Are E-bike Batteries safe? How to care for them and which ones to buy to stay safe.

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  • Опубліковано 6 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @VFRRiderFT
    @VFRRiderFT 2 роки тому +11

    My one big recommendation is to only use a charger as recommended by the battery manufacture, I bought a Samsung battery for my build and the Samsung charger to go with it, not the cheapest option by a country mile, but I believe it to be the safest option!
    Thanks for the video Johnny!

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      No big no. Not a dangerous no but a stupid recommendation for anyone but the dummest hobbyists who should not have such batteries around to manage . Sorry if that offends you as I mean u

  • @ChrisBFerguson
    @ChrisBFerguson 2 роки тому +3

    I have three Unit Pack Power batteries and zero issues except one charger died and they replaced it for free for me. Louis Rossmann messed up.
    My most recent battery purchase was from you. I have to say the one I got from you. 52 v 28 Ah Triangle battery with Anderson connectors has a really cool power button.
    I trust UPP.

  • @icecave89
    @icecave89 2 роки тому +3

    Don't park your bike in the sun 😎
    All 3 of my builds are from reputable sources....... thanks for all the great videos..

    • @granadosable
      @granadosable 2 роки тому

      How then are you supposed to ride the thing in the sun if you can't even park it in the sun?

    • @icecave89
      @icecave89 2 роки тому +1

      @@granadosable do you live on Earth ? If so the wind created by RIDING your bike is usually enough to help to keep the battery at a reasonable temp. That's why all those ladies in Spain keep on fanning

    • @icecave89
      @icecave89 2 роки тому

      @@granadosable of course if it's a China battery don't ride it at all ua-cam.com/video/WFl8YmJ4yxQ/v-deo.html

  • @pacificostudios
    @pacificostudios Рік тому +1

    Something else to remember: Power dissipation increases by the square of current. When the Flite Test people tested Lithium batteries for fire potential, they rigged up a 20 ampere charger. It didn't matter that the remote control airplane battery they charges was about 10 volts -- the amount of heat that battery was producing while charging was ridiculous, and it ignited in minutes. So when you charge a 48 volt battery at 3 amperes -- like your bike was probably designed-- you are generating about 50 times less heat than the Flite Test experimenters, and your battery can safely dissipate that heat. Even charging at 5 amperes is tripling the amount of heat, and that can lead to thermal runaway, and a lithium fire.

  • @realeyesrealizereallies6828
    @realeyesrealizereallies6828 2 роки тому +7

    Lithium Iron Phosphate LIPO-4 Is the way to go in my opinion, they are heavier but far superior in every way including they won't blow up, catch fire and they last 3 to 6 times longer...

  • @mikemorgan8588
    @mikemorgan8588 2 роки тому +1

    Consider storing and charging your batteries in a barbecue or large roaster pan (with the lid on). Also consider a battery heater pad (not a regular heating pad) for the winter months.

  • @traviseller3770
    @traviseller3770 Рік тому +2

    I’ve seen a couple of the Amazon, do it yourself kits come into my shop built by people I wouldn’t trust with a flat head screwdriver and a pair of tweezers

  • @jean-valerythoraval4591
    @jean-valerythoraval4591 Рік тому +1

    As far as fast discharge goes, i guess torque sensing will do a better job at keeping your batteries in good state than cadence sensing.
    Sure enough ghost pedalling can be a thrill, but the motor is doing all the work...

