Toping up battery

[AusE]

So my usual rides of 40km or so are only using 3 bars of battery sometimes less, is it ok to top off the battery or should I be running it down further before charging.

 

[Giff]

Hi AusE
I had the same dilemma and went out the next day with 3 bars ( Cube Bosch motor). I ran out of
battery 5km's from home and live at the top of a steep hill.
I learnt my lesson and charge every ride now !

 

[Jdog]

I wondered this myself about 6 months ago so searched the internet for information, I found the below from a battery "expert":

To explain how Lithium batteries age depending on the depth of charge and discharge during the charge cycle.

Cycling from 100 to 0 % would get 500 cycles
Cycling from 100 to 10 % would get 500 cycles
Cycling from 100 to 20 % would get 1.000 cycles

Cycling from 90 to 0 % would get 1.500 cycles
Cycling from 90 to 10 % would get 1.500 cycles
Cycling from 90 to 20 % would get 2.000 cycles

Cycling from 80 to 0 % would get 3.000 cycles
Cycling from 80 to 10 % would get 3.000 cycles
Cycling from 80 to 20 % would get 3.500 cycles

Cycling from 70 to 0 % would get 5.000 cycles
Cycling from 70 to 10 % would get 5.500 cycles
Cycling from 70 to 20 % would get 6.000 cycles

Or graphically:

It is well documented that you should not leave a battery at 100% charge, it is better to leave it between 40-70% and then top up before a longer ride. Some manufactures even supply a smart charger so you can charge your battery to the sweet spot.

 

[EMTB Rider]

Thanks for the information

 

[AusE]

Cheers