lithium ion bike battery brings rising popularity and reputation to Dongguan Chamrider Technology Co., Ltd.. We have experienced designers in the field. They have been keeping an eye on the industry dynamics, learning advanced creativity skills, and generating pioneering thinking. Their endless efforts result in the appealing appearance of the product, attracting many specialists to visit us. Quality guarantee is the other advantage of the product. It is designed conforming to the international standard and quality system. It is found that it has passed the ISO 9001 certification.
Chamrider Battery branded products meet the needs of a sophisticated marketplace through smarter design and functionality, and greater sustainability. We are working to understanding customers’ industries and challenges, and these products and solutions are translated from the insights that address the needs, thus having created a good international image and continually giving our customers an economic edge.
Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff have extensive experience and expertise. To meet the quality standards and provide high quality services at Chamrider Battery, our employees participate in international cooperation, internal refresher courses, and a wide variety of external courses in the areas of technology and communication skills.
Almost all electric bicycles are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have a very high energy density, which makes electric bikes relatively lightweight while providing long range. Despite the advantages of lithium batteries, one major challenge they face in terms of safety is the potential release of energy in the form of a fire if something goes wrong.
In terms of suppliers, ChamRider ensures that we use the highest quality materials in our batteries, such as LG/Panasonic lithium-ion batteries. They also design batteries with protections against overcharging, overdischarging, overcurrent, temperature cutoff, and many other safety features.
At ChamRider, everyone shares the core belief in educating customers about the potential hazards and the importance of taking preventive measures to ensure their safety.
This article aims to provide you with a useful guide. Therefore, we will discuss tips for safe charging and storing of lithium-ion batteries, as well as measures to take in case of emergencies.
How to Safely Charge an Electric Bicycle Battery
Most reported battery fires occur during the battery charging process. Therefore, consumers must be extra cautious when charging. Here are some tips regarding the correct charging process:
Always use the charger recommended by the manufacturer; if you purchase an aftermarket charger, ensure that it has UL certification and specifications identical to the original charger. Using a fast charger for non-fast-chargeable batteries can be dangerous.
Avoid placing the battery near heat sources such as heaters. High temperatures can damage lithium-ion batteries and lead to thermal runaway incidents.
Do not place the charger or battery on or near flammable materials like wooden furniture or building structures. Always try to place the charger and battery on a fire-resistant surface or space.
Always keep the battery within sight while charging. As an additional precaution, place a smoke alarm near the battery.
In the event of a fire, the initial few seconds are crucial as you still have a chance to extinguish it before it becomes uncontrollable; therefore, prompt response is essential.
Turn off the battery while charging.
It is normal for the charger to become warm during the charging process, but the battery should never become hot (warm to the touch). If you notice the battery becoming hot, disconnect it.
Avoid charging in temperatures below zero degrees as this can cause dendrite growth on lithium-ion batteries, leading to short circuits and fire incidents.
Charge in a well-ventilated area.
Do not leave the battery charging overnight.
Proper Storage of Lithium-Ion Batteries
The lithium-ion battery of your electric bicycle requires proper storage, and you can take some measures to ensure appropriate storage.
When storing the battery for an extended period, charge it to around 60%.
Avoid storing it in extreme temperatures or high humidity.
Do not use damaged batteries that are dropped, punctured, squeezed, or otherwise compromised.
If a lithium-ion battery catches fire, use a fire extinguisher to put it out (be cautious as such fires produce toxic smoke).
Avoid extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires with water, although it can be used to extinguish the fire, a report by the U.S. Department of Energy found that it requires excessive amounts of water.
Do not store batteries or charge them near a single point of exit.
Safe Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries
If the battery starts smoking, making unusual noises, or shows signs of melting, stop using it immediately and place the battery in a safe location.
If you notice drastic changes in voltage/performance, discontinue using the battery.