  • @michaelbrinks8089
    @michaelbrinks8089 2 роки тому +2

    Off subject but while thinking about campervans,travel, e-bikepacking, vanlife,transportation, high cost of gas,etc... I came up with an idea for an aerodynamic, fully enclosed, electric/pedal reverse trike, that can be used as a sleeping pod by laying the seat flat & can also/float be used as a boat, that tows a small 1 wheel aerodynamic floating trailer.
    It'd look similar to a velomobile or a mini, single seat Aptera electric car. It'd have full suspension (bicycle suspension,brakes,ebike parts,wheels,so parts could easily be found) , the hood & roof would be covered with lightweight solar panels (about 200w) & the trailer lid would have a 100w panel. The trailer would have a hinged locking lid, under the rider seat would have a large flat battery bank. On short trips where you don't plan on sleeping, you'd have plenty of storage behind the seat for groceries, so you wouldn't need to bring the trailer. Under the seat would also be some room for extra lightweight,fold up solar panels to slide into. The dash would have an area for a laptop, it'd be like a little camping/sleeping pod. You'd have radio/music like a car, after riding/traveling all day, you could watch a movie on the laptop before bed. For air conditioning, you could use a couple 12v peltiers/fans that blow cool air. For heat, an electric blanket that covers the seat. The trailer could carry a tiny 12v refrigerator. Between solar recharging/range extender & plugging in along the way =no gas money needed, max speed 30-35 mpg. Making it float & still be lightweight would be a challenge but would be awesome if possible. Instead of having to always take busy roads, you could float down rivers. If the vehicle is only say 250-300 lbs it'd be easy to push in light off road situations. On a big river like the Mississippi, you could safely float downstream by by staying close to shore/shallow water & bypass the locks/dams instead of going through them.
    Basically an enclosed kayak/sleeping pod/electric trike. Mini electric RV/houseboat?

    • @realeyesrealizereallies6828
      @realeyesrealizereallies6828 2 роки тому +2

      Building something like that right now...And already have a solar boat with trolling motor...

  • @waltersmithat70
    @waltersmithat70 Рік тому +1

    I store my battery any metal box out on my patio the metal box has three layers of 1000 degree temperature Fireproof insulation. Box has a lid on it that latches with insulation under the lid and also on the floor this completely surrounds the batteries I also have a light bulb which is 25 watts on a timer that goes on for a half hour every 5 hours keeping the ambient temperature at about 60° Around the Clock. I charge the battery with the charger in the Box on a timer that will shut off after about 5 hours. I can walk away from the battery charging and feel quite safe and confident. I know this seems like Overkill but it cost me nothing to do this and gives me great peace of mind for myself and my family

  • @chimerabmx
    @chimerabmx 2 роки тому +2

    Batteries are so dangerous. We're assembling our battery packs, potting in thermal epoxy, and encasing them in aluminum right here in the U.S.

  • @pacificostudios
    @pacificostudios Рік тому +1

    Keep this in mind: Lithium spontaneously ignites at 350 F. -- So if the battery has to be literally sizzling before it burns. Of course, never overcharge your battery, and don't charge it overnight. The battery on my Velotric Discover 1 doesn't even get warm when it charges; the charger puts out only 3 amperes.

  • @santee6399
    @santee6399 2 роки тому +1

    Very good info. Thanks. Can you show us the 52v 30ah gas tank styled battery you sell sometime?

  • @DivineMisterAdVentures
    @DivineMisterAdVentures Місяць тому

    Yeah. My 2005 Ford Explorer? I'm $30,000 out of pocket for maintenance on that in 100,000 miles. No matter who - maintenance is a nightmare. I just parked it and for two years I'm riding a bicycle.

  • @VacancyOfDisco
    @VacancyOfDisco Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the insight! I am looking at the Wing Freedom ST with a 14ah Bafang battery with Panasonic cells. I will probably get a lithium ion battery safe (still looking into reliable brands for that) for added security as well. Do you think having something like an outlet timer would be useful as well to make sure the power is cut off after so many hours?

  • @biggregg5
    @biggregg5 2 роки тому +5

    I'm curious what you think about adapting relatively inexpensive tool batteries like Kobalt's 24 volt line for ebikes, escooters, and what not. they're readily available and have a good long warranty. I've seen a teardown of them, and at least at that time, they were using the name brand 18650 cells you mentioned. I use that tool line, so I have at least a half dozen around the house. What are your thoughts?

