Lithium battery winter storage.
In many respects, the safety of a lithium or Li-ion battery is largely based on the correct use.
In this blog post, we will review the lithium battery, its winter storage, i.e. not using the electric scooter for a longer period of time, i.e. standing still.
We went through this writing and our own understanding while building through several different articles, we interviewed experts working in the field and representatives of battery factories. The electric scooter and its lithium battery should always be kept in a dry and warm place. The generally recommended temperature is 10-20 C.
Tukes (Safety and Chemicals Agency) underlines an important point on its website, focusing more specifically only on the storage of batteries. "The battery should not be left in cold storage. The battery also cannot withstand temperatures that are too hot, such as, for example, a boiler room. Coldness and humidity or even heat are harmful factors for a lithium battery," chief inspector Jukka Lepistö. So keep it inside. The electric scooter as a whole contains electrical connectors and other components that do much better in dry conditions than in wet ones. It is sometimes humid outside, less often inside. As such, indoor storage is self-evident. You don't leave your mobile phone at the mercy of winter and rain either. One clear reason is that cold and hot temperatures can cause the battery to drain, which will change the charge level. The cold sometimes eats the battery quite quickly to chalk lines.
lithium battery, winter storage and storage
How exactly should a lithium battery be stored for winter storage or storage. By this we mean standing the lithium battery for a longer period of time, for example just during the winter.
The battery charge should be kept at 50% level. If you take care of this matter, the battery will work even after storage. You don't need to get a new battery, batteries are always expensive. The battery keeps its useful life well when "stored" properly. You should check the charge from time to time during storage. If the charge has dropped below 50%, charge the battery so that it is 50% full again. During a long standstill, it is recommended to charge the battery at least every couple of months. A high-quality Lion battery is safe and holds its charge level relatively well even over time.
Extend the life of the lithium battery and charge the battery safely
Download order. This will extend the life of your battery if you do things right.
- connect the charger to your electric scooter
- after this, only connect the charger to the wall.
Reverse order when removing from charge. - unplug the charger from the wall
- after that, disconnect the charger from the electric scooter.
Charging the battery is the most risky step. Most of the risks are related to charging the battery and the few hours after charging.
Things to keep in mind when charging the battery.
- Don't overcharge! Disconnect the electric scooter from the charger as soon as possible after the charger light turns green, i.e. when charging is complete. Overcharging a lithium battery reduces battery life and can cause safety risks. Use a timer so you know roughly where you are going in terms of time. When playing it safe: monitor charging and never leave any battery-powered device unattended to charge.
- The charger must be intact. Do not use a broken charger that looks damaged, operates uncertainly, or has a damaged cord or connectors. It could be a security risk.
- Use only the charger that came with the electric scooter or a similar high-quality charger.
- Charge the battery after it has cooled down. After driving, wait a moment before starting the charge.
- Always fully charge a new lithium battery before driving or using it for the first time.
- Avoid so-called "fast downloads", short downloads. Quick charging shortens battery life and consumes battery power. Battery life can also be estimated in the number of charges.
- The best way is to charge the battery just before driving. And the optimal range is the 20/80 rule. Not less than 20% and not more than 80%. Or at least avoid less than 20% and the fact that you keep the battery stationary for longer periods at 100%.
The above are guidelines. For one reason or another, not many people are able to follow them. Do what you can. In principle, using common sense is always recommended when it comes to using batteries. High-quality batteries can withstand use quite well, but you should always be careful when it comes to moisture and dripping. We want you to be well. We neither preach nor forbid. With all due respect based on our experience.