If you immerse the battery pack/bicycle in water, have it professionally inspected before using it again (moisture inside the battery pack indicates water has entered and may cause a short circuit).
Always use the battery with the product it comes with; do not use it for any other purposes.
Emergency Response Measures
For any electric bicycle owner, following the tips mentioned earlier can reduce the likelihood of emergencies. However, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with measures to ensure the safety of yourself, loved ones, or anyone around you.
In general, when a lithium-ion battery catches fire, you can take the following three steps:
Use a fire extinguisher:
Depending on the size and type of the battery, there are several methods to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. You need to react quickly and prevent the fire from spreading.
Since fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class B fires, you should choose a standard ABC or dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Class B classification is intended for distinguishing flammable liquids. As lithium-ion batteries contain liquid electrolytes, they fall under this category.
When burning, toxic liquid acts as a conduit for the fire, aiding in its rapid spread.
You can use the fire extinguisher to spray the flames until the fire is extinguished. The steps are as follows:
Pull out the safety pin to enable the use of the fire extinguisher.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle firmly.
To ensure the flames are completely extinguished, sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.
Take the battery outside the building:
If you suspect any issues with the battery, such as excessive heat, liquid leakage, or unusual noises, you should place it in a safe, open outdoor space and wait for the battery to return to normal. Note that you should not attempt to handle a battery that is on fire or leaking, as it may pose a danger to you.
If the battery catches fire, wait for all the batteries to burn out, and then attempt to extinguish the fire.
Call the fire department:
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries fall under the category of thermal runaway incidents. Subsequently, a fire involving an electric bicycle battery can present multiple hazards, such as toxic smoke, flames, and metal projectiles. After taking the necessary measures mentioned above, if you are unable to control the fire, contact the nearest fire department in your area.
Assess the severity of the situation and avoid approaching a burning battery. If you are not comfortable handling the fire, wait for the firefighters to arrive.
What safety features does ChamRider Electirc Bike Battery contain?
In order to ensure that our products meet your highest quality and safety expectations, ChamRider seeks and has been granted Canada's first UL 2849 electric bicycle certification.
The latest advancements in Battery Management Systems (BMS) allow for better control of the electric bike's battery pack from various aspects, such as battery operation and its charging and discharging. ChamRider's ultimate goal is to optimize the battery's performance and lifespan.
While we ensure to provide electric bike batteries that exceed industry standards, here are some safety features of ChamRider batteries.
Charging Protection (Voltage and Current)
If the charging voltage or current exceeds the specified range, ChamRider batteries will cut off the charging process; this ensures that charging is stopped in case of any faults.
Battery Balancing
Battery balancing improves the available capacity of the battery; additionally, unbalanced batteries may be damaged and result in malfunction over the long term. That's why ChamRider batteries are equipped with battery balancing and battery balancing cutoff functions. This way, if one of the batteries is permanently damaged and unable to balance, the battery will shut down.
Discharge Protection (Voltage and Current)
During product operation, voltage and current values are measured; if the voltage is too low or the current value is too high, the BMS will cut off the battery for safety reasons.
Short Circuit Protection
Short circuits in lithium-ion batteries are always dangerous. They can damage your battery and shorten its lifespan. In the worst-case scenario, a short circuit can pose serious risks such as battery fires or explosions, resulting in personal injury, property damage, or even death. ChamRider batteries have short circuit protection designed to monitor battery voltage and prevent hazardous situations caused by battery short circuits.
Temperature Cutoff Protection
ChamRider lithium-ion batteries incorporate temperature cutoff protection mechanisms that shut down the battery when the temperature exceeds the safety threshold.
Conclusion
Today, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric bikes. While these batteries themselves are not inherently dangerous, improper handling by some electric bike users has resulted in numerous fire incidents. This article discusses the safety measures to be taken during lithium-ion battery charging.
We also discuss the proper usage and storage methods that can be followed when dealing with such batteries.