    • @bindingcurve
      @bindingcurve 2 роки тому +1

      The 40 volt packs make more sense. But good ebike batteries are the same cost and much better form factor

    • @MHH3180
      @MHH3180 2 роки тому +1

      My friend works for Milwaukee. He used two 18's for his 36 volt conversion. They seem to be more rugged and multiple cases can't hurt. I wonder if they have internal BMS's? I also wonder if they will tend to allow too low voltage?

    • @EBikeBuilder_
      @EBikeBuilder_ 2 роки тому

      you would have to hook a number of them up together to have a usable voltage and range for an ebike. It wont be as cost efficient or space efficient as say a purpose made ebike triangle battery. Charging a bunch of batteries is gonna be a pain as well

    • @KevinSatterthwaite
      @KevinSatterthwaite 2 роки тому

      a tool manufacturer will not warranty a battery if its used on an ebike. having multiple chargers around could be more expensive i think, swapping multiple batts on 1 charger is a bigger pain. tool manufacturers seem to change the battery formats every once an a while. imagine revamping your ebike every time this happens. how do you mount them? how much money are you really saving? id wager a proper ebike battery overall less expensive by the time you factor in time, engineering and the extra doo dads you'll need.

    • @alfredosaez7735
      @alfredosaez7735 2 роки тому +1

      You would have to add a BMS because cordlesss power tools have the BMS in the tool and not on the Battery (at least Dewalt for what I know)

  • @msbuttercup2073
    @msbuttercup2073 2 роки тому +1

    Hi, can you recommend an e-tricycle battery kit for a 20in fat tire tricycle? Now that I've seen them spontaneously catching fire, I don't have an idea what to buy. Thank you.

  • @TrueMathSquare
    @TrueMathSquare 2 роки тому +2

    Johny, I was just watching your videos on mid drives and I was just woundering since I want to convert an bike into an ebike but I do not want to use the ebike functionality all of the time. Are there any good 750W mid drives that have more than one chagrining? An 40 tooth chain ring isn't going to get up me an 10+% grade. Right now on my bicycle I have an 22, 3(x), 4(x) tooth chain ring with the biggest in the back being an 36.

    • @bcamping1
      @bcamping1 Рік тому +1

      You can't use bafang middrive when its like turned off. There is too much resistance.

  • @ivm1646
    @ivm1646 2 роки тому +1

    Where are you located in Utah please

  • @banyanstudio
    @banyanstudio 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the fire side chat. Besides your own store, where do you recommend buying batteries from?

  • @retireditguy9493
    @retireditguy9493 2 роки тому +2

    A battery made with unprotected cells is relying entirely in the BMS for protection. That is a single point of failure. What do you think of making an ebike battery with individually protected cells? That way if the BMS fails or you have an internal short the individual battery protection is still in place. The only downside I can see is typically a protected cell of the same model has less capacity than an equivalent unprotected cell.

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      That depends on whether the failures are ultimately with the cells individually or management systems and build quality

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      That other stuff said … more protection IS BETTER

  • @faragar1791
    @faragar1791 Рік тому +1

    My local bike shops don't sell E-bike batteries. If I shouldn't buy E-bike batteries on Amazon, where else am I supposed to shop for an E-bike battery online?

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  Рік тому +2

      Any reputable ebike component vendor. *cough*

  • @whatsname2649
    @whatsname2649 Рік тому +1

    Johnny, can you give me an idea of how much it costs to charge a battery? I realize batteries come in different sizes, so let's say a 750w size. I also realize electricity varies in price, so let's go with kilowatt hours. Thanks!!!

