52v 20ah triangle battery is developed in Dongguan Chamrider Technology Co., Ltd. with our intimate understanding of the market needs. Manufactured under the visionary guidance of our experts in accordance with global market standards with the aid of pioneering techniques, it has high strength and fine finish. We offer this product to our customers after testing it against various quality measures.
Chamrider Battery has gained well-established reputation in the marketplace. Through implementing marketing strategy, we promote our brand into different countries. We participate in the global exhibitions each year to ensure the products are perfectly displayed to targeted customers. In this way, our position in the marketplace is maintained.
Thanks to those distinguished features above, Chamrider Battery’s products have attracted more and more eyes. At Chamrider Battery, there are a collection of related products that can be offered for satisfying customized needs. What's more, our products have a wide range of promising applications, which not only contributes to their expanding market share in the domestic, but also increasing their volume of exports to many overseas regions, winning the unanimous recognition and praise of domestic and foreign customers. Inquire now!
Electric bicycles can vary significantly in terms of battery life and charging time. In fact, this is one of the first things you need to know after purchasing an electric bike: how long does it take to charge?
What to consider when charging an electric bike for the first time?
The charging time for an electric bike battery depends on its capacity, which you can find in the manual. Please note that the initial charging time for a new electric bike will be longer than usual. It is also important to only use the certified charger that comes with the electric bike and avoid using non-original chargers. Purchase chargers from the same manufacturer and do not attempt to use a lead charger to charge a lithium battery; they work on different algorithms.
How long does it take to charge an electric bike?
Typically, it takes 3-8 hours.
Ideally, you would charge the battery directly from a power source. Of course, you can charge the battery without removing it from the bike, but this can only be done when the motor is turned off.
Do not exceed the specified charging time mentioned in the user manual. Before storing the battery for an extended period, it must be charged to 100% and then charged at least every 2-3 months.
In essence, the charging time for an electric bike depends on various factors, with a minimum time of three hours. Charging an electric bike battery to full capacity takes longer.
Let's dive deeper into it.
How far can an electric bike go on a single charge?
As mentioned, the answer to this question largely depends on the type of battery, your riding style, and the level of electric assistance. So, the range on a single charge is a broad question. Most electric bikes have a range of 22 to 50 miles, and in some cases, the range may be even longer. These values can be achieved by simply pedaling the bike, as the more physical effort you put in, the more range you'll get. With a good electric bike and consistent pedaling, you can travel approximately 80 miles. But guess what? With an extra battery, you can go even longer.
Tips for extending battery life
The key to ensuring a longer lifespan for your electric bike lies in economically utilizing its power resources. Here are some tips that can help prolong the battery's usage:
Accelerate smoothly and avoid "flooring" the throttle from a standstill. Assist the electric bike's acceleration by pedaling. Even a few rotations of the pedals can lighten the load on the motor wheel. Additionally, pedaling during acceleration can save battery and increase the duration of the autonomous drive.
Pedal during uphill climbs.
Avoid excessive reliance on the motor's power.
Do not connect third-party devices such as phones or tablets to the battery. Only charge accessories that are specifically designed for the electric bike.
Opt for a gentle riding style, avoiding sudden movements and abrupt braking. Low speeds require less power, while acceleration increases the mechanical work required by the motor. This increases the battery's current consumption. Measured movements enhance both the range of the electric bike and user safety.
Monitor the battery's charge level and the functioning of electrical components.
Pay attention to the condition of the tires and inflate them to the recommended pressure. Deflated tires significantly reduce the range on a single charge, so regular checks of tire wear are necessary. Poor tire condition makes riding more difficult.
Minimize the load on the wheels. The weight of transported items should not exceed the electric bike's carrying capacity.
Adopt a low, aerodynamically efficient riding position used by sports cyclists when in motion. This reduces air resistance and promotes speed. This means less stress on the battery.
Basically, properly maintaining an electric bike will significantly extend the battery's lifespan and increase the number of charging cycles.
Conclusion
The actual range of an electric bike depends on several parameters: the user's weight, speed of movement, pedaling, frequency of acceleration and deceleration, characteristics of the road surface, and the quality of the electric bike itself.
We hope this article clearly explains how long it takes to charge an electric bike battery. If the charging and storage guidelines are followed, the range on a single charge of an electric bike will only slightly decrease over the years, meaning you won't need to purchase a new battery for a long time.
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.
Introduction
An electric bicycle consists of two essential components: the motor and the battery. Both are crucial, and it is important to choose the right battery for your DIY customization. In this article, I will do my best to explain e-bike batteries in a simplified manner.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing a battery, and it's important not to make hasty decisions, as even lower-spec batteries can be costly.
I could write pages upon pages about modern batteries and their working principles, but I want to keep this article as simple as possible, focusing on selecting the right battery for your specific build.
