Quick Guide to Electric Bike Battery Under-voltage and How to Prevent It

What is Battery Under-voltage?

Battery under-voltage refers to the state where the battery voltage falls below the normal working range, causing the battery to be unable to provide enough power to properly drive the device. When the battery voltage becomes too low, the device may fail to start, or even if it does start, the performance will be significantly reduced. Modern electronic devices are usually equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors battery voltage, current, and other parameters to prevent over-discharge and protect the battery from damage. However, frequent battery under-voltage can still accelerate battery aging and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, timely charging and proper battery usage are crucial to extending the battery’s life.

What Problems Can Battery Under-voltage Cause?

Battery under-voltage can lead to several issues. The most common problem is the device failing to start or run properly, which disrupts daily use. Specifically, in electric vehicles like electric bikes, battery under-voltage can cause a ride to be interrupted or prevent the bike from starting. In addition, battery under-voltage can accelerate battery aging, shortening its overall lifespan. If the under-voltage issue persists and is not addressed, it may even lead to complete battery failure, affecting the long-term usability of the device.

Causes of Battery Under-voltage

1. Over-discharge
   Batteries typically have a minimum operating voltage. For common lithium-ion batteries, the minimum operating voltage is around 3.0 volts (V). When the battery voltage drops below this level, the battery will no longer be able to provide stable power. Over-discharge not only causes the device to malfunction, but it can also damage the battery’s internal chemical structure.

2. Insufficient Charging
   If the battery is not fully charged, the battery voltage will remain low and will not meet the device’s power needs. Additionally, using an incompatible charger (one with unstable output voltage or too low current) can prevent the battery from charging effectively, resulting in insufficient battery power and leading to under-voltage issues.

3. Temperature Influence
   Temperature has a direct impact on battery performance. In cold environments, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, which reduces the battery's discharge capability, causing the battery voltage to drop. In hot environments, the battery may overheat, damaging the internal structure and causing performance degradation, which leads to under-voltage issues. Extreme temperature conditions make it difficult for the battery to maintain normal voltage, increasing the risk of under-voltage.

What Should You Do When Battery Under-voltage Occurs?

If you encounter a battery under-voltage situation, follow these steps:

1. Charge Immediately: When the battery level falls below 20%, use the original charger and charge it promptly to ensure efficient charging.

2. Regularly Check Battery Health: If the under-voltage issue occurs repeatedly, check if the battery is aging or damaged, and replace the battery if necessary.

3. Allow Sufficient Charging Time: Ensure the device is fully charged before using it to avoid incomplete charging that can affect the usage experience.

How to Prevent Battery Under-voltage?

To prevent battery under-voltage, here are some practical measures:

1. Regular Charging: Try to keep the battery level between 20% and 80%, and avoid letting the battery charge drop too low or become fully charged to prevent over-discharge.

2. Avoid Long-Term Non-Use of the Device: If you’re not using the device for a long period, at least charge it once a month to maintain the battery’s charge.

3. Use the Proper Charger: Ensure that the charger used is either the original one or one that meets the device’s standards to improve charging efficiency and avoid damaging the battery.

4. Be Mindful of Temperature Conditions: The optimal storage temperature is typically between 20°C and 25°C. Avoid using or storing the device in extreme temperatures.

5. Regularly Check Battery Condition: If possible, regularly check the health of the battery, and replace it ahead of time if signs of aging appear.

Conclusion

Battery under-voltage is a common issue, but with the correct charging habits, avoiding over-discharge, and regular maintenance, you can effectively prevent this problem. Understanding the causes and impacts of battery under-voltage and taking timely action will help you extend the lifespan of your device and ensure it operates at its best performance.