Lastly, we discuss the safety measures taken by ChamRider to ensure the use of high-quality batteries in our electric bikes. These measures include short circuit protection, battery balancing, discharge protection, and temperature cutoff protection.
Electric bicycles are fantastic, but they are also an investment, and a crucial component of that investment is the battery. Unfortunately, just like your old phone now needing to be charged every five minutes, electric bicycle batteries inevitably degrade over time and lose some of their capacity. If you want to learn how to keep your electric bicycle battery healthier for longer, check out our expert tips and advice.
1. Pedal effectively and use gears
The fewer times you charge and discharge the battery, the longer its lifespan. It makes sense to try to find a balance of power during each ride, meaning pedal wisely.
Electric bicycle motors are designed to work with a normal to high pedaling cadence; they're most efficient and consume the least amount of energy. Bosch recommends keeping your cadence above 50, avoiding slow grinding, and making full use of the lovely gear distribution that comes with your bicycle.
Similarly, make full use of the modes provided with your electric bicycle—ideally, you want to use the lowest power setting you can handle to seek greater range, but not if it slows down your cadence to a crawl.
2. Avoid full charging and discharging of the battery
Batteries themselves have built-in computer chips to regulate their output and charging. This means they will never completely deplete and ruin themselves in the process.
However, performing full charges and discharges on the battery every time you go out does impose a higher load on the battery. So, if you consistently go out with a fully charged battery and then bring it back inside, you'll need to rinse and repeat. Instead, try to stop riding before the battery is completely drained on each ride... easier said than done.
3.Charge the electric bicycle battery at room temperature
Now, this is a big one. Charging the battery at room temperature is crucial, with the ideal temperature being between 10-20°C (50-68°F), definitely not below freezing. ChamRider advises charging the battery indoors, in a dry place with a smoke detector (lithium-ion batteries have proven to be very safe, but in extremely rare cases, they can catch fire if short-circuited). Charging outside of this temperature window will result in reduced range and shorter battery lifespan, as colder objects have increased resistance, causing a decrease in electrical capacity.
Riding for a few hours in cold weather is not bad for your battery since it will reach a certain temperature regardless of the environmental conditions. However, starting from warm is important. This means that if you're driving a van, place it in front of you and the heater, and put it on the bike immediately before riding. Also, avoid taking it directly from a cold shed; warm it up inside beforehand.
During the summer, don't leave it in direct sunlight either, just like your phone, as high temperatures increase the load on the battery. In theory, if the battery overheats, the motor will automatically shut off, just like on a laptop, but we haven't experienced such a situation.
Avoid fully depleting or fully charging the battery
If you haven't ridden your electric bicycle for a few days, weeks, or months, it's important not to leave it fully charged or completely drained. Bosch recommends keeping it at around 30-60% capacity, while Shimano suggests keeping it at 70%. Recharge the battery every 6 months, and of course, fully charge it before riding again.
Avoid excessive water usage around the motor and battery area
Clean carefully, avoid high-pressure cleaning
Bosch suggests removing the battery before cleaning the bike, while Shimano recommends keeping it in place to protect the terminals. Shimano's advice may be more practical in real-world application as there can be a significant exposure of wires splashed with mud and water if the battery is not installed.
We believe the best approach is to gently clean it vertically with a hose and sponge, then let it dry completely before opening it up.
Tips and Tricks
ChamRider suggests that if there is dirt or grime on the battery terminals (not the battery itself), you can clean them with a soft, dry brush or cotton swab.
Finally, reach out to the dealer who specializes in your motor and check the status of your battery. They will be able to inform you about the battery's condition and whether you're in a long-term storage situation or if there is any equipment damage.Four
Electric bicycle questions you're afraid to ask:
1. Why does the charger get hot?
Converting the UK's 240V voltage to 36V for ChamRider results in some energy loss in the form of heat, typically around 10%, according to ChamRider. Charging automatically shuts off when the capacity is reached, so there is no overcharging or increased load.
