How to Properly Maintain Your Electric Vehicle Battery

Understanding Charge Cycles

The longevity or lifespan of a battery is measured in cycles. A cycle involves the "consumption" of the entire battery capacity, all at once or in multiple instances. For example, if you use 50% of your battery's capacity, then recharge it, and later use another 50% of its capacity, you have completed one cycle.

Guidelines to Optimize Your Battery's Lifespan

1. Avoid Complete Discharge

• Do not consistently let the battery fully discharge before recharging it.
• Opt for frequent partial charges whenever possible.
• Try to leave between 20 and 30% of residual charge in your battery during usage.

2. Wait Before Recharging

• After use, wait about an hour before recharging your battery.
• Lithium-ion batteries degrade more quickly above a certain temperature threshold.
• When charging your battery, it heats up. Allow the battery to cool down before recharging it.

3. Use the Original Charger

• Always use the original charger recommended by the manufacturer.
• Batteries are highly sensitive to the charging mode. Using the correct charger and following good charging methods is crucial to improving battery lifespan.

4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

• Do not expose the battery to extreme temperatures.
• The ideal temperature is 15°C (59°F).

How to Store Your Battery for Long Periods of Non-Use

During winter or when you are on vacation and cannot use your bike or motorcycle, follow these tips to store your battery without risking damage:

1. Proper Storage Location

• Store your battery in a dry place, away from cold and heat.
• The ideal temperature is around 15°C. A cellar or garage is perfect if there is not too much humidity.

2. Charge Before Storage

• Charge your battery between 50% and 80% of its maximum capacity before storage.
• The battery loses about 10% of its charge per month even in good conditions.
• If you store a battery at 100%, it will discharge faster initially, and you will have used cycles unnecessarily.

3. Monthly Recharge

• Once a month, recharge your battery for a few tens of minutes to prevent it from fully discharging.
• Maintain the charge at 50-80%. Do not store your battery without turning it on or recharging it occasionally.

Conclusion

If you follow all of these tips, you will enjoy your vehicle for many years. However, like humans, batteries age over time. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan and ensures optimal performance. Enjoy your vehicle with peace of mind by taking care of its battery.