How To Double The Life Of Your Lithium Batteries

The parts that I use for building batteries:

***Question response book giveaway rules***
When you guys asks questions in the comments of my videos, I'll try to answer them. If there are questions that I think would make a good video response, I'll choose them to do a longer segment. If I choose your question for a video response, you'll win a copy of my book The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide (the paperback or the ebook), or my book DIY Lithium Batteries.

Music courtesy of Incompetech ("Groundwork")

[kenelder]

Thanks for the information. I use a timer on my phone to warn me to unplug the charger, the display on my ebike shows voltage, I check the display and only charge my 36 volt battery to 39 or 40 volts instead of the 42 volts maximum charge when left charging for a long time. The battery still lasts long enough for the way I use it. A rule of thumb is two hours of charging for one hour of use. Once a month I charge maximum and then lower it the next day by riding.

[paulaxford]

Well explained, thanks. I use a second charger set to 3.90V/cell for winter when I'm only commuting short distances around town but need to have the bike ready to go at all times. Both the basic "42V" chargers I have are internally adjustable over the required range.

[presidentpgmc]

Wow! Very informative, Thank you. I have been in electronics since DeVry, graduated in 1968. Things have really changed since then. Your education on lithiums is very valuable to us old timers!

[cedricstone]

I've got a 1/2 dozen e.power tools with sick/dead lithium batteries? That's scared me away from DIY e.bike building and Lithium Batteries...until I watched this video. Thanks, its offered the most comprehensive information from anywhere!

[ivermec-tin]

This video is really eye opening and empowering. I have used these charging techniques on my cellphone for years, and they do extend battery life significantly. Thanks for this!

[cadude]

What I particularly liked about your explanations is I generally can understand them. I've been watching a lot about lithium batteries on YouTube and some people get really deep into the weeds which does not do me any good at all. so I just purchased your book on DIY lithium batteries and maybe I'll get enough Base information where I can begin to understand this.

[race]

I'm just getting into this whole e-bike thing, Been riding mountain bikes for a long time now. A hot rodder at heart, been building and racing all my life. So, yeah, I've spent a lot of time scratching my head, " What the???" I ran across your channel a couple days ago, I have to say I have learned more in two evenings than the last six months. That is something almost anyone can appreciate. Thanks again...

[Goddess-qogo]

I didn't have a clue before this video about battery charging. When I do get an e-bike, this info will help me with my bike's maintenance. Thank you.

[chefkendranguyen]

I hope all chargers come with a choice between 80 90 100 percent, per BMS that allow the option to balance that range in the near future. Thanks for another clearly explained video, Micah.

[johnmangion]

This is one of the best tuitional videos i have seen. Looking forward to more issues.

[donk.]

Well Done Micah, found your channel by accident. Love to get your books. Your videos are clear, concise & no wasted chatter . Perfect. You are empowering people easily by these videos. Thank you, Don....looking forward to building some of these devices someday. Also, if you can mention costs involved - would be appreciated. It's great to think we can build something to help us along the EBIKE journey ! Cheers....

[qaz]

Doing some calculations based on a 1AH battery pack for simplicity
@ 4.20V: 500 cycles x 100% = 500AH total life
@ 4.10V: 900 cycles x _90% = 810AH total life
@ 4.05V: 1500 cycles x _80% =1200AH total life
What does this mean? Well if your commute on your ebike is much less than your battery range (or you use just a little more peddle power) you could potentially more than double the life of your battery. Charging once per day this would take your battery from 16.5 months (1y 4.5M) to 39.5 months ( 3Y 3.5M)
Now calculate the cost of your battery to the cost of a special charger. Now include any other batteries and see your potential savings.

[magickfighter]

I appreciate the depth you went into with the 90% vs 100% charging. This helped me decide how i want to charge my battery packs for my robotic system.

I look forward to your next videos!

[jerryhealy]

Excellent presentation as usual! Clear, concise and easy to follow.

[CentralCoastBassFishing]

As a new owner of a Specialized Turbo Levo, this was a very interesting video. I’ve wondered since purchasing the bike how charging or lack thereof affects longevity, this answers my questions perfectly, thank you!

[teknofil]

Interesting. I have my 3 electric bike now. Enduro Leili speed. Qt motor 11, 000 watts 72 volts 48amp. Was told to charge up to 80 volts. 85 volts for longer trips. Before my first 2 I always charged 100%. After hearing what you say I will charge 85% and sometimes 100%. I learned a little about charging after and watching your video. Thanks!

[karltonrod]

Thanks for the explanation, also the links.
Just a side remark, consider turning the volume of the music at bit down (which seems to be considered essential, for whatever reason).

[bigbadboogie]

Good info, about the same as i read over the years. Regarding Undercharging, this is valid for SINGLE CELLS, which NO-ONE uses in PEVs.
As soon as you build a pack with a BMS its more important to balance the pack than under charging. Especially in large batt pack EUCs like the 4 pack 3.2KWh 100V Sherman. "long time" Store around 40-60% charge, but not too cold or hot.

[bretthaldane]

I know next to nothing about batteries and how to keep them in the best condition for as long as you can.I really found this video worth watching!.

[bFlattheOriginal]

I also try to only charge to 100% when I'm going to ride the bike soon after. I have a simple e bike kit without a battery gauge, and a cheap charger, but I do have a bike computer that shows speed/miles, and after a couple of months, I now try to leave about half an hour off of full charging to charge it somewhere between 80-90% (if riding 12 miles or so takes an hour to charge to full, this time I only charge it half an hour, then next time I charge it the whole hour). Now I only need to charge it full when I will need the range.
From what I hear, good quality 18650 batteries rarely get out of balance.
Another great video Micah, thanks!