24
Battery Information
Most electric bicycle companies quote the number of “charge cycles” when
describing battery life. This can be somewhat misleading or confusing to the
consumer as many factors, including time and the way a battery is used will
affect its life span.
Batribike Lithium batteries have been tested by the manufacturer in their factory
to 1000 charge cycles. This is done on a test rig which fully charges and then
immediately discharges the battery (this is what is classed as 1 charge cycle).
This procedure is then continually repeated until the battery has reached 1000
charge cycles. The battery is deemed to have passed the test if, after 1000
charge cycles, the battery still has at least 80% of its original capacity.
The testing is carried out under controlled conditions of constant temperature
and constant discharge rate, and each charge cycle is repeated immediately
after the last one. Clearly in a real usage situation these conditions cannot be
replicated. Although the number of charge cycles is an indication that can be
used to compare different batteries, it is not realistic to expect a battery to last
1000 charge cycles in normal use. If the battery was not used very often and
was just charged at the minimum required interval of 1 month, then 1000 charge
cycles would be the equivalent of 1000 months or 83
1
/
3
years!
Without doubt you cannot expect a battery to last 83
1
/
3
years, so it is important
to understand that other factors, as well as charging and discharging, affect its
lifespan. Rechargeable Lithium batteries like to be used regularly. A battery used
every day is likely to last more charge cycles than one used infrequently. This
can be seen in rechargeable batteries that are used in everyday objects such as
mobile phones and power tools. Those items that are used and charged
regularly have a better lifespan than those that are left inactive for periods of
time.
