On an electric bike, the battery is one of the most important components, so you must look after it. Unfortunately, extreme heat can reduce its performance and lifespan.
The good news? There are many ways to cool an ebike battery – especially on those hot, sweltering days. In this article, you will learn how to care for your ebike battery, including the recommended storage temperatures.
Do Ebike Batteries Need Cooling?
Yes, and here is why.
Most modern ebike batteries lithium-ion. This replaces the cheaper but heavier, less energy-efficient lead acid technology. They have precious metals – lithium, manganese, nickel, cobalt – and individual cells, forming a battery pack.
When exposed to extreme heat, lithium-batteries are at a greater risk of internal damage, resulting in slower engine performance, reduced charging capacity, and a shorter overall lifespan.
Storing and operating your ebike battery, within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range, ensures optimal performance and longevity.
How Does Heat Affect Your Ebike Battery?
Heat affects the safety and efficiency of your ebike battery. Specifically, it influences the chemical reactions that occur within the lithium-ion batteries themselves.
High ambient temperatures can lead to thermal runaway. This in when the battery cells get so hot they enter an uncontrollable, self-heating state. This increases the risk of:
- Smoke and fire
- The ejection of gas
- Excessive operating temperatures
- Reduced operating power
- Reduced travel range
- Shorter overall lifespan
7 Tips to Protect Your Ebike Battery From Heat
Below are 7 effective ways to keep your ebike battery safe, cool, and protected from the heat.
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight, even when the battery is off, can cause the internal battery cells to exceed safe operating temperatures. So, when not in use, keep your ebike battery out of direct sunlight. Ideally under shade or in a climate-controlled indoor space.
Although electric bikes cam be used in various temperatures, the summer heat can be overwhelming. Therefore, on hot days, consider riding an electric bike in summer in the early morning or evening.
2. Don’t Leave the Battery in a Hot Car
According to research, a vehicle parked in the sun on a 100°F day can, within one hour, reach a cabin temperature of 116°F. This exceeds the recommended ebike battery storage temperature range, which is between 50°F and 77°F for most lithium-ion batteries.
If you must store your ebike battery in a vehicle on a hot day, park under shade and use air conditioning to keep the cabin temperature under control.
3. Use a Special Battery Cover
An ebike battery protector helps keep your battery safe from moisture, salt, and excess heat. Also known as an ebike battery cover, they’re made of special materials to provide insulation, minimizing heat transfer. This is a worthwhile purchase if you live in a hot climate.
4. Store Battery in a Cool Place
When not in use, store your battery in a cool, dry place, preferably an indoor space with climate control.
Avoid storing your battery in a place that gets extremely hot in summer, such as a garage. Alternatively, if you must store the battery in such a place, consider installing vents or windows to help increase airflow.
5. Charge Slowly
Most electric bike chargers have a slow charging function, which charges the battery at a lower power output than usual. This reduces stress on the battery, potentially increasing its overall lifespan.
Also, slow charging produces less heat than fast charging, minimizing the risk of overheating. However, slow charging is more time-consuming than fast charging. Remember that when planning long-distance trips.
6. Charge in a Cool Environment
On their own, ebike batteries produce heat, which applies to when they are in use and when they are charging.
For safety reasons, always charge your ebike battery in optimal conditions, such as indoors between 50°F to 77°F. Going above or below this temperature range could increase the risk of damage.
7. Conduct a Regular Battery Inspection
Before each ride, conduct a thorough inspection of your battery. Check for potential signs of damage, such as corrosion, cracks, and bulges. If you discover any of these signs, replace the battery or arrange an inspection.
There is one more batty check to do: use a multimeter to check the battery’s voltage. By doing so, you can confirm that the battery’s current power output matches (or exceeds) the rated output.
Final Thought
While summer is the perfect time of year to go out and socialize, the heat does come with risks. To protect your ebike from overheating, incorporate these useful tips into your riding schedule. This way, you can relax knowing that the electrical components on your ebike are safe.
Explore the full electric bike range at Heybike today.
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