Do you know how to use lithium-ion batteries correctly?
Even if your electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery lasts 2 to 3 days on a single charge, Xiaodou still recommends charging it daily. After use, lithium-ion batteries should be charged as soon as possible to keep them at a full charge level. Periodically performing a deep discharge also helps activate the battery and can slightly increase its capacity. Below, Xiaodou will teach you how to extend the lifespan of your electric vehicle.
I. Advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
1. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and compact. Lithium-ion battery electric vehicles currently come from a variety of brands. In terms of power performance, they are similar to lead-acid batteries, requiring 6-8 hours to charge and providing a range of 30-100 kilometers depending on battery capacity. They weigh only about 1/4 of lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries generally have a 2-year warranty (3 years for Jiaxiang New Energy lithium batteries), while lead-acid batteries have a 1-year warranty.
2. Lithium-ion batteries have activation-free characteristics. Lithium-ion batteries are easily activated; they only require 3-5 normal charge-discharge cycles to activate and restore their normal capacity. Due to the inherent characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, they have virtually no memory effect. Therefore, users do not need special methods or equipment to activate new lithium-ion batteries.
3. Lithium-ion batteries have a memory effect. When charging lead-acid and nickel batteries, there is always a concern about the battery developing a memory effect. However, lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles do not have a memory effect, so you can charge them with confidence without worrying about the battery's previous charging history.
4. Lithium-ion batteries have a long cycle life. Lithium-ion batteries, charged and discharged at a 1C rate, have a cycle life of ≥500 cycles (lithium iron ion batteries exceed 2000 cycles), and their capacity at the 500th cycle is greater than 70% of their nominal capacity. In contrast, lead-acid batteries, even when discharged at 0.5C and charged at 0.15C, have a cycle life of ≤350 cycles and a capacity of ≤60%.
5. Wide operating temperature range. Lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles can operate within a range of -25 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius, and their capacity can reach 70% of the nominal capacity. In contrast, lead-acid batteries can only operate within a range of 10 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius and cannot function properly at -25 degrees Celsius.
6. Lithium-ion batteries have a short charging time and are environmentally friendly. Because lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles can be charged with high current, the charging time is only 4-5 hours, while lead-acid batteries take 8 to 10 hours. They also contain no harmful heavy metals like lead, making them a highly environmentally friendly product.
II. Key Considerations for Selecting Lithium-ion Batteries
1. Never buy batteries that do not specify the brand of the battery cells.
2. Products that have not undergone more than two years of market testing.
3. Never buy a battery that does not have system protection.
4. If the high-priced battery is not produced by a major manufacturer, do not buy it.
5. Never buy batteries that have been modified to meet national standard dimensions.
III. Lifespan of Lithium-ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
How long can a lithium-ion battery in an electric vehicle last? Most consumers have heard that a lithium-ion battery has a lifespan of 500 charge-discharge cycles. Beyond that, the battery is considered dead. Many people try to extend battery life by only recharging the battery when it's completely depleted. But does this actually extend the battery's lifespan? The answer is no. The 500-cycle lifespan of a lithium-ion battery refers to one charge-discharge cycle, not the number of charging cycles.
A charging cycle means the process of a battery going from fully charged to empty and then back to fully charged, which is not the same as charging once. For example, if a lithium battery is only used up to half its capacity on the first day and then slowly recharged, and the same thing is done on the second day, this total of two charging cycles only counts as one charging cycle, not two. Therefore, it usually takes several charging cycles to complete one cycle. With each completed charging cycle, the battery capacity decreases slightly.
However, this reduction in battery capacity is very small. High-quality batteries will still retain 80% of their original capacity after multiple charge cycles, and many lithium-ion powered products can still function normally after two or three years. Of course, lithium-ion batteries will eventually need to be replaced when their lifespan is over. The so-called 500 cycles refers to the manufacturer achieving approximately 625 rechargeable cycles at a constant depth of discharge, reaching 500 charging cycles. Due to various factors in real-life situations, especially the fact that the depth of discharge during charging is not constant, 500 charging cycles should only be used as a reference for battery life.
Misconception
We often have the misconception that lithium-ion batteries should be completely depleted before recharging, or that they should be charged for a full 12 hours after being fully charged. However, overcharging or over-discharging lithium-ion batteries in this way will not only fail to extend their lifespan, but will actually shorten it. So how should lithium-ion batteries be used correctly?
IV. Correct Usage of Lithium-ion Batteries
1. Charge daily. Even if your electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery can last 2 to 3 days on a single charge, it is still recommended that you charge it daily. This is because a used lithium-ion battery is in a shallow cycle state, and charging it daily will extend the lifespan of the electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery.
2. Charge promptly. Lithium-ion batteries undergo sulfation after discharge. Timely charging can remove minor sulfation. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries should be charged as soon as possible after use to keep them at a full charge level.
3. Periodic deep discharge. Periodically performing a deep discharge on the battery can also help activate it and slightly increase its capacity. A common method is to periodically perform a complete discharge of the battery.
4. Use the original charger whenever possible. Generally, avoid changing the charger unless you are certain of its functionality. Also, do not remove the speed limiter from the controller. While removing the speed limiter may increase the vehicle's speed slightly, it will reduce battery life.
5. Lithium-ion battery storage. When the battery is not in use for a long time, disconnect it from the vehicle and periodically recharge it to prevent self-discharge or over-discharge by the protection board.
Electric vehicle usage tips
Firstly, regarding charging, frequently using the battery without fully charging it will cause a memory effect, affecting its driving range and shortening its lifespan. When charging, plug in the battery connector first, then the power adapter. After charging is complete, unplug the power adapter first, then the battery connector.
Secondly, when starting the electric vehicle, prevent high-current discharge and reduce passenger carrying. When climbing hills, it's best to push or assist the vehicle manually, otherwise, it will cause significant damage to the battery. If the vehicle is parked outdoors or in a cold storage for several weeks without use, the battery should be removed and stored in a warmer room to prevent it from freezing and being damaged. Furthermore, when the temperature is too low, try to shorten the usage time of the electric vehicle and charge it promptly. If you don't plan to use the electric vehicle in winter, don't leave the battery until the following year to charge it. Instead, charge the battery once a month to maintain the lead-acid battery's storage capacity and prevent acid leakage from damaging the battery. Repair personnel say that to maintain the battery, remember to charge it frequently and assist it often.
After six months of use, it's best to have the battery serviced at a repair shop. This includes replenishing the electrolyte, adjusting its specific gravity, and checking its charge level. Maintaining the correct electrolyte specific gravity and, if necessary, increasing the number of charge cycles. Cleaning the battery terminals and applying a protective grease is also important; this ensures reliable starting of the electric vehicle and extends battery life.
There are actually many other correct ways to use lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, which I won't go into detail here. When you purchase an electric vehicle, you'll usually find an instruction manual. To ensure the longevity of your electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery, I'd like to remind everyone to strictly follow the correct usage methods and never overcharge or over-discharge it.
