Battery Storage

[R. Bear]

Spend 6 months each year in 2 different locations.

Have a Giant Roam ebike in each location.

OK to let the battery sit idle for 6 months in each location or do I need to take both back and forth so I can cycle them?

If OK, what charge level to store them?

Thanks much for any comments.

 

[RunForTheHills]

The battery will self discharge. Six months is borderline. I have a battery from EM3EV with a smart BMS that has very little discharge over that time. I have some of the original LIGO batteries from Grin that don't do nearly as well, even when shutdown.

MTA: The battery from EM3EV is a 52V jumbo shark.

 

[Gionnirocket]

You should be fine at 6 months if your battery is in good condition. I've stored batteries near 1 year with only a 0.2V drop in that time. My current battery stored for 3.5 months at 46v (on a 48v nominal) was just checked at the beginning of the week and it had 0 V loss.
50% charge at room temp is an accepted storage method. If you can remove the battery from the bike it'll eliminate any possible vampire loads built into the system.
I store my garden tool batteries at 50% at the end of each season for 6 months for a few years now.

 

[harryS]

International rules specify the 30% charge level for shipping. As a result. I think most batteries leave the factory at 30% and sit there until they eventually get charged by the customer. For that reason, I believe the industry has moved to more efficient battery management systems that allow a battery to sit for months in warehouses w/o discharging (much). This wan't true ten years ago.

 

[6zfshdb]

Nice bike and welcome to the forum!

All good advice above.

A lot will depend on where you store the batteries. Temps between 60F and 80F with low humidity are best. Recommended storage charge levels vary by manufacturer, but most suggest between 40 and 60%. Self discharge rates also vary, so it would be wise to check periodically. In general, 6 months should not be a problem.

Even though you have a battery in each location, it is sometimes handy to have a spare which would require transport. I'm sure you're aware that batteries of this size cannot be taken on a plane. They need to be shipped or taken with you when you drive. Protective packaging is essential during transport. A hard shell case or soft battery bag is necessary for safety. A physically damaged battery is an accident waiting to happen!