Methods to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles
Many people neglect battery maintenance when using electric vehicles, charging and discharging too frequently, overloading the batteries, and some even store lithium iron ion batteries in excessively sunny or dark places. These poor usage habits can significantly shorten the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, proper maintenance and good daily usage habits are crucial for the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.
1. Use a compatible charger to avoid high current draw.
Lithium iron ion batteries are chemically more active than lead-acid batteries, and therefore have higher requirements for chargers. Using off-brand chargers or incompatible fast chargers will not only affect the lifespan of the lithium-ion battery itself, but may also cause overheating, leading to rupture of the separator, short circuit, and explosion.
2. Lithium-ion batteries should not be frequently subjected to deep charging and discharging.
Many people believe that the hundreds of charge/recharge cycles listed in the electric vehicle manual for lithium-ion batteries mean that each plug-and-unplug operation counts as one use. This is a misconception. The manual actually refers to the number of complete re-discharge cycles. Unlike nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not have any memory effect and can be charged anytime, anywhere. Charging the battery when it still has residual power will not only not shorten its lifespan but will also maintain the battery and extend its cycle life. The correct approach to lithium-ion batteries is slow charging rather than deep charging.
3. Do not store fully charged.
When you buy a lithium-ion battery (18650 cell) for your electric vehicle, it usually has 2-3 bars of charge, rarely fully charged. Storing a fully charged battery for an extended period will reduce its capacity. Additionally, it's important to choose a high-quality protection board. If you pay attention to these points, your electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery should last five to six years without problems.
4. Do not do anything that could damage the battery.
There are many behaviors that can damage lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, such as over-discharging, sudden braking, excessive load, using new and old batteries in series, fast charging, and overcharging. These can all affect the battery's lifespan and shorten its service life.
5. Regular maintenance
Regularly inspect the casing of electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries for deformation, damage, scratches, or other problems. If any are found, take them to a repair shop for repair in a timely manner and have them thoroughly tested. If corrosion is found on the terminals, deal with it promptly to prevent leakage.