    • @waltersmithat70
      @waltersmithat70 Рік тому

      About 25 minutes depending on the size of the battery and where you live

    • @waltersmithat70
      @waltersmithat70 Рік тому

      I meant to say about 25 cents

  • @richglista7697
    @richglista7697 2 роки тому +1

    I've watched many of your videos. It seems like whenever you talk about mountain bikes you recommend hard tailed mountain bikes. What wrong with a soft tailed mountain bike? How about a full suspension mountain bike are they worse than hard tails?

  • @kj2901
    @kj2901 2 роки тому +1

    Any idea how much weight to put into certifications? Ie if a battery has a legit CE certification is that enough to assume it's probably relatively safe? Figure UL is but I don't think I've seen a battery with that.. then again haven't seen too many different batteries.

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  2 роки тому +1

      I started carrying batteries from a manufacturer that also certify it un38.3. It’s definitely better to have more certifications than not. I’m not aware of any that are UL certified as of yet.

  • @Lecia-lithium
    @Lecia-lithium 6 днів тому

    Best place for UK buyers?

  • @Graytalon
    @Graytalon 2 роки тому +5

    What are your thoughts on lithium iron, LiFePo4, batteries?

    • @MrBothandNether
      @MrBothandNether 2 роки тому +2

      And lithium phosphate as well

    • @EBikeBuilder_
      @EBikeBuilder_ 2 роки тому

      lifepo4 is heavy and the cells are lower voltage

    • @Graytalon
      @Graytalon 2 роки тому

      @@EBikeBuilder_ Yeah, but I'm a tiny guy, 6'4" and about 240. A little weight isn't going to concern me that much. The lower voltage, depending on how much lower to mass ratio, might make a difference.
      My main concern is the safety margin. My understanding is that the Iron won't runaway. Of course, I have been wrong before.
      GT

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 2 роки тому

      Have you found someone selling LiFePo4 ebike batteries?

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      @@Graytalon honestly not a huge risk but still a risk. If you got a house with garage and or outside area to keep the stuff get it. If it’s gonna be in your living space … find another hobby or transport method. If your young and don’t care or otherwise risk averse which you don’t at all seem to be (the latter) get all the batttery power 😊

  • @EBikeBuilder_
    @EBikeBuilder_ 2 роки тому +2

    I've never had any problem with UPP batteries. Louis Rossman F'd up imo. I will say it seems UPP are doing some funny business with shipping, I don't see any hazardous materials stickers on them. So they got their batteries rolling around on Amazon's conveyor belts without any warning on them lol.

    • @kjohns1413
      @kjohns1413 2 роки тому +1

      I noticed the same thing. No labels on the packages.

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      How did he fukk up and where can I watch the video where he did ??

  • @NWforager
    @NWforager 2 роки тому +3

    lol fireside chat about ebike battery fires 😎 maybe fire place is the best place to charge em

  • @scottrichards3587
    @scottrichards3587 2 роки тому +1

    All common sense. I hope homeowner insurance doesn't start surcharging premiums for owners of ebikes. Safety regulations for manufacturers might prevent that as well as protecting property and ensuring safety.

  • @enriquehernandez155
    @enriquehernandez155 2 роки тому +3

    What wrong with people.
    This is not something new.
    Anyone into E bikes should know this. I have been researching E bikes for 3 years. The reason I listen to your clips is you really seem to give a shit!
    And you are deep into E bikes and everything related to electric bike gadgets.
    I injoy your honest opinion on this subject.
    And your the only one that makes it easier for others to get involved if there interested.
    Thank you for doing this and making it sound easy and simple. I really think your a good guy!
    Love this show!🤪👻🤣✨️

    • @brittweir8844
      @brittweir8844 11 місяців тому

      He is a really great guy 😊

  • @michaelsprinzeles4022
    @michaelsprinzeles4022 2 роки тому

    Amen.
    Question: Can ballancing be accomplished charging to 80%? (My charger only balances at 100% so every 3rd or 4th charge I go beyond my usual 80%).

