Precautions for using lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles
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. After discharging, lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles undergo sulfation. 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: Regularly performing a deep discharge can also help "activate" the battery, slightly increasing its capacity. A common method is to periodically perform a complete discharge. This is done by riding a bicycle under normal load on a flat surface until the first undervoltage protection signal is triggered. After the first undervoltage protection signal, wait for the voltage to recover to a non-undervoltage state before fully charging the battery. This will improve its capacity. It is crucial to note that you should never use the battery during its first undervoltage protection signal, as this can severely damage the lithium-ion battery.
4. Use the original charger whenever possible. Lithium-ion battery chargers from different manufacturers often have specific requirements; do not change chargers unless you are certain of their features. 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 lifespan.
When the battery is not in use for an extended period, disconnect it from the vehicle and periodically recharge it to prevent self-discharge or over-discharge due to power consumption by the protection board. While lithium-ion battery charging facilities have protective measures, the voltage may rise at night due to lighter grid load, potentially exceeding the charger's set automatic stop voltage and causing overcharging. It is recommended to use a timed charging switch at night. If the charging indicator light does not turn on after 10 hours of continuous charging, stop charging immediately and check the temperature of the electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery. If it is hot, have it repaired as soon as possible. If immediate repair is not possible, limit the total charging time to no more than 8 hours; otherwise, the battery may be damaged due to expansion and deformation. Accelerate slowly to reduce the impact of high current on the battery, controller, and motor. Riders should take care of the battery, using towing or pedal assistance when going uphill, avoiding frequent discharge, and starting slowly without sudden acceleration. These measures will effectively extend battery life.
It is strictly forbidden to drive electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries that are completely depleted: Some users continue to charge their electric vehicles until they can no longer be driven, which seriously damages battery performance. Repeated deep discharges will greatly shorten battery life. If the battery is low on the road, it is best to pedal in advance to prevent deep discharge. Always charge the battery fully. Using the vehicle before it is fully charged will reduce the lifespan of the lithium-ion battery. Try to avoid charging at fast charging stations as much as possible.
What are the precautions for using polymer batteries?
Using polymer lithium-ion batteries until they are completely depleted is quite damaging; they should generally be recharged when the charge reaches 20%. Except for the initial activation, normal use only requires charging to 100% and then unplugging. Excessive heat or cold can also damage the battery, but temperatures between 0-35 degrees Celsius are not a major concern.
The charging current must not exceed the maximum charging current specified in the product specification. Using a current higher than the recommended value for charging may cause problems with the charging and discharging performance, mechanical performance, and safety performance of the battery cell, and may lead to overheating or leakage.
Polymer batteries are significantly damaged if completely drained during use; they should generally be recharged when the charge reaches 20%. Except for the initial activation, normal use only requires charging to 100% and then unplugging. Excessive heat or cold can also damage the battery, but temperatures between 0-35 degrees Celsius are not a major concern.
Before using polymer batteries, observe their appearance. If bulging is observed, further inspection is needed to determine if it is normal. Of course, some batteries have two aluminum sheets wrapped around the outside of the battery pack, so slight bulging may not be visible.