Ebike batteries are crucial to the functionality of your bike. It determines how long the bike will work, its speed, and the weight of the ebike. Of a truth, The more potent the ebike battery, the more efficient the electric bike is.
Various batteries are compatible with different electric bikes. However, most manufacturers prefer lithium ion battery for ebike. Lithium batteries are renowned for their high energy density and long lifespan. This guarantees a more extended ride period for bikes powered by lithium batteries. Additionally, riders are assured that they can recharge their batterries more number of times than regular batteries without the need to get new ones.
Types of lithium batteries
The durability of Lithium ion batteries makes them a favorite of several manufacturers, often being considered the best ebike battery for their longevity and performance. Lithium ion batteries come in different variations with each one having its unique features.
Lithium Ion Battery (Li-ion)
Lithium ion is the most popular battery in use. It is used to create batteries for smartphones, digital cameras, laptops and tablets. Lithum Ion batteries are made from a rich blend of Iron, Phosphate and Manganese. This enables them to supply long durations of power.
In the ebike industry, Lithium ion are used to produce some of the heaviest ebike batteries in circulation. Despite its weight, it is preferred to several other batteries because of its high capacity. Unfortunately, Lithium ion batteries are sensitive to temperature conditions and do not charge fast. Compared to other batteries ffor ebikes, Lithium ion batteries are also quite pricey.
Lithium Manganese
Lithium manganese batteries are relatively new in the ebike battery market. They have a long lifespan and an impressive range. Lithium manganese batteries currently powers the Nissan leaf hybrid car and a couple of other autos.
Lithium Cobalt
The impressive features of Lithium make it a common name in the production of batteries for ebike. One of the rarest features in the ebike battery market is efficient and lightweight batteries. Lithium cobalt batteries change the narrative by giving a fusion of reliable power and lightweight.
It has a higher density than most Lithium ion battery for ebike. In a bid to keep power flowing, the battery moves lithium ions to and from the electrodes. This gives you the required assurance about the durability of your ebike battery.
Lithium cobalt batteries' high durability ensures that they last a long time before the next recharge. Additionally, it would take longer before the battery needs a replacement.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
You could regard the LiFePO4 as the upgrade of Li-ion batteries. Unlike the former, LiFePO4 is embedded with frost resistance. Consequently, it has the ability to work in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius without losing its charge. Furthermore, LiFePO4 batteries charge quickly and has a full cycle of about 1000 which is the current largest full cycle yet. The disadvantage of the LiFePO4 battery is that it is pricey and has a low specific capacity.
Lithium Ion Polymer
Lithium ion polymer is another type of lithium ion battery for ebike. Despite the similarity in name to the first lithium battery on the list, it’s important to note that they are different.
Lithium ion polymer batteries are not as common as other types of lithium ion battery for ebike. However, they are pretty impressive. It is smaller than other lithium battery variants and does not give as much range. However, it is safest to use because it does not carry liquid inside. Hence, defying the need for protective cases.
In situations that can result in overcharging or physical damage, lithium ion polymer is the best suited lithium ion battery for ebike.
How to choose the best battery for your needs
Choosing the best e-bike battery for long distance is essential if you intend to enjoy your ebike. This process needs as much attention to detail as acquiring a new ebike. Before purchasing a new battery, you need to have an idea about your proposed use of the bike. If you would be travelling long distances, you certainly need an ebike battery with a robust capacity. Additionally, you need to factor in the compatibility of the proposed battery with your ebike. Subjecting your ebike to an incompatible battery could be dangerous for the ebike motor and would incur more cost.
Factors to consider when choosing a battery
When choosing a battery for your ebike, it is essential to consider the following factors:
1. Voltage
Every ebike comes with its own distinct input volt range. Using a battery voltage that is higher or lower will harm the bike. A voltage higher than the recommended voltage would damage the electrical components of the motor. On the other hand, using a lower voltage than that specified would not be sufficient to power the ebike motor.