2. Can battery manufacturers open the casing and replace a faulty battery like Tesla does?
No, it is not possible because the batteries need to be perfectly matched to avoid overcharging or over-discharging. It is technically feasible but a complex process, which would cost more money – acceptable for a £100,000 car but not for a £5,000 electric bicycle. As a point of interest, the Bosch PowerTube 625Wh battery has 50 individual cells inside.
3. How many cycles can the battery endure?
It depends on how you treat it. ChamRider states it can be charged up to 1,000 times, equivalent to normal usage for 7-10 years before the battery capacity starts to decline. Obviously, you would replace the bike before that, so theoretically, it can extend the lifespan of the bike. ChamRider guarantees that after 1,000 charging cycles, the battery will retain at least 60% of its original capacity.
ChanRider's warranty guarantees that within the warranty period (24 months after purchase, or 36 months from the date of battery purchase), the 400Wh, 500Wh, and 625Wh batteries will have at least 60% of their original energy capacity, and the 300Wh battery will have at least 70% of its original energy capacity. This is based on proper maintenance or 500 full charging cycles, whichever comes first. The brand states that with proper care, the lifespan can be much longer, as supported by lab tests and customer feedback.
4. Where do the batteries go when they are depleted?
Battery dealers, whether for bicycle batteries, phone batteries, or car batteries, have a responsibility to recycle the batteries. Different battery recycling programs exist throughout Europe, and in the UK, Valpak operates the largest compliance scheme. Interestingly, the UK tends to export its battery waste rather than recycling it domestically, primarily to France, Germany, and Poland.
How to test an electric bicycle battery is an essential part of maintaining its good operational condition and ensuring optimal performance. Testing an electric bicycle battery is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of the electric bicycle. However, understanding how to properly test an electric bicycle battery can be confusing.
The first step in testing an electric bicycle battery is to connect the charger to the battery. When connecting the charger to the battery, it is important to ensure that all connections are secure and free of dust or debris. Once connected, you can plug the charger into an outlet and wait for it to complete the charging process.
You will need to power on the electric bicycle and allow the battery to fully charge. By connecting the bicycle to the charger or using the power button on the bicycle itself, you can begin charging it. Once the electric bicycle is fully charged, you can use a multimeter or voltmeter to test the battery's voltage.
To use a multimeter or voltmeter, set the device to measure voltage and place the red probe on the positive terminal of the battery and the black probe on the negative terminal. The reading on the multimeter or voltmeter should be between 36-42 volts, indicating that your electric bicycle battery is functioning properly.
Tools needed for testing an electric bicycle battery:
1. Multimeter:
A multimeter is a device used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It can calculate the amount of charge the battery can hold and the efficiency of transferring that charge to the motor.
2. Load tester:
A load tester is a device used to measure how much power the battery can provide over time. It is important to ensure that the battery can provide enough power for long rides, especially if you plan on taking long trips.
3. Amp-hour meter:
An amp-hour meter measures the energy stored in the battery and the time it takes to discharge. It helps in understanding the estimated battery capacity when you are out on a ride.
Parameters to test when testing an electric bicycle battery:
When testing an electric bicycle battery, you need to consider three main parameters:
1. Voltage:
Voltage is the measure of the battery's electrical potential. It is measured in volts (V). Generally, batteries with higher voltage will provide more power and range.
2. Capacity:
Capacity is the total amount of energy the battery can store. It is measured in amp-hours (Ah). Higher capacity means the bike can be ridden for a longer time before needing a recharge.
3. Internal resistance:
Internal resistance measures the battery's ability to deliver current to the motor. Higher internal resistance can result in reduced power and range.
Testing the voltage of an electric bicycle battery:
The first step in testing an electric bicycle battery is to check its voltage. You will need a multimeter and the bike charger to perform this. Connect the multimeter to the positive and negative terminals of the battery and turn on the charger. The multimeter should read the battery's voltage (in volts). The voltage should be within the recommended range by the electric bicycle manufacturer.