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  2 роки тому +1

      Not that I know of. Charging to 100% is how the BMS knows to top each bank off to. After a while certain banks can start to fall off slightly if not balanced

    • @michaelsprinzeles4022
      @michaelsprinzeles4022 2 роки тому

      @@JohnnyNerdOut Thanks.
      So stick to my old routine, I guess. Seems that even with all the advancements promised just about everything I learned about battery care in 2017 & 18 still applies.

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  2 роки тому +1

      @@michaelsprinzeles4022 ya, tech hasn’t changed that much. Bigger and more dense cells maybe is about it.

    • @michaelsprinzeles4022
      @michaelsprinzeles4022 2 роки тому

      @@JohnnyNerdOut I was supposed to have a removeable battery personal jet pack by now! What's the hold up?🙃

    • @davidantweiler4729
      @davidantweiler4729 Рік тому +1

      German battery maker enerpower advertises that their bms's balance at below 100% charge.

  • @MHH3180
    @MHH3180 2 роки тому +6

    According to The NTSB, per capita, you are "far more likely to have an internal combustion engine explosion than an electrical vehicle fire." You have a BMS of sorts in both your charger and your battery (redundancy your cell phone, power drill. lawn mower... does not). Most motors won't let you run over voltage or to draw too many amps.
    Out of hundreds of batteries I have sold or managed, NONE has been without BMS failures at the same rate. Out of all these batteries, I have never once had a cell failure. Cell quality is bologna. Of the few generic batteries I have disassembled, all had Panasonic, LG or Sony cells anyway. Even in videos I have never seen an internal cell failure. Connections, external shorts and almost always from using a battery case that has been dropped, crashed or somehow cracked open.
    Of all the mfg's I have had the displeasure to try getting warrenty, the cheapest have been by far the best. Yamaha and Bosch believe their products can't go bad and do not stand behind their crappy BMS. Others, like UPP (one of my favorites otherwise) expect me to make repairs for them (sending me their replacement BMS's). The cheapest have been awesome about giving me the battery to repair and replacing it with another. The industry, at all levels, has a long ways to go.
    The biggest problem is folks leaving their non-factory fast charger on too long. You are soo right about using a slow charger
    I like to use a lamp timer to charge my batteries. So far, I haven't seen any quality adjustable chargers and even the bad ones are expensive. Most of my customers ride an hour at a time. Since their bikes discharge faster than their chargers refuel, if they recharge the length of time they rode, they end up 90 or 95% all the time, saving their batteries. Haven't had any luck convincing anyone not to run their batteries dead.

    • @NWforager
      @NWforager 2 роки тому +1

      lots of great info .thanks

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 2 роки тому

      I agree, gas fires are probably more common but the issue with lithium batteries is often the fires occur while charging or the vehicle isn't running potentially leading to structure fires.

    • @MHH3180
      @MHH3180 2 роки тому +1

      @@chrisE815 I promise, this was a HOT topic in the early 60's when thry first started building houses with attached garages...and BTW, most motor vehicle fires happen when no one is around.

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      @@MHH3180 that would likely indicate electric as the fault (cause) which actually hurts the argument for electric as safe. Said as a guy standing feet away from several large batteries in my apartment

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      As to my other reply.. IM NOT like you (you being the original commenter in this sub thread) deflecting from the risk: you are not looking at any of this logically. Which is a shame cause you know ur stuff but your bias makes you not trustworthy

  • @Darryl.Harris
    @Darryl.Harris Рік тому

    Good stuff!!

  • @diegudr
    @diegudr Рік тому

    So what about those samsung phones with samsung batteries? Is your brand loyalty swaying your opinion or should we rather trust samsung?

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  Рік тому +1

      No battery is %100 safe. Even if it’s UL listed. The goal is to get as close to %100 as possible. Don’t buy cheap battery cells made by unskilled workers using shoddy material and your percentages go up 👍

  • @walkerskii
    @walkerskii 2 роки тому

    I'm ready to ship you two mountain bikes for e-conversion, do I need to book a $10 consultation or just ship you the bikes what is the new Portland shop address please?

