The battery is the core component and main power source of an electric vehicle, like the heart of a human being. Starting, stopping and everything in between depend on the battery. However, improper use in real life shortens battery life, and the main cause of damage is sulfation. How can we prevent battery sulfation and extend battery life?

1. Recharge the battery after long-term storage

Long-term storage causes self-discharge. The lead sulfate crystals on the negative plate grow coarse and turn into irreversible sulfate, making charging difficult. Prolonged self-discharge deposits lead on the separator and forms lead dendrites that cause micro short circuits; in severe cases the battery fails. Therefore, if a battery is left unused for a long time, it should be recharged every month.

2. Water loss causes sulfation

The electrolyte of a lead-acid battery consists of dilute sulfuric acid and water. Improper charge and discharge operations during use can cause serious water loss. Water loss worsens sulfation, and sulfation in turn aggravates water loss, easily forming a vicious cycle. Use the battery according to the instruction manual.

3. Avoid high-current discharge

When an electric bicycle starts, carries passengers, climbs slopes or brakes suddenly, it discharges at high current, so momentary high-current discharge should be avoided as much as possible. High-current discharge not only damages the battery greatly but also easily generates lead sulfate crystals, harming the physical performance of the plates. When riding uphill, get help from external force such as pedaling with your legs, and keep the speed a little slower.

4. Master the charging time

Storage batteries are usually charged at night, with an average charging time of about 8 hours. After a shallow discharge, when the vehicle runs only a short distance after charging, the battery is quickly full, and further charging causes overcharging. Long-term overcharging or undercharging both easily cause sulfation, which shows itself as being empty after a short ride and full after a short charge. Sulfate adheres to the plates, reducing the reaction area between the electrolyte and the plates and causing rapid capacity decline. The best practice is to charge for two more hours after the charger light turns from red to green, but since it is impossible to watch the charger all the time, a timer can be used.

Correct use of the battery can slow down sulfation and extend its service life. The most important thing is to choose high-quality brand batteries with good reputations. Xupai batteries are of excellent quality with good service; its sales, customer service, technical support and maintenance systems are well established and provide consumers with better after-sales service.