Ambient temperature and range

[Captainslow]

Hi everyone. I’m planning on getting a Canyon Endurace Onfly as my first e-bike, as soon as they become available again in the UK (allegedly July). I am a 67 year old long time road bike cyclist living in the north of Scotland and ride in daytime temperatures average between 10 and 8 degrees C for around five months of the year (seems longer sometimes!). Could members advise on their experience of how riding in lower temperatures affects range in the winter - especially any TQ HPR riders out there ? I fully understand that e-bike range is not an exact science, but it would be useful to know what to expect. TIA.

 

[Captainslow]

Sorry everyone- just to edit my post - should read daytime temps 6- 10 degrees C. Any colder I try not to ride…

 

[harryS]

Riding between 43-50F. That's like us. If it's sunny and roads are dry, my wife (a good sport) and I will go out when it's 45 degrees. You'll lose between 10-20% of your range at 8C compared to 25CF, Even more at 0 C. Ride your bike in warm weather, get a feel for your range, and plan accordingly.

The big concern with lithium batteries in cold weather is that they still work in cold weather, but you cannot recharge in freezing temperatures. Doing so will ruin them. Read the spec on your owners manual and follow it. Most will limit you to 10C or higher for recharge.

If you take a cold battery inside to warm up, be aware that moisture might condense inside and corrode the cells. I put mine in a plastic bag when I do that,

 

[Stefan Mikes]

No issues whatsoever (written by an all year long rider from wintery Poland). Only never charge the battery below the freezing point.

The battery range in low temps is shorter but 6-10 C is not as cold as to affect the range much.

 

[6zfshdb]

Good advice from @harryS above.

Actual data will vary between battery types, chemistry, age and manufacturer. In my case, I loose around 20% capacity when riding at 45F (7C) compared to 80F (27C). I've never graphed the temp vs capacity loss, but charts like this can be found online:

Consider the table below, which illustrates typical capacity levels and effects by temperature:

Temperature (°C)	Approx. Capacity (% of 25°C)	Key Effects
–20°C	LFP ~55%; NMC ~48%	Extremely low – severe ion sluggishness, high Rct, plating risk.
0°C	~85% (LFP), ~78% (NMC)	Still reduced; more polarization and SEI growth.
25°C (room temp)	~100%	Baseline – ideal performance with minimal stress.
45°C	~97–105%	Short-term boost (fast kinetics), but also faster ageing.
60°C (long-term use)	(Often <100%)	Thermal stress – electrolyte breaks down, capacity fades rapidly.

Just to be safe, I usually carry an extra range extender battery when riding in cold temps and keep them warm until just before heading out.
There are also battery blankets available for riding in extreme temps.

 

[stompandgo]

I started the season riding my HPR50 bike in temps in the low 40's. My rides were short, so range wasn't a factor. However, I noticed that the estimated range remaining was down about 10% for the same ride that I did when it was warm.

 

[Captainslow]

Thanks for all the responses that have certainly confirmed what I have been thinking. A RE kept in the warm before venturing out may be a good option. It’s a pity that the TQ RE costs more than many bikes I have owned!