Answered Definitive Thread for Conditioning New Batteries and then Maintaining them.

[Coolcmsc]

This thread is the place to leave links to decent references on how to treat a new battery and then maintain it. What would be great would be links to articles that include evidence for the opinions given, for example testing and other scientific evidence.

Discussion could then include support or constructive criticism of the link plus personal examples.

There’s masses on this distributed throughout the forum, but some info is tricky to find and most has no evidence quoted to support opinion. It’s mainly, “I do this...” and “I heard the other thing...”

PS: I realise there may be a great thread or response giving all this info already. If so, let’s reference that here and I’ll cross ref back ?

Thanks ?

 

[Rusty]

To be fair, there is nothing definitive. Have seen varying advice from differnt manufacturers.

Based on the info I recieve from laptop manufacturers and what I have read from bike manufacturers as well as reading all the product info on the cordless power tools I buy I think the following is close(sh).



Store your batteries in the 15C - 25C range. Can go a little colder for storage but when too cold they don't charge fully. Definitely avoid storing in full sunlight.

Not so much an issue for bikes, but if buying a spare battery - check the date of manufacturer and ask how it has been stored. Have had clients with replacement battery packs for laptops fail within a month. When I check the date they are invariably 2-3 years old at least and usually have not been out of the box they came in until purchased. Without fail I have been able to get a replacement ... even if it did involve a little threatening.

Lots of short rides without charging will not harm a battery - just don't let run completely flat. Conversley, in the firmware on most (if not all) battery packs a 10% charge only adds up to 10% of a charge so if a battery has say 1000 charge life - that can be a hell of a lot of partial charges.
** Did some work on a cheap commuter bike that showed 700 odd charges and he used it daily to commute to work for 6 or 7 years and plugged in every morning while he was having breakfast.

When storing - try to keep between 40 & 60% - preferably disconnected from the bike. Discharge should be minimal over a 3 month period. If there is significant discharge it is usually a sign the battery is on the way out.

 

[Coolcmsc]

Rusty’s reply is helpful and pragmatic.
I’m leaving this open to see if anybody disagrees by offering definitive evidence we can all go and look at that this or that battery charging policy is best.
Ta!

 

[lightning]

With a brand new bike don't be tempted to ride it home from the shop.
Also resist the temptation to go out on the bike the day you get it.
The battery needs to be fully charged before it's first use.
This can take a few hours, the battery on my Kona took about five hours before the light on the charger went out.