The lithium-ion batteries currently used for pedelecs are small marvels of technology - on the one hand. Since their development began in the early 1990s, their power storage capacity has doubled in terms of weight and they are far superior to the lead or nickel-cadmium batteries of the past. On the other hand, the possibilities of this technology are also likely to be finite. Experts estimate that around 25 per cent more power is still possible for the same weight.
What raises questions for the future of the electric car is likely to play a subordinate role for the vast majority of pedelec riders. Those who don't want to tackle ambitious mountain bike tours with many thousands of metres of altitude with an electric boost are rarely slowed down by the range of the bike. Touring cyclists who use the drive of their e-bike wisely report that their battery still has enough reserves to reach their destination even after 100 kilometres.
Nevertheless, the industry is of course working hard to further improve the performance of batteries. "Thanks to innovations, it is possible to increase the energy density of the battery by 5 to 10 per cent every year," says Tamara Winograd, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bosch eBike Systems. E-bike buyers can therefore look forward to batteries that will be able to power more kilometres for the same weight and price.
More and more power?
Many potential pedelec buyers focus almost exclusively on the battery capacity and demand more and more watt hours (Wh) for as much range as possible. 500 Wh is now considered too little by many. However, a larger battery is always a heavier battery (and more expensive). A city bike that never travels more than 50 kilometres at a time in its lifetime may be better equipped with a smaller battery, as this makes it lighter overall: easier to carry, easier to manoeuvre, easier to ride (and cheaper).
How much does the fun actually cost?
Depending on the battery capacity and electricity price of your supplier, a full charge of a standard battery costs 10 to 15 cents.
The 8 golden rules for the power pack
1. more often is better
Feel free to plug your e-bike battery into the socket often. Frequent partial charging does no harm and has no effect on the overall service life of your battery.
2. pause correctly
If you do not use your e-bike for a longer period of time, the battery should be charged to 50 to 60 per cent of its capacity and stored in a dry place at 10 to 15 degrees.
3. cycle economically
The cyclist has the greatest influence on the range. Ride with foresight, change gear a lot, pedal smoothly, select the assistance level modestly and check the tyre pressure regularly.
4. stow away safely
When transporting an e-bike by car, the battery should be stowed in the interior so that it cannot slip.
5. do not open
Do not drill into a battery, do not clamp anything to it and do not attempt to open it. Never!
6. keep dry
Do not charge the battery outdoors in damp or rainy conditions or in direct sunlight.
7. do not fly
Pedelec batteries are considered dangerous goods and may not be transported by aeroplane
8. dispose of correctly
A used battery does not belong in the household waste or at the recycling centre. Take it to your bike dealer, who will take it back free of charge and dispose of it properly.
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