Testing the capacity of an electric bicycle battery:
After testing the voltage, you can proceed to test the battery's capacity. You will need an amp-hour meter and a load tester for this. Connect the amp-hour meter to the battery and turn on the load tester. The amp-hour meter should measure how much energy the battery can store (in amp-hours). The capacity should be within the recommended range by the electric bicycle manufacturer.
Testing the internal resistance of an electric bicycle battery:
You can test the battery's internal resistance. For this, you will need a multimeter and a load tester. Connect the multimeter to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. Turn on the load tester and read the value from the multimeter. The internal resistance should be within the recommended range by the electric bicycle manufacturer.
The battery can be said to be the most important component of an electric bicycle. As a new or prospective electric bicycle user, we believe you have already realized the importance of an electric bicycle battery. However, most electric bicycle users have a common question: How do you choose the right battery for your electric bicycle? How do you know which one is the best among all available battery types? What type of battery should I buy for my electric bicycle?
In this guide, we will answer all the questions that trouble you. The article also contains information about different types of electric bicycle batteries available for you to use. Additionally, we will enlighten you about the factors to consider before choosing an electric bicycle battery. Keep reading to learn how to select the best battery for your electric bicycle.
Basic Electric Bicycle Battery Terminology:
Before choosing the best battery for your electric bicycle, you must be able to understand the terminology used to describe electric bicycle batteries. We will define some terms that will help you have a better understanding of batteries.
Here is a list of commonly used terms when discussing electric bicycle batteries:
Ampere (Amp)
Ampere-Hour (Ah)
Voltage (Volt)
Watt (W)
Watt-Hour (Wh)
Ampere (Amp):
This is the unit of electric current. It is an internationally recognized standard unit. You can compare amperes to the size or diameter of a pipe through which water flows. This means that more amperes indicate a larger pipe with more water flowing per second.
Ampere-Hour (Ah):
This is the unit of charge, and it represents the relationship between electric current and time. It is a measure of battery capacity. A battery with approximately 15Ah can discharge continuously at 1.5A for ten (10) hours or at 15A for one hour.
Voltage (Volt):
This is commonly referred to as volts. It is the static electric potential difference between two (2) conductors, the live conductor and the neutral conductor. The optimal voltage reading for an electric bicycle battery is 400 volts.
Watt (W):
This is the standard unit of power. The higher the wattage, the higher the power output of the electric bicycle. Additionally, one (1) watt is equal to one (1) volt multiplied by one (1) ampere.
Watt-Hour (Wh):
This is the unit of power for a given period of time. It measures the total power output over a given time. It does not regulate the power output at a particular moment like watts. Think of it as speed and distance. For example, if your car's speed is measured in watts, then the distance from one place to another is measured in watt-hours. So, if your electric bicycle's battery discharges at a power of 100W for two (2) hours, it has consumed 200Wh.
Nominal voltage is sometimes used to refer to voltage measurements in electric bicycle batteries. This is because each battery cell in a battery can withstand a certain range of voltages.
Now that you have an understanding of the basic terms, we will explain different types of electric bicycle batteries. From the very beginning, the battery has been a determining factor in your enjoyment and value of an electric bicycle. Here is a list of the most common types of electric bicycle batteries in the market.
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Battery Types
Lead Acid
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Metal Hydride
Lithium-ion
Lead Acid Batteries:
Lead acid batteries are known for being very inexpensive. However, they have lower power output and are quite heavy. Compared to other battery types of the same weight and size, they have smaller capacity. Lead acid batteries have three main uses.
They can be used as backup power sources for stationary applications. They also contribute to deep cycle applications such as golf carts, scissor lifts, etc. Finally, they are used as starter batteries for automotive motor systems. They can also be used for electric bicycles. However, their weight and power output mean that we do not recommend their use.
