How to Extend Lithium Battery Life: Avoid Overcharging and Overdischarging

Recently, a technical exchange event was held by Fushida Electric Vehicles and the well-known domestic battery brand BAK to discuss lithium battery technology in electric vehicles.

“Why are lithium batteries better than lead-acid batteries?”
“How can we extend the life of lithium batteries?”
Dr. Mao Huanyu, General Manager of BAK Battery, explained the working principles and usage techniques of lithium-ion batteries and answered questions from the audience.

Differences Between Lithium Batteries and Lead-Acid Batteries
Dr. Mao explained that lithium-ion batteries have become widely used in daily life, such as in mobile phones and laptops, and have begun to make progress in power batteries. He pointed out that lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries are very different in terms of internal reactions and usage methods.

Lithium batteries are characterized by their small size, light weight, and high energy density per unit mass. The movement of electrons inside the battery is a physical change, which leads to a longer lifespan. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries are low-maintenance, capable of working in low-temperature environments, but because their charging and discharging process involves chemical reactions, they have a shorter lifespan.

How to Extend the Life of Lithium Batteries
“Although lithium batteries have many advantages, to extend their lifespan and ensure electric bicycles can be ridden longer, some precautions must be taken,” Dr. Mao emphasized. Currently, power batteries are often assembled into groups by connecting individual cells in series and parallel. However, due to the unique characteristics of lithium battery packs, consistency among the individual cells is crucial. “If just one battery in the group is different from the others, the performance of the entire pack will decrease.”

Therefore, consumers using lithium-ion electric bicycles must pay attention to the care of the battery during use to ensure longevity. The key to prolonging the battery’s life is to avoid overcharging and overdischarging, as both can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan.