When to Charge the battery

[flugelboneman]

Lots of opinions when to charge after trip. My tech told me that you should charge no more often than about every third trip if you are averaging 25 kms/trip. My prob is that I live in fear of being stranded with a dead battery and having to pedal the monster home. Tech says charging too often tends to shorten battery life. I have been charging whenever I get below 60% and he says that is too often. So he analyzed the battery after 5 yrs and 10000 kms. My battery is still 85% to the good. He says if I hadnt been charging so often the battery would probably be at 88-90%. So for my peace of mind I think I will still charge when I get below 60%.

 

[harryS]

I believe a Giant E+2 explorer has a 36V14h battery, about 500WH? If you're at 85%, that's about 25 WH difference if down from 90%. I'll be generous and call that 3 miles worth of capacity. It's probably not even 2 miles, Your tech is well meaning, but after 5 years, I don't think you're doing anything wrong.

 

[flugelboneman]

I believe a Giant E+2 explorer has a 36V14h battery, about 500WH? If you're at 85%, that's about 25 WH difference if down from 90%. I'll be generous and call that 3 miles worth of capacity. It's probably not even 2 miles, Your tech is well meaning, but after 5 years, I don't think you're doing anything wrong.

Thx Harry. Yes that is the battery. Yes I feel encouraged. At 84 I dont need a lot of years to go onthe battery. My own personal battery is probably in more jeopardy than the bike. LOL

 

[Rickman1]

Why not keep your battery charged up between trips so that you have a full tank whenever you're ready for a ride? I charge my 14.8v after every ride or before I go on my next excursion. I've been doing that for 2 1/2 yrs. No issues at this point.

 

[flugelboneman]

Why not keep your battery charged up between trips so that you have a full tank whenever you're ready for a ride? I charge my 14.8v after every ride or before I go on my next excursion. I've been doing that for 2 1/2 yrs. No issues at this point.

That was basically my question. Does one do any harm to the battery when you do that, charge after every trip.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I charge the batteries to 100% after each ride or I wouldn't get anywhere on my trips.

 

[Dorkyman]

From what I've read, yeah, it hurts the battery a bit to keep it at a full charge, but so what? Range anxiety would be far more detrimental to my heart than the thought of having to buy a replacement battery in 8 years rather than 10.

In the non-riding season, though, suggest you run it down to about 50% if it's just going to sit.

 

[flugelboneman]

From what I've read, yeah, it hurts the battery a bit to keep it at a full charge, but so what? Range anxiety would be far more detrimental to my heart than the thought of having to buy a replacement battery in 8 years rather than 10.

In the non-riding season, though, suggest you run it down to about 50% if it's just going to sit.

Thx a bunch dorkyman

 

[Gionnirocket]

If you're not using your batteries full capacity on a typical ride... It's best to charge to less than 100%. Running between 80% to 40% is better than running between 100% and 60%
My typical 20mi ride requires 20% so I usually charge to 80% which allows me to ride without anxiety if I decide to even double my ride and with minimal wear on the battery.
That said... Don't stress about it and use it to its full enjoyment.

edit add: Good read.

E-Bike Battery Guide

This thread is dedicated for helping new E-bike owners to understand and maintain their batteries in the best possible way. There is a lot of confusion for any new E-bike owner as to how one should treat their batteries: Shop owners may say one thing, online resources may another thing, someone...

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