Choosing the Right Battery
Several variables need to be considered before buying a battery. I will list them below, and each one requires careful consideration:
For the purpose of this article, I will focus on the most popular voltages currently used:
Most road-legal e-bike kits use a 36V battery, while more powerful motors may require a 48V or even a 52V battery. When using high-performance electric bikes, the voltage can reach up to 72V or even higher.
For example, if you purchase a 250W mid-drive motor, you would need a 36V battery. If you opt for a 1000W BBSHD motor, you would need a 48V battery.
Battery Placement
You need to decide where you want to mount the battery on your bicycle. The most popular location is the downtube in a diagonal position because it not only looks neat but also keeps the additional weight of the battery relatively centered and low, improving stability.
The Cube Target Pro mountain bike is powered by a Bafang BBS02 750W electric motor kit and a 52V battery.
Unfortunately, this may not apply to all bicycles and depends on the frame size and geometry. For many full-suspension mountain bikes, it can be challenging to mount the battery on the frame due to the rear suspension. Fortunately, there are now more compact battery packs available, but these packs have smaller outputs, typically around 36V 10.4Ah. Alternatively, you can mount the battery on the underside of the frame, but this may make it more susceptible to damage, and you need to check the clearance with the front tire when the suspension is fully compressed.
Frame-integrated batteries are also popular options for step-through frame bicycles or small frame bicycles. These types of batteries typically come with specific "double-layer" frames, which inevitably add weight to the rear of the bicycle.
Battery Range
Another important variable to consider is the Ah or "ampere-hour" rating of the battery. A battery with a capacity of 1 ampere-hour should be able to continuously provide a current of 1 ampere to the load for exactly 1 hour, or 2 amperes for 1/2 hour, or 1/3 ampere for 3 hours, and so on, before being fully discharged.
The capacity of a medium-sized battery is typically around 13Ah. When multiplied by the voltage, such as 36V x 13Ah = 468Wh, it gives the capacity in "watt-hours" (Wh). Watt-hours is a unit of electrical energy, equivalent to the power consumption of one watt over one hour. Therefore, a 36V 13Ah battery can effectively sustain 468 watt-hours.
How does this translate into measurable range? Assuming you are conservative with the power usage, you would spend approximately 20 watt-hours per mile of travel, giving you a range of 23.4 miles. This is based on the assumption of maintaining power consumption at that exact level throughout the duration.
Of course, in the real world, this scenario is unlikely as there are times when you may not need electric assistance at all, while other times you may heavily rely on it. For example, if you live in an area with long and steep hills, your power consumption per mile may exceed 20 watt-hours. If you reside in a fairly flat area, your consumption may be lower.
If you desire to achieve longer mileage, a 36V 17.5Ah battery would allow you to travel 31.5 miles at a constant power consumption of 20 watt-hours per mile. However, in real-world scenarios, I have reported ranges of 50-60 miles with such capacity batteries.
If you can only purchase a smaller battery, there are many ways to increase the battery range of an electric bike without spending any extra money.
Most electric bike batteries use standard 18650 lithium-ion cells produced by well-known manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sanyo. In my opinion, opting for branded batteries is always wise as they tend to have longer lifespans and greater reliability compared to unbranded generic Chinese batteries. That being said, I have provided many battery packs using Chinese batteries without any issues. It all comes down to the price. Personally, I would spend a little more to purchase branded batteries as buying cheaper batteries might be a false economy.
Battery Maintenance
Lithium batteries require careful handling. There are restrictions on their transportation, and it's not without good reason. The problem is that if they catch fire, they burn at very high temperatures and can cause severe burns or even death. Do not store them in areas exposed to extreme heat.
These batteries do not like extreme temperatures at either end. Their performance decreases once the temperature drops below zero, and most manufacturers set the minimum operating temperature at -20 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 45 degrees Celsius.
Charging
When the battery is new, it is generally recommended to run it through at least three full charge and discharge cycles to ensure the battery is fully balanced, although I have ample evidence to suggest that discharging the battery to at least 50% during normal use is sufficient for this period.
There is some evidence to suggest that always fully charging the battery can shorten its lifespan, and most of the time, charging it to 80% and only fully charging the battery once is more beneficial for long-term battery health over weeks.
This is a somewhat controversial topic, as a highly respected lithium battery expert told me that this is not the case. In fact, I had a customer who followed the above practice, and several months later, the maximum charging voltage dropped significantly, and the battery needed to be rebalanced.
If the battery is not used for several months, it is also essential to ensure that the battery has at least 80% charge. If the battery is left discharged for several months without use, the voltage in the battery may drop below the design minimum and could result in permanent damage. Additionally, it is not recommended to store the battery at its maximum capacity for more than a few days, as this is also detrimental to the long-term health of the battery.
All these battery packs use a Battery Management System (BMS), which is the brain of the battery. It is a small electronic circuit that prevents overcharging and over-discharging and regulates the overall amplifier output. A fully charged 36V battery has a voltage of approximately 42.2V, and the BMS typically shuts off the battery at around 29V. A fully charged 48V battery has a voltage of 54.4V and usually shuts off around 39V. This is crucial because over-discharging can permanently damage the battery's chemical composition.