Lead acid batteries are the heaviest among all types of electric bicycle batteries. They are three times heavier than lithium batteries and twice as heavy as nickel batteries. Additionally, lead acid batteries have smaller battery capacity compared to nickel and lithium batteries. The maximum capacity of lead acid batteries is half that of lithium and nickel batteries.
Nickel Cadmium Batteries:
These types of batteries are very durable and can last a long time if properly maintained. Additionally, they offer higher battery capacity compared to lead acid batteries but much less than lithium batteries.
Moreover, nickel cadmium batteries have excellent load performance. They can withstand a great deal of pressure from the throttle.
However, they also have some drawbacks. Their self-discharge rate is quite significant. When fully charged and not in use, the battery level can drop to as low as 70% within 24 hours. Their power density is low as well.
Furthermore, nickel cadmium batteries are expensive, and their main component, cadmium, is a hazardous pollutant. Due to environmental safety and recycling concerns, nickel cadmium batteries are often phased out of the market. These types of batteries are not the right choice for electric bicycles.
Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries:
Nickel metal hydride batteries are an improvement over the previous two battery types—lead acid and nickel cadmium. Even in self-discharge situations, nickel metal hydride batteries can hold 45% more charge than nickel cadmium batteries. However, they lack proper durability. Their maintenance is unstable, and charging can be a complex task.
Even with limited use, nickel metal hydride batteries generate heat quickly. This leads to high self-discharge. While the discharge rate is not as high as nickel cadmium batteries, they are not recommended for electric bicycles.
In terms of range improvement, nickel metal hydride batteries have almost no advantage over nickel cadmium batteries; they are more expensive. Despite this, they are more efficient and productive compared to lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries.
In terms of market share, nickel metal hydride batteries are rapidly losing value due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries. They are considered too expensive and have limited power output. Therefore, they are not the ideal choice for electric bicycles.
Lithium-ion Batteries:
Lithium-ion batteries automatically become the default battery for every electric bicycle in today's market. They power around 90% of electric bicycles on the market. Lithium-ion batteries generate more power output compared to other battery types for their weight. Most importantly, they are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries are primarily divided into three types. These types have some differences, but they have one common aspect: they last longer.
On the other hand, they are compact and require functional electronic components to prevent them from catching fire or self-destructing. However, these are not concerns you should worry about. Manufacturers always have safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidents. However, it is still crucial to understand how to handle and maintain them properly.
Despite the expensive price tag, we recommend purchasing lithium-ion batteries for your electric bicycle. They are the ideal battery type for every electric bicycle in terms of range, weight, lifespan, etc. Here are the three types of lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium Manganese Battery (LiMg204):
This is the newest type of lithium-ion battery. They have good durability and range. Additionally, manufacturers claim that they have a longer lifespan compared to other lithium batteries. You might be interested to know that this battery type is currently used in some hybrid cars.
Lithium Cobalt Battery (LCo):
This is another type of lithium-ion battery. It has been on the market for a longer time compared to lithium manganese batteries. It is believed to have higher energy density compared to other lithium batteries. Additionally, it provides you with the highest power output, is lightweight, and reliable.
Lithium-ion Polymer Batteries (Li-pol)
This type of lithium battery is no different than other lithium-ion batteries in terms of weight, price, and range. Nevertheless, as a polymer, lithium polymers can undergo different moulding processes to bring out fantastic shapes.
They do not contain any liquids and requires less protective battery casing compared to other lithium batteries. This liquid-free feature means they are less vulnerable and provide more stability. Hence, they are ideal for use in low power applications – like electric bikes.
For a pleasant riding experience with your electric bike, we recommend a Lithium-ion battery for you.
Things to look out for before choosing a Lithium-ion Battery
In choosing a lithium battery for your electric bike, you need to consider the voltage and ampere ratings. This is important as it determines the range, durability, and power input of your battery.
