rate. Some cells last longer than others, some cells will drain slower than others and some will glitch out and cause more problems than others.

Left to their own devices, with so many cells acting independently, you’d encounter performance and safety issues with your E-bike.

So the BMS helps to provide your E-bike battery with long-term consistent performance.

We like to think of the BMS as the competent ride leader overseeing a group of different riding abilities and working to keep everyone together on the trails.

How we ensure the highest battery safety standards in our Liv E-bikes

At Liv, we take your safety VERY seriously. That’s why our E-bike batteries have been co-developed in partnership with the biggest and best battery manufacturer available – Panasonic.

Although other brands may purchase Panasonic batteries Liv has gone the extra mile. or two.

Firstly, we work closely with Panasonic to co-develop our batteries. The output is an e-bike battery that’s completely proprietary to us and designed to the highest safety standards.

Secondly, not only does Panasonic manufacture the cells and the battery management system on our E-bikes but they also assemble and test them for us.

So by investing in a Liv E-bike you can feel totally confident you’re getting a safe, reliable, and high-performing battery that’s developed, assembled, and tested by industry leaders. You won’t find our e-bike battery on any other e-bike on the market.

Liv’s EnergyPak E-bike battery is also distinct from other brands because it has individual separators (rooms) inside. This helps prevent heat from spreading from one cell to another.

Our BMS – aka the capable ride leader – monitors the battery pack and individual cells to make sure each cell is regulated for maximum efficiency and to prevent overheating.

While your Liv E-bike is charging, Liv’s Smart Charger continuously communicates with the battery to ensure individual cells are charged at the optimum rate. Also, in extremely hot or cold weather conditions the Smart Charger will adjust the charging voltage for optimal battery efficiency.

simple do’s and don’ts for ultimate E-bike battery safety

E-bike battery safety: The Do’s

• Do purchase your E-bike from a reputable e-bike brand.
• Do always use the battery and charger that originally came with your E-bike.
• Do go to an authorized dealer if your battery is damaged so they can check it before your next ride.
• Do remove your battery when transporting your e-bike to protect it from damage.
• Do store the battery at room temperature in a moisture-free environment to avoid unnecessary damage to the cells.
• Do keep the battery away from children and pets.
• Do stop the charging procedure immediately if you feel concerned.

E-bike battery safety: The Don’ts

• Don’t modify your E-bike or let your ‘helpful’ friend tinker with it either. For maintenance, always go to an authorized dealer for your E-bike brand.
• Don’t charge your E-bike around flammable materials.
• Don’t store your E-bike battery in a damp place.
• Don’t subject the battery or charger to high-impact eg. by dropping them
• Don’t cover the battery or charger or place objects on top of it.
• Don’t leave your battery at full charge if you’re storing it for a month or more. It is also best to remove the battery from the bike and store it at 60% of its capacity. You can make use of Liv’s Smart Charger which has a useful 60% charge function to ensure safe storage.

Electric Bike Battery Care

Electric bike batteries tend to have a specific lifespan and generally last at least a few years depending on how often you use them and how you treat them. We have put together a list of things you can do to help get the longest amount of battery life possible. By following some of these steps you will be able to save yourself almost the cost of a new electric bike by not having to replace the battery too soon. Our Tower Beach Bum comes equipped with a Samsung 48V lithium battery for electric bikes.

Heat

We recommend that you keep your battery at a constant temperature when it is not in use. The largest factor when it comes to reducing the life of lithium-ion batteries is being subject to elevated temperatures. Don’t leave your electric bike battery in a hot car, garage, or shed as the cells in the battery will overheat and the lifespan of the battery will decrease. Charging large lithium-ion batteries presents a fire risk so when charging, be sure not to cover them or leave them next to flammable items. The best place to charge your electric bike battery is usually in a dry, cool space inside. Ideally you do not want to store or charge your battery outside because it will be exposed to the elements which can damage the battery. A shed or garage is okay as long as it’s dry and won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures.

By riding your electric bike at 100% all of the time it is guaranteed that your electric bike battery and motor will generate heat. As we mentioned above, heat is one of the primary reasons for the decline in electric bike battery life. We suggest that if you need to ride at full throttle, by all means do it, but only

for a short time and then ease off and give your battery a break. When you’re giving your battery a rest either ease off the throttle or switch to pedal assist mode so the demand on the battery is reduced.

Don’t let the battery go down to empty

Don’t allow the battery to run all the way down to zero. The lower the level of charge available, the harder a batter will have to work to extract it. Because of this it is good to have the electric bike battery at least 30-40% charged at all times.

If you are going on vacation or know that you won’t be riding your electric cruiser bike for a while, we suggest that you run the battery down to about 40% and then store it. Remember to keep it at a constant, cool temperature if possible. It is important that you keep it in a dry, cool place so the electric bike battery doesn’t heat up. A garage, basement, or an attic are good places to store the eBike battery long term.