Continuous Current
This depends on several factors but will be influenced by the battery quality, voltage, Ah rating, and BMS. Most 36V 13Ah batteries have a continuous discharge rate between 15A-20A but may be able to provide higher output momentarily. This also depends on the type of motor controller being used. For example, the controller on a 1000W Bafang BBSHD can handle a continuous current of 30 amps.
Other Factors to Consider
A good mid-drive motor, such as Bafang or Tongsheng, utilizes the bike's gear ratio to transfer the power generated by the motor to the rear wheel. This results in higher efficiency and less battery energy consumption. On the other hand, large direct-drive hub motors cannot spin as fast, so they will consume more watt-hours per mile.
The weight of the rider also plays a significant role. A person weighing 100 kg riding a 250W electric bike at full power will consume more energy compared to a person weighing 75 kg.
Conclusion
If you only plan on using the bike for short trips of up to 20-30 miles, then a 36V 13Ah battery should be sufficient. The same applies to a 48V motor. However, if you plan on traveling or spending long periods in the saddle, it would be worthwhile to purchase a battery with a capacity of at least 36V 17.5Ah or even 20Ah.
The first step in converting a regular bicycle into an electric bicycle is to install the battery. The installation process is relatively simple, but it is important to thoroughly understand the process before deciding where to place the battery.
How to Install an Electric Bicycle Battery
Electric bicycle batteries can be installed on the bicycle in various ways. Most electric bicycles come with pre-installed batteries and mounting features. However, if you want to change the installation orientation for convenience or install the battery on a new bicycle, you will need to follow some simple instructions.
What You Need:
Battery case
Heat sink
Rivet nuts
Bolts, screws, and nuts
Wires and connectors
Wrenches (regular, Allen, rivet)
Screwdriver
Installing the Battery on a Brand New Bicycle:
You can purchase a complete kit with a display, motor, throttle, and speed sensor online to convert your regular bicycle into an electric bicycle.
Step 1: Remove Old Components
Remove the chain, bottom bracket, pedals, mechanical lines, and brakes. Converting your regular bicycle into an electric bicycle means removing almost everything from the old bicycle.
Step 2: Install the Electric Bicycle System
Mount the motor on the bottom bracket and lubricate it. Install the display, brakes, and throttle on the frame.
Step 3: Initialize Connections
Connect the display, throttle, brakes, and motor to the controller. Additionally, connect the speed sensor to the rear wheel.
Step 4: Choose Mounting Options
Mount your front rack or rear rack or triangle pack onto the bicycle.
Or
Drill a few holes, insert rivet nuts, and tighten them. You can now install the sliding mounting options onto the bicycle frame.
Step 5: Install the Battery
Mount the battery onto the mounting option, connect the battery, and it's done.
Step 6: Connect the Battery to the Bicycle
The overall wiring of the electric bicycle may seem complex, but connecting the battery is the simplest part so far.
You simply need to place the battery in the installation position and plug the connector into the controller.
While the connection between the bicycle and the battery may be straightforward, the wiring connection to the controller can be quite complex. For more information, you can refer to the instructions.
Different Mounting Options for Changing the Battery
Various DIY Battery Mounting Options
Rear and Front Rack Mounting:
The most common mounting option for a DIY battery on an electric bicycle is the rear rack option. Almost all bicycles are rear-wheel-drive (rear tire moves first), which is helpful for bearing heavy loads at the back.
Front frame battery mounting brackets may not be as popular as rear frame options, but they are undoubtedly a convenient choice for installing a DIY battery.
Pack (Triangle and Top Tube) Mount:
Using a triangle pack for mounting a DIY battery will be the simplest and sensible decision. The pack will be placed in the middle, which is perfect for achieving optimal weight distribution on the bicycle. Additionally, you don't have to waste time searching for wrenches or screwdrivers every time you need to remove the battery—taking out the pack is simple and hassle-free.
Top tube packs for mounting DIY batteries may not be as common, but they are also easy to install and detach on the bicycle frame.
Dolphin Case and Water Bottle Holder:
Both dolphin cases and DIY battery water bottle mounts utilize the bicycle frame's water bottle cage.
Larger batteries may not fit in these, so you may need to replace the water bottle cage with a larger one.
The advantages of these two mounting options are ideal weight distribution and ease of detachment.
Safety Precautions When Using the Battery
When you are using the power source, it is essential to take the strictest safety precautions.
How Do I Secure My Electric Bike Battery
Ebike batteries are quite expensive and finding a proper replacement is also quite time-consuming. Here are some tips, following them will surely help you secure your electric bike battery.
Conclusion
Having proper weight distribution of your ebike depends on where you are mounting the battery. There is more than one way to mount a battery and putting the battery inside a bag or in the water bottle case is the easiest one.
You need to have a brief Idea about how to mount an ebike battery, whether you want to turn a regular bike into an ebike or just want to change the mounting position of the battery. It’s easy and simple.