India, being in the list of most polluted countries in the world for quite some time now, is in dire need of adopting alternative fuel for mobility to curb air pollution. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are one such option which are eco-friendly and produces zero emissions. With the Government planning to boost infrastructure for electric mobility, demand for EVs in India is getting higher by the day.
However, electric cars that are available in the country are still too expensive and mostly belong to the elites. But, the availability of electric bikes has solved the muddle for the common man. So, if you’ve recently purchased an electric bike or are planning to purchase one soon, continue reading this article to know some useful tips about charging a bike battery.
EV charging tips
Here are a few tips for properly charging your EV:
- Charge your new bike’s battery for several hours before you start using it
When you buy a new electric bike, it comes with a fresh lithium-ion battery that may or may not be charged. Hence, it’s essential to charge your bike’s battery for at least 6 to 8 hours before you start using it. The long initial charge of your bike’s battery ensures that the current flows smoothly through all its cells, enabling the battery to perform efficiently in the future.
Moreover, fully charging the battery before first use helps in kickstarting the “calibration” process. It enables you to know the power and capacity of your bike’s battery and determine how it’s going to behave in the future.
- Charge your bike’s battery before it dies completely
Most electric bikes in India use lithium batteries. These batteries usually have a good life, but to keep them in proper condition, you should charge them regularly. The best thing you can do is start charging your bike battery as soon as its level dips below 30%. As electric bikes are more efficient than traditional ones, why not give them efficient protection? Hence, we at ICICI Lombard would recommend getting our motor insurance to protect your bike from any damage!
As per battery experts, you should maintain your bike’s battery level between 30-60 percent. In between, you can also go for a full charge if you have enough time. Regular charging of your bike’s battery also helps in improving its performance by keeping all cells activated and functional.
- Fully charge your bike’s battery once in a week, but don’t overcharge
As suggested in the above point, you should fully charge your e-bike’s battery occasionally, i.e., once in every one or two weeks. This will help in balancing the cells and improve the overall shelf life of the battery. It works like an exercise for the human body, which improves our strength by preventing our muscles from getting weak.
At the same time, overcharging is not good for the health of your bike’s battery. It’s because lithium batteries degrade while they are being charged, and hence, the longer they stay connected to a high-voltage charger, the longer the degradation will occur.
- Avoid charging your bike’s battery at extreme temperatures
The battery of your bike is sensitive to extreme temperatures, just like your body. To ensure a long life of your electric bike’s battery, avoid extreme temperatures while you’re charging or using it. Take extra care and precautions when you’re charging it.
It’s important to ensure that the temperature is not freezing or boiling while charging your bike’s battery. If you think it’s too hot or cold outside, you can keep your electric bike in a parked garage or inside your house.
- Do not store an empty battery
There can be times, such as lockdowns or days when temperatures are too hot or cold, when you will not require to use your electric bike for several days. During such times, you will have to store your bike’s battery or keep your bike still with its battery stored. As per the experts, you should never store the battery of your e-bike in a completely empty condition.
Instead, you should charge it to at least 60% before storing it. This will help in keeping the battery in proper shape when it’s not in use. Also, storing an empty battery may cause its cells to die and you may need to jump-start your battery when you want to use your e-bike again.
- Use proper charger and take good care of it
It’s important to use a proper bike battery charger for charging your e-bike’s battery. Try not to use locally made chargers. Instead, use the one provided by the bike manufacturer only. Also, you should take proper care of your bike’s battery charger just like the battery itself.
Do not switch on the mains before plugging the charger into the battery. Similarly, switch off the mains before unplugging the charger from the battery. Also, never leave your bike’s battery charger permanently connected to the mains.
How often should you charge your electric bike?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for charging frequency, it depends on usage, battery capacity and the type of ride you do. However, a general rule of thumb is:
- Daily riders: Charge your electric two-wheeler every day or every alternate day, depending on battery depletion.
- Occasional users: Even if unused, batteries should be charged at least once every 2-3 weeks to avoid deep discharge.
- Top-up approach: Instead of waiting for the battery to fully drain, recharge when it drops to around 30%.
Being consistent with your charging schedule can help maintain battery performance. And don't forget, a solid two wheeler insurance policy can offer peace of mind while your EV powers you forward.
Tips to maximise lifespan of an electric bike battery
Maximising your EV battery’s lifespan is crucial not only for performance but also for long-term cost savings. Here are some proven tips:
- Maintain optimal charge levels: Avoid letting the battery hit 0 or remain at 100% for extended periods.
- Store properly when not in use: If you won’t use your bike for a while, charge the battery to half or 50% and keep it in a dry and cool place.
- Avoid aggressive riding: Constant high-speed riding or rapid acceleration can drain the battery faster and stress the cells.
- Clean your bike regularly: Dust and dirt can affect the cooling of battery systems. Ensure proper maintenance of both the battery and the bike.
- Get periodic checks: Some manufacturers offer software updates or diagnostic tools to improve battery health; use them.
As with any vehicle, protecting your electric bike with comprehensive two wheeler insurance ensures you are covered for battery issues, damages and more.
Conclusion
E-bike helps you build a sustainable mode of commuting, without harming the environment. However, it’s important to follow the above-mentioned tips while charging your e-bike’s battery to ensure its long life and powerful performance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.