Essential Guide for Usage, Maintenance, and Activation of Electric Bike Lithium Batteries (60V 16S Ternary Lithium)

Lithium batteries, especially the 60V 16S ternary lithium type used in electric bikes, are a vital component that significantly impacts the bike's performance and longevity. Proper care and timely maintenance can extend the lifespan of your electric bike's battery and ensure optimal functionality. In this guide, we will cover essential precautions, maintenance tips, and how to handle a "starved" battery.

1. Core Precautions for Daily Use: Maximize Battery Life

To get the most out of your electric bike’s lithium battery, it is crucial to follow specific charging and discharging guidelines. Doing so will help you avoid damaging the battery and extend its lifespan.

Charging Tips: Don't Let the Battery "Starve"

Always recharge the battery when the charge drops to 20%-30%, as indicated by the dashboard display. This prevents the battery from entering a "starvation" state, which can result from leaving the battery discharged for too long. If you allow your bike to shut down completely and leave it unused for over a week, you risk battery damage that will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Attention: "Starvation" of lithium batteries occurs due to over-discharge and lack of timely recharging. This kind of damage is human-induced, not a manufacturing defect, and is excluded from the warranty.

Pro Tip: Never leave your bike plugged in overnight to avoid overcharging. After charging fully, allow the battery to float charge for 1-2 hours before disconnecting.

Charging Specifications: Stick to the Original Charger

Only use the original 67.2V dedicated charger for your bike's battery. Never mix chargers with different voltages, as this can cause malfunction or damage. Charge in a well-ventilated, dry space and avoid high temperatures, humidity, or flammable materials. If the battery shows signs of swelling or abnormal heating during charging, disconnect it immediately.

Discharging Taboos: Avoid Heavy Loads

Avoid long-term high-speed riding, climbing, or other activities that place heavy load demands on the battery. In cold weather (below 0℃), it's normal for the driving range to decrease. Be mindful not to push the battery to the point of complete discharge.

2. Storage and Maintenance: Keep Your Battery in Optimal Condition

Proper storage plays a critical role in maintaining your electric bike's lithium battery, especially during periods of inactivity.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Week)

If you will not be using your bike for a short period, charge the battery to 50%-70% (approximately 52-56V). Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like heaters. Never store it in areas with temperatures below -10℃.

Long-Term Storage (More Than 1 Week)

For longer storage periods, recharge the battery at least once a month to ensure the voltage stays above 48V. Never leave the battery in a depleted state (especially below 48V) for extended periods, as this could lead to permanent damage.

Storage Tip: Do not leave your battery in hot, enclosed spaces such as car trunks or balconies. High temperatures accelerate self-discharge and could drastically shorten the battery's lifespan.

3. How to Deal with a "Starved" Battery

If your battery’s voltage drops below 48V but is still above 40V, it may have entered a "starvation" state. Here’s how to check and activate it.

Judging Battery "Starvation"

If there is no response when you plug in the charger, or the charger only shows a green light without charging, the battery may be starved. Additionally, using a multimeter to measure the total voltage will help you confirm if it is below 48V (but take care that it’s not below 40V, because that’s mostly irreparable damage).

Activation Process: Step-by-Step Guide

For batteries with a voltage below 48V, but not completely damaged (above 40V), follow these steps to attempt activation:

Prepare the Tools: You will need the original 67.2V charger, a multimeter (optional), and a specialized lithium battery activator.

Safety First: Before starting, visually inspect the battery. If you notice swelling, leakage, or damage, stop immediately and replace the battery.

Activation Procedure

Using a Specialized Lithium Battery Activator: Connect the activator to the battery's positive and negative terminals. Set the current to 0.1C-0.2C (e.g., 3-6A for a 30Ah battery). This pre-charging will raise the voltage above 48V. After this, connect the battery to the original charger for 8-10 hours of normal charging.

Without an Activator: You can connect the original charger directly to the battery. If the charger’s light flashes green or heats slightly, it may be slowly pre-charging. Leave it connected for 2-4 hours to see if it switches to red (charging mode). If no response is observed, disconnect the charger to prevent damage.

Post-Activation Inspection

Once the battery is charged, test the bike’s driving range. If the range has decreased significantly (less than 50% of its original capacity) or the battery loses power quickly, it may be partially damaged. It’s advisable to check if the cell voltages are balanced.

4. Activation Cautions: Avoid Common Mistakes

When attempting to activate a lithium battery, it is crucial to avoid the following:

Never use a charger with a voltage higher than 67.2V. Doing so can cause over-voltage, leading to swelling or fire risks.

Do not attempt to open the battery case. This could lead to short circuits and hazardous situations.

If the battery’s voltage is below 40V or if it emits an odor after activation, discard it immediately. Continuing to use it may pose a safety risk.

Conclusion: Proper Battery Care Equals Long-Lasting Performance

Maintaining your electric bike’s lithium battery is essential for ensuring a long lifespan and safe operation. By following these tips on proper charging, discharging, storage, and activation, you can prevent issues like "starvation" and avoid unnecessary damage. Always be proactive with maintenance, and your battery will serve you well for years to come.

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