When electric vehicle batteries are used for a certain period of time, everyone will encounter a problem - the battery life is getting shorter and shorter, and they will become upset while running. Especially when it comes time to replace the battery, many people are confused about whether to replace it in summer or winter. In fact, those knowledgeable veterans don't look at the seasons at all. They only focus on one question: whether the battery can still be used. This time, I will talk to you about how to replace batteries in summer and winter, and how to make the money spent worry-free and cost-effective.
Let’s first talk about the impact of temperature on the battery, which is key. Electric vehicle batteries are mainly divided into lead-acid and lithium batteries. Their "tempers" are closely related to temperature. Just like people's moods change due to weather changes, so do the chemical reactions inside the batteries.
In the summer, especially around 25 degrees Celsius, the battery condition is perfect and the response is as fast as drinking an energy drink. Even at a high temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, the capacity and discharge efficiency of lead-acid and lithium batteries can be fully exerted. For example, lead-acid batteries can release 100% of their capacity at 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, one advant
When electric vehicle batteries are used for a certain period of time, everyone will encounter a problem - the battery life is getting shorter and shorter, and they will become upset while running. Especially when it comes time to replace the battery, many people are confused about whether to replace it in summer or winter. In fact, those knowledgeable veterans don't look at the seasons at all. They only focus on one question: whether the battery can still be used. This time, I will talk to you about how to replace batteries in summer and winter, and how to make the money spent worry-free and cost-effective.
Let’s first talk about the impact of temperature on the battery, which is key. Electric vehicle batteries are mainly divided into lead-acid and lithium batteries. Their "tempers" are closely related to temperature. Just like people's moods change due to weather changes, so do the chemical reactions inside the batteries.
In the summer, especially around 25 degrees Celsius, the battery condition is perfect and the response is as fast as drinking an energy drink. Even at a high temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, the capacity and discharge efficiency of lead-acid and lithium batteries can be fully exerted. For example, lead-acid batteries can release 100% of their capacity at 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, one advantage of replacing a new battery in summer is that you can immediately measure its true battery life. If the battery you buy is advertised as capable of running 60 kilometers, try it in the summer and you will know whether it is true or not. However, hot weather does cause the battery to age quickly, but as long as the charger is regular and of a good brand, this trouble can be avoided.
In winter, the "temper" of the battery is not very good, and the weakness of the old battery is immediately apparent. When the weather gets cold, the chemical reactions in the battery will be as slow as a snail, and lead-acid is particularly affected - the capacity drops to 70% at zero degrees and even less than half at minus ten degrees. The loss of lithium batteries will be smaller, but it will also be reduced by about 10 to 20 percent. At this time, if the battery that can still run 40 kilometers in summer suddenly can only run 10 kilometers in winter, then 80% of the time it has seriously deteriorated, its safety is a problem, and it must be replaced immediately. There is a misunderstanding that needs to be clarified - short battery life in winter does not mean that the battery capacity is reduced, but the temperature makes it "unable to perform", and it will get better on its own when it warms up.
As for the timing of battery replacement, the key is actually based on demand and not tied to the seasons. Safety first, you must replace it immediately if the following conditions occur: the battery life is suddenly reduced by half, the charging time is abnormally short, the battery is bulging and leaking, the ride is obviously boring or even smells strange. These are all signs that the battery is on the verge of danger, and you cannot delay it whenever you encounter it.
If the old battery is still usable, but you just want to run farther and have better performance, then replacing it in the summer is an ideal choice. Because in summer, you can accurately measure the battery life of new batteries to avoid buying inferior products; at the same time, merchants have more new products, more reliable inventory, and longer warranty periods. This kind of usage environment can also help you adapt and evaluate the performance of the battery in winter in advance. Of course, in cold northern areas, if the old battery can no longer run in winter, even if the new battery has a shorter battery life in cold weather, it is still much better than the old one. Timely replacement can better ensure travel safety. Sometimes businesses will conduct battery swapping activities in winter, which can also help car owners with limited budgets save money.
Battery selection and daily maintenance are the core to making it last longer. Choose a brand from a big manufacturer, such as Tianneng, Chaowei, Xupai, etc., and stay away from those seemingly cheap no-name batteries, because they often have problems with falsely marked capacities and rough workmanship. Lead-acid batteries are cheap and easy to recycle, and are suitable for short-distance riding. They generally last two or three years. Lithium batteries are lightweight, have long battery life, and have a lifespan of four to five years. They are suitable for long distances, but they are expensive and have stricter environmental requirements. The voltage and capacity of the new battery must match the motor controller, otherwise it is likely to fail to run or use power too quickly.
It's also important to pay attention to the production date - lead-acid has a one-year warranty and lithium-ion batteries have a three-year shelf life, so it's best to choose batteries produced within three months. When exchanging old batteries for new ones, ask about the recycling price, check the packaging and anti-counterfeiting signs, and avoid buying refurbished goods.
In terms of maintenance, it is not necessary to charge it to 100%, nor to use it until it is completely empty. It’s best to charge lead-acid batteries when they have 20 to 30% remaining power, while charging lithium batteries to 90% can both protect their lifespan and be sufficient. Don’t let your electric car be exposed to the sun for a long time in summer; when it’s not in use for a long time in winter, remove the battery and store it indoors, charging it once a month. Riding habits will also affect lifespan - riding smoothly and avoiding violent acceleration or high current climbing can reduce wear and tear.
Ultimately, replacing batteries for electric vehicles is a decision that requires comprehensive consideration. The season is just a reference, what’s more important is the condition of the old battery, its usage target, and market offers. Choosing a reliable brand and following good maintenance habits are the real secrets to making your battery last longer, saving you worry and money.
