HOW TO KEEP YOUR E-MOTORCYCLE BATTERY HEALTHY THIS WINTER

Learn essential battery care to keep your e-motorcycle performing at its peak. 

Cold weather can be challenging for electric motorcycle riders. When temperatures drop, not only can your ride become more challenging, but your bike’s range and performance may also suffer. To help you navigate the winter months, we’ve created a handy guide to maintaining your e-motorcycle’s battery performance, even in colder conditions.

How does the winter cold affect batteries? 

To understand how to care for your battery in cold weather, it’s helpful to understand how temperature impacts its performance. At higher temperatures there’s an increase in kinetic energy and chemical activity inside the battery. This means that in warmer weather, there are accelerated chemical reactions, leading to greater electrical capacity and efficiency, which translates to improved range and performance.

However, in cold weather, the opposite happens. Lower temperatures slow down these chemical reactions, reducing the battery’s electrical capacity. This results in decreased range, slower charging times, and diminished efficiency. At very low temperatures (below 0°C), a phenomenon called lithium plating can occur, which causes permanent loss of battery capacity. Both extreme heat and cold can negatively affect a battery’s lifespan if it isn’t maintained properly.

Avoid extreme temperatures 

If possible, avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures. Many of the electric motorcycles that we work closely with our OEM partners to produce are designed with removable batteries, making it easy to store them indoors. Keeping your battery in a temperature-controlled environment helps maintain its optimal operating temperature and reduces the risk of permanent capacity loss.

After a ride, it’s also a good idea to let the battery reach room temperature before charging it. Charging a cold battery can put unnecessary strain on it, especially during freezing weather.

Charging tips for winter

Proper charging habits are crucial for maintaining battery health, particularly in cold weather. It’s recommended to charge your battery to 80-90% to avoid overcharging, which is especially important in extreme temperatures to prevent strain and prolong its lifespan. Never allow your battery to completely deplete before recharging; charging at around 20-30% is ideal. Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger, as it is optimized for your battery type and prevents charging issues.

Protecting your battery 

Taking preventive measures can help protect your battery from the harsh effects of winter weather. Insulation is a great way to keep your battery warm during rides, using a thermal cover or similar accessory compatible with your motorcycle model. Moisture protection is equally important; always ensure your battery, its housing and any connectors are dry before and after rides to safeguard the electrical circuits. Regular inspections are vital to catch signs of wear and tear, such as swelling, corrosion, or unusual performance, so that issues can be addressed early, preventing further damage and extending your battery’s life.

Riding adjustments for better performance 

Adapting your riding style can help conserve energy and maintain battery performance. Avoid planning trips that could completely deplete the battery, as fully draining it can reduce its lifespan. Ride smoothly to minimize frequent braking and accelerating, as these actions require more power. While traffic conditions may make this difficult, focusing on maintaining a steady speed can help conserve energy. Additionally, reduce reliance on high-power modes; switching to eco mode, if your bike has one, during longer rides can further extend battery life.

Battery storage best practices 

If you plan on storing your motorcycle for an extended period during the winter, proper storage of the battery is essential to keep your battery healthy. Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place where the temperature remains above freezing. Ensure the battery is charged to around 50-70% before storage, as this level helps prevent over-discharge or swelling. Regularly check the battery during storage and recharge it if the charge drops significantly.
 

Other tips for improving performance

Keeping your electric motorcycle in top shape during winter requires a few additional steps: 

• Using winter tires can improve traction and safety on icy or snowy roads, but they may slightly increase energy consumption due to added rolling resistance. To offset this, ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This can help maintain energy efficiency while providing better grip during cold-weather rides.
• Regularly clean your bike to remove salt and grime from winter roads that could impact performance.
• Ensure the battery and its housing are clean to improve performance and reduce the risk of corrosion or moisture damage.
• Keep track of your battery’s age; even with proper care, batteries degrade over time. Replacing an aging battery in good time can prevent unexpected issues.
• Monitor the battery’s performance for any unusual signs such as rapid drainage or inconsistent power output.

How T&D ensures high battery protection in extreme temperatures

Our R&D team carefully design our powertrains to deliver the highest levels of safety and performance for the designated riding scenarios of our OEM partners. For example, we produce Li-ion ternary batteries for areas with relatively low temperatures, and Li-FePO4 batteries for high-temperature environments such as tropical areas.
At T&D we’re proud to develop reliable, efficient batteries with long-lasting performance. They are protected by a BMS (battery management system) that includes major protection functions (overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, short circuit), as well as defensive housing and temperature sensors that alert the operating system.

Click here for more information about what makes our electric motorcycle batteries unique.

Ride confident this winter!

Winter weather doesn’t have to slow you down. By understanding how cold temperatures affect your battery and taking the right precautions, you can maintain performance and extend your battery’s lifespan. By taking care of your battery in the winter, your e-motorcycle will stay reliable, even in the most challenging conditions.