Advanced Smart Charger

Batteries generally like to be charged slowly. Forcing too much charge into a battery in a short space of time will cause it to heat up and as we mentioned above, damage the battery. Smart chargers have a dial that allow you to control the amount of current that flows from the power outlet to the battery. The lower the amount of current (in amp hours) you set to feed the battery, the longer it will take to charge. Charging on a very low level of current will take up to 6 hours to reach a full battery from empty, people often don’t have 6 hours to spare when they need a charge so we don’t recommend doing this every time you need to charge up but whenever possible.

Low capacity batteries tend to have shorter lifespans than those with higher capacities and will need to be replaced more often as a result. The reason they have a shorter life span is because every battery has a maximum life cycle in terms charge cycles (full charge and full discharge) and the further down the life cycle you go, the worse your battery performance will be. Batteries with low capacities will need to recharged more often than those with larger capacities because their discharge time will be shorter. When left idle for long periods, batteries tend to lose quality, if you have the option be sure to ask for a battery with the most recent manufacturing date to ensure that your new battery is in the best condition possible.

We don’t suggest that you follow all of these steps obsessively but taking a few precautions here and there can preserve your battery for years and prevent the need to replace it before it is necessary.

Read more on how to maintain your electric bike chain and eBike brakes.

The Ultimate Guide to e-Bike Battery Care in Winter

For many, Christmas season is a time to kick back, relax and be astounded at how quickly the year has gone by. However, for business owners, entrepreneurs and independent contractors such as delivery riders, it’s one of the busiest times of the year as consumers rush to order last minute gifts, groceries and food in preparation for their holiday festivities.

As a delivery rider, the last thing you want happening during this period is for something to go wrong with your e-bike battery (knock on wood). presenting you with a very costly period of downtime, while others are out taking the jobs that could have been yours. Which is why today, we will cover the best ways to take care of your e-bike battery in winter, to ensure it stays in peak form all throughout the season.

The effects of cold temperatures on e-bike batteries.

Maybe you’ve experienced this before on your e-bike, or perhaps you’ve taken your camera or phone out in freezing weather and all of a sudden it goes from full charge down to zero in an instant. Now there is a reason for this and to understand why this occurs, let’s take a look at what is happening inside the battery when it’s operating in such low temperatures.

• Batteries work by turning chemical energy into electrical energy. When connected to a circuit, chemical reactions inside the battery create a buildup of electrons at the negative terminal, which naturally want to flow through the circuit to the positive terminal, providing power to anything hooked up to it.
• Batteries, including the lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries commonly found in e-bikes, typically perform optimally at room temperature, or between 15°C and 35°C (59°F and 95°F).
• When the temperature falls from 25°C down to.15°C (77°F to 5°F), the maximum state of charge (available capacity relative to the maximum possible charge of the battery) of Li-ion batteries drops by up to 23%; and when cooled to temperatures as low as.40°C (-40°F) the power and energy densities of certain Li-ion batteries can decrease by up to 95%!
• This is due to the fact that in low temperatures the chemical process inside the battery slows down, leading to a reduced charge transfer rate and lower overall capacity.
• What this means in a real life application such as riding an e-bike, is that in cold weather you will likely see a decrease in total battery capacity, decreased performance and increased battery drain.

To put this in perspective, an Australian insurance company attended to over 400,000 calls for flat car batteries in the winter of 2020, and Australian winters are nowhere near as harsh as some areas of the US or Europe! Granted, most car batteries use an older style lead-acid battery, however the same principles apply here to Li-ion batteries as well.

How to take care of your e-bike battery in cold temperatures.

So, now that we understand why batteries tend to fail in colder temperatures, what is the best way to take care of your battery and make sure your e-bike stays healthy throughout the winter?

• Don’t store or leave your battery outside for extended periods of time. always bring it inside to room temperature where possible
• Charge your battery indoors at room temperature if charging to full capacity
• Never use a fast charger on the battery when it is exposed to cold weather
• Never put your battery in front of a heater to warm up, let it naturally come back to room temperature
• Expect reduced range in cold conditions

On Zoomo e-bikes, you may see an error code “B07” appear on your display after prolonged use in cold weather. This is by design and has been implemented to turn off the battery to protect it and ensure optimal lifespan and performance. You will need to bring the battery back to room temperature to turn it back on.

So, if you have been concerned about your battery performance in the cold or are hesitant to use your e-bike in winter, follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of your e-bike; and ride further and earn more this Christmas season.

Happy holidays and happy riding!

From your friends at Zoomo.‍

• Ma, S., Jiang, M., Tao, P., Song, C., Wu, J., Wang, J., Deng, T. and Shang, W. (2018). Temperature effect and thermal impact in lithium-ion batteries: A review. Progress in Natural Science: Materials International, [online] 28(6), pp.653–666.
• ‌Aris, A.M. and Shabani, B. (2017). An Experimental Study of a Lithium Ion Cell Operation at Low Temperature Conditions. Energy Procedia, [online] 110, pp.128–135.
• ‌www.mynrma.com.au. (n.d.). How does cold weather affect your car battery? [online]

Why E-Bike Battery Fires Happen:

Several reasons can cause e-bike battery fires. Understanding these reasons is crucial in preventing them.