Volts and amperes ratings are the two major talking points when choosing the right battery for your electric bike. You should know that selecting the wrong voltage/ampere rating can damage your e-bike or cause a fire outburst.
Voltage
Every electric bike has a unique input volt range. This means you can only power your electric bike with the exact voltage required to power it. You should not power your electric bike with a battery with a voltage that is more or less than the recommended range. This is necessary to avoid complications.
Using a battery with lesser voltage means you will not have enough power to significantly run your bike’s motor system. However, using a higher voltage can damage the sensitive electrical parts of the motor system. Most electric bikes accept nominal voltages – 36 volts or 48 volts. Generally, electric bikes come outfitted with a 18650 cell.
Lithium cobalt battery cells can hold up to 4.3v with a full charge and about 3.1v after discharging.
For example; if your bike has a lithium manganese cell, with a rating of 49volts and 13 cell clusters. Each cluster has an average voltage of 3.8v.
Here is how to calculate the average voltage of your battery;
3.8volts x 13 cells = 49.4volts or 49V average.However, after a full charge; this “49v” average battery will hold 4.3v * 13 cells = 55.9volts. As you discharge the battery, it will reduce every cell to 3.1v from 4.3v – minimum volts of 3.1v * 13 = 40.3v.
This average voltage range will help you determine if this battery is compatible with your bike. Voltages are converted to speed on your electric bike. If you choose a battery with higher voltage ratings within the motor limit, all things being equal, you’ll reach new top speeds.
Amperes
Amperes are virtually the measure of the flow of current at a specific voltage. In reality, the amperes are a measure of your bike’s torque. With more available amperes for your electric bike’s motor system, one thing is sure, more torque.
So, with your 49v 13Ah battery, your electric bike can peak at 68A with a continuous draw of 45A.
However, most motor systems can only pull as much current as they need. Therefore, choosing a battery with a high current output will not damage your electric bike’s motor.
This means if volts are the “speed” in your e-bike, amperes are how fast your electric bike’s battery can deliver this speed. More volts naturally gives more speed. Also, a higher amperage rating means more speed per second or hour. This means the power you get from your electric bike battery will determine your torque.
To sum it all
Choosing the best type of Lithium-ion battery for your electric bike can be complicated. However, lithium cobalt is outstanding, and it offers higher energy density than others. This doesn’t mean other types of Li-ion batteries are bad for your electric bike.
Lithium manganese batteries are more ecologically friendly and safer. Lithium manganese also offers a higher cell voltage than lithium cobalt batteries. However, the energy density of lithium manganese is 20% less than that of lithium cobalt batteries.
Finally, lithium manganese also has extra advantages in terms of lithium-ion chemistry – including higher temperature performance and lower cost. Also, your budget is a big determinant of the kind of Li-ion battery you will buy.
Choosing the best type of battery for your bike is essential. It’s the only way that you will be able to enjoy using your bike without any hiccups. We are available to answer any questions that you may have about electric bike batteries. Contact us today.
The electric bike battery is one of the most important components as it transforms an ordinary bicycle into an electric one. On the other hand, it is also considered one of the most expensive parts of an electric bike, with prices ranging from $500 to $1000 for certain models.
Now, the question arises: Can electric bike batteries be repaired? Considering the cost of the battery and its significance to electric bike riders, it is a logical question to ask.
Can electric bike batteries be repaired?
Generally speaking, electric bike batteries can be repaired since their main components, such as the battery cells, BMS board, and wiring, can be easily replaced. Based on this, the battery can be repaired by changing these components.
Now let's discuss the most significant issues that can occur with electric bike batteries, their symptoms, and the possible solutions.
1.BMS Board Issues
The Battery Management System (BMS) is responsible for protecting the battery by regulating the flow of current into and out of the battery.
To understand how it works in practice, the BMS board is connected to all the cells in the battery and measures their individual capacities. When one cell discharges, the BMS completely shuts down the battery to prevent any potential damage.
From the functioning of the BMS, it becomes evident that charging or discharging is controlled by the BMS.