2. The Battery Capacity In Amperes
The battery capacity of an ebike is an indicator of the energy rating of the battery. Knowing what size battery is best for electric bike usage is crucial for optimal performance. An higher capacity means more range. In simple terms, a battery’s range is the total distance that can be travelled with one full charge. By implication, a higher range means the battery can travel farther with one charge. For most batteries, the entire battery range cannot be used by the ebike. Hence, it is essential to take note of the depth of discharge the battery has. For example, an 100 ampere hour Li-ion battery having a DoD of 0.78 means only 78 ampere-hour charge of the battery is usable.
3. Lifecycle Of The Battery
It is crucial to know the lifecycle of a battery when it runs from 100% to 0%. This is particularly important if you battery life is of utmost concern to you. Most Lithium batteries have a battery life of about 2000 life cycles. With simple arithmetic, considering your lifestyle, you could easily figure out how long it will last.
4. Weight Of The Battery
Different batteries have different weights. If you are not a fan of heavy gadgets, it is advisable that you choose lightweight ebike batteries. This will safe you the stress of a purchase you would keep grumbling about. It is also essential to consider the battery weight because of your ebike frame. Ebike frames have varying strengths. Using an heavy battery for a lightweight ebike frame could be an easy route to destroying the ebike.
The benefits of using a lithium battery for ebikes
One significant advantage of a Lithium ion battery for ebike is its size. Lithium batteries have a small size and can easily fit different types of battery frames. The simplicity in size is not limited to lower battery capacities. The large and mid-level lithium batteries are sizeable as well. The effect of this on your bike is that you get to enjoy a higher range and travel farther without the fear of your bike stopping midway.
Additionally, the portable size of lithium ion batteries makes it easy to place them in any part of your bike. This gives all the flexibility to people who are interested in making their own diy electric bike.
Using a lithium ebike battery also guarantees ease in mounting the batteries. Lithium batteries are equipped with bicycle mounting points, so it is easy to bolt them to strategic places on your ebike. Such strategic points could include the bike frame, seat post or rear rack. In situations where your choice of battery doesn’t have bike mounts, you could easily strap it in a bag.
How to care for your lithium battery
How well you care for your ebike battery determines how long it will serve. Before yyour first ride with the lithium ion battery for ebike, ensure you charge it fully. This might take you as much as 7 hours, but it will be worth it to ensure you have the best battery for electric bike performance. Charging the battery before the first use helps prolong your lithium battery's life cycle.
In caring for your ebike battery, try to avoid “fast charge” at all costs. The temptation to get your battery to the full point in time could be great. But doing this repeatedly will destroy your battery lifespan. Slow charge makes your battery more effective and helps the battery last longer. To achieve slow charge,, it is crucial to buy chargers with low amperage when you need to change chargers. Better still, you could purchase smart chargers that can easily switch between fast and slow charge when necessary.
Tips for extending the life of your battery
Extending the life cycle of your lithium ion battery for ebike requires deliberate effort. It is way beyond charging regularly and clean ups. Ensure to do the following so that you can extend the life of your lithium ion battery
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Turn off the Bike After Each Use
Never leave your bike on when it is not in use. This also affects moments you are in a queue or waiting to be attended to. Turning off your ebike conserves your battery and consequently influences the lifespan of your battery.
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Store The Battery Well When The Bike Will Not Be In Use For A Long Time
If your bike will not be used for a long period of time, unmount the battery and store both the battery and bike in a cool place. It is however important that your choice of storage location is safe and does not contain combustible substances. Before storing away the battery, remember that most batteries discharge when not in use. As such, ensure that your ebike battery is not dead when you are putting it away for storage.
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Always Use The Right Tire Pressure
Riding on low tire pressures stresses the electric motor which in turn stresses your ebike battery. When strains like this keep occurring, your battery will drain faster and this will affect your battery’s lifecycle in the long run
Conclusion
Using batteries with low quality takes the fun and excitement out of biking, emphasizing the importance of choosing the best e bike battery. There are several ebike batteries, but finding the best lithium ion battery for ebike that best suits you is key. After choosing the right ebike, proper maintenance is essential. Failure to maintain the battery well will result in the battery not lasting as it should. Hence , defeating the whole essence of choosing the right battery.