Overcharging:

One of the leading causes of e-bike battery fires is overcharging. When a lithium-ion battery is overcharged, its cells generate more heat, leading to thermal runaway, which can cause a fire. It is essential to use the charger that comes with the e-bike and not to use any other charger incompatible with the battery.

Mechanical Damage:

Mechanical damage to the e-bike battery can cause a short circuit and lead to a battery fire. Damage can occur during transportation, accidental drops, or impacts. Handling the battery with care and avoiding mechanical damage is essential.

Manufacturing Defects:

Manufacturing defects in the battery or charger can cause a fire. It is crucial to purchase e-bikes and accessories from reputable manufacturers and follow all safety guidelines.

Extreme Temperatures:

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause an e-bike battery to catch fire. Extreme heat or cold can cause the battery’s cells unstable, leading to thermal runaway and fire. It is essential to store the battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

How To Maintain Your E-Bike Battery And Prevent Battery Fire:

There are several practical steps you can take to prevent e-bike battery fires. These include:

• 1) Don’t Keep Your Bike Inside Your House: Keeping an e-bike in your apartment or a shared space could ignite a raging inferno, leaving you in peril. Lithium-ion battery fires can be incredibly challenging to extinguish, as they can flare up without warning and require hours of grueling effort. To avoid any untoward mishaps, it is recommended that you store your e-bike outside, where you stand a better chance of fighting the fire and preventing it from engulfing your entire apartment or building in flames. Considering the situation, the New York City Housing Authority, in response, has laid down stringent regulations which forbid residents of New York from storing or charging their e-bikes inside buildings or apartments. It must be noted that this ban extends beyond e-bikes, as gas-powered mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles are equally guilty of posing a fire hazard and, thus, are banned from apartments.
• 2) Proper Charging: Using the wrong charger for your e-bike could have disastrous consequences. The ramifications of such a mistake could result in the e-bike battery overheating and eventually bursting into flames, causing immense damage. To avoid such a catastrophic event, it is highly recommended to use only a manufacturer-approved power adapter and cable to charge your e-bike. This simple yet crucial step could save you from a potentially fatal incident. Furthermore, following the charging instructions in the user’s manual is imperative to ensure that your e-bike’s lithium-ion battery remains in optimal condition. Remember, a well-maintained battery will not only increase the lifespan of your e-bike but also provide you with a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
• 3) Purchase Certified E-Bikes: Safety should be the top priority when purchasing an e-bike, so ensuring the e-bike you’re eyeing complies with the UL 2849 certification is imperative. This certification is the ultimate proof that the bike has undergone quality testing to mitigate fire risks that may arise from the battery, drive train, and charger system. The best electric bicycles are equipped with a battery management system, ensuring that the battery operates within safe temperatures and prevents excess voltage. Buying an electric bike without UL certification and battery management is like walking on thin ice. It’s not worth the risk.
• 4) Avoid Exposure To Extreme Temperatures: Your e-bike is not just a mode of transportation but also a valuable asset. Protecting it from extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions can go a long way in ensuring it lasts for years. Avoiding extreme temperatures is paramount to preserving your e-bike’s longevity. Therefore, it is essential that you keep it sheltered from the scorching sun or the cold. Weather conditions can also be a thorn in the side of e-bike owners. Avoid exposing your ride to the elements during heavy rainstorms or snow days. Even the most durable e-bikes can falter under the weight of torrential downpours or frigid snowfall. Therefore, it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep your ride parked on such days.
• 5) Remove The Battery If Not In Use: To prolong your battery life, remove the battery from the e-bike if you don’t use it daily.
• 6) Don’t Leave The Battery Fully Drain: Don’t let your e-bike battery discharge completely. Put the battery on charge when 30 to 60 percent of the charging remaining.
• 7) Keep Your Battery Clean: If you regularly disconnect your battery, you must take the opportunity to clean it with a damp cloth and remove any dirt or debris from the connections with a dry brush. It is also recommended that you clean and lightly grease the battery contacts from time to time.
• 8) Avoid Using Used Batteries: As e-bikes continue to gain popularity, the likelihood of encountering cheap, questionable battery options increases. Investing in a reputable, reliable power source that ensures both efficiency and safety is crucial. Opting for second-hand lithium-ion batteries could expose you to a potential hazard. Recent developments have prompted the New York City Council to take a proactive stance by proposing a bill to curtail the use of used lithium-ion batteries altogether to prevent electric bike fire accidents. So, take heed and do not take any chances regarding your e-bike’s battery source. Go for new, trusted batteries that assure maximum performance and peace of mind.