Therefore, if you find that the battery has some remaining charge but is unable to charge or discharge, it indicates a problem with the BMS.
How to solve the BMS Problems
To resolve BMS issues, there are generally two methods: resetting and replacing (I personally prefer replacement since BMS prices are not expensive either).
To reset the BMS, you can follow these steps:
1. Remove the outer cover of the battery.
2. Disconnect the cables connected to the BMS of the battery.
3. Connect the battery to the charger and start charging.
4. During charging, reconnect the BMS cables.
By performing the above steps, the BMS will be reset to its default settings.
Replacing the BMS Board.
BMS Main Cables
There are three main cables connected to the BMS:
(P-) cable is responsible for negative discharge to the connector.
(C-) cable is responsible for negative charging to the connector.
(B-) cable is responsible for the battery's negative terminal connection.
Tools Required:
Screwdriver
Soldering iron
Steps for replacing the BMS board:
1. Remove the outer cover of the battery.
2. Desolder the three main cables of the BMS.
3. Disconnect the connector connected to the battery.
4. Install the new BMS in the same position.
5. Resolder the main cables.
6. Connect the connector back to the battery.
7. Test the battery's charging.
If everything goes smoothly, reassemble the battery cover.
Important Note: In most cases, BMS damage is caused by faulty battery cells inside the battery. Therefore, it is advisable to measure the voltage of all the cells before reassembling the battery cover to ensure that all the cells are functioning properly.
2. Damage to One or More Cells
The second most common cause of electric bike battery failure is damage to one or more cells inside the battery.
In this case, you will be unable to operate the battery at all.
You can identify the damaged cells by individually measuring the voltage of each cell. You will find that most cells have a consistent reading (e.g., 4.1 or 3.8 volts). When you notice a significantly lower reading in a particular cell, that cell is the problem.
There can also be visible signs of battery damage that you can observe with the naked eye, such as the presence of black substances or cuts on the battery casing.
Note: Replacing battery cells requires specialized equipment to ensure the proper functioning of the battery, so it is best to have it done by a professional.
Don't worry, the cost will be minimal since you have already done all the work and identified the defect. All you need is to connect a new battery cell. You won't have to spend too much!
3. Wire Disconnection
The final major cause of battery failure is the presence of cut or disconnected wires inside the battery, whether it's in the main wiring of the battery or in the wires connected to the battery. This will result in the battery ceasing to function.
Usually, this issue occurs due to the battery being dropped or impacted on the ground. If you take good care of your electric bike's battery, you'll be safe from this.
To address this problem, simply remove the outer cover of the battery, locate the cut wires, and reconnect them.
Then, using a voltmeter, measure the voltage of the battery. If you find that the voltage reading is equal to the capacity of the same number of cells, you can determine the battery capacity using this formula (number of cells * 4.2 volts).
Connect the battery to a power source to ensure proper charging, and then close the battery cover.
4. Loose Battery Connection
When the battery is connected to the electric bike, it can cause damage or breakage to the battery pins, resulting in the battery ceasing to function.
You can visually inspect the pins to determine if the issue lies there, and in most cases, the battery will not be properly installed on the bike.
To address this issue, you can try modifying the pins using a screwdriver, but make sure to turn off the battery first.
Alternatively, you can replace the damaged parts within the battery entirely.
5. Charger Malfunction
The reason you are unable to use the battery may be due to a faulty charger rather than a problem with the battery itself. To determine if the issue is with the battery, try charging it with another charger or test the charger itself.
You can refer to this article, which provides detailed explanations on how to test an electric bike battery charger.
Conclusion
In general, electric bike batteries can be repaired by replacing internal cells, the BMS board, or fixing internal wiring.
One of the most significant issues that can occur with electric bike batteries is BMS damage, internal cell damage, or internal wire disconnection. Lastly, the battery pins may be damaged due to improper removal of the battery.