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  2 роки тому

      I’m not taking new conversions at the moment 😞

  • @chestnutlouie4709
    @chestnutlouie4709 2 роки тому

    Don’t they make automatic ebike battery that shuts off when the battery is fully charged. What do you recommend?

    • @seetheanimal5867
      @seetheanimal5867 2 роки тому

      U might want a hobby with less danger potential.

    • @chestnutlouie4709
      @chestnutlouie4709 2 роки тому

      @@seetheanimal5867 I built and flew radio controlled airplanes, boats and cars and with the exception of the very early stuff all of my battery chargers were fully automatic

  • @JohnSmith-ch9lp
    @JohnSmith-ch9lp 2 роки тому +1

    Please water that tree Mr Nerdout! 👀

    • @brittweir8844
      @brittweir8844 11 місяців тому

      Ya I think that cedar is a goner😂, to close to the Firepit?

  • @bradseward8342
    @bradseward8342 2 роки тому +2

    Slow is the way to go...
    Like the Old Bull told the young bull (old joke) lol

  • @vog51
    @vog51 Рік тому

    Connecting a "live" battery and having a spark only affects the terminal connection points. It may create a small spark, and may create a small arc pit on the point, but it will not affect the circuit. Connecting an inductive load is a whole nother topic.

  • @josephdavis9785
    @josephdavis9785 2 роки тому +2

    What about a battery bag for safety? Explosion proof? Fire resistant?

    • @MHH3180
      @MHH3180 2 роки тому +2

      Like wearing a helmet in the shower.

    • @EBikeBuilder_
      @EBikeBuilder_ 2 роки тому +1

      i wouldn't count on those to do anything

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 2 роки тому +1

      Metal ammo box?

  • @JamesTsividis
    @JamesTsividis Рік тому

    How do you waterproof an ebike battery?

    • @JohnnyNerdOut
      @JohnnyNerdOut  Рік тому

      Marine grade caulking. Even Henry’s roofing sealant. Depends on how much function over fashion you want to go.

  • @jwit76
    @jwit76 2 роки тому +1

    Moral of the story, be very, very afraid. These batteries are demanding, angry infant monsters that if not kept perfectly content will blow your ass up. If you want angry twins, get the parallel adapter. Thanks Johnny. I do agree that in some fashion we are representatives of this enjoyable industry and we can make each other look smart and responsible, or very foolish.

  • @ryanmfitz
    @ryanmfitz 2 роки тому

    thoughts on molicel p42a ?

  • @dennyf57
    @dennyf57 Рік тому

    is the lunawolf v2 pack safe?

  • @bindingcurve
    @bindingcurve 2 роки тому +7

    I charge my hobby lipos in the bathtub.

  • @chucknorris8704
    @chucknorris8704 2 роки тому +1

    As a Daewoo owner, I am deeply offended.

  • @vedranbanic8474
    @vedranbanic8474 Рік тому

    bought Samsung from aliexpress and i am very satisfied after 2years

  • @davidparker2173
    @davidparker2173 Рік тому

    This is helpful, which is always good for business. Lithium batteries are inherently dangerous. The world I hear is waiting on the quantum glass battery that will be vastly superior, and safer than what we have now. I agree with your assessment of quality as a necessity.

  • @bujin5455
    @bujin5455 Рік тому

    Batteries are playing an ever more important role in society, and yet most people have taken zero initiative to understand anything about them.

  • @jeffl4802
    @jeffl4802 2 роки тому +1

    I'm pretty sure all batteries come from the same place no matter how you get them. China. The most you will get is assembled in the US. Almost everything is from China. Samsung is Korean but probably has stuff made in China too. Just like we have stuff made in Mexico.
    Isnt it just as good to get a cheap battery but fully test it? If I was a professional battery assembler the parts I got to make my own are all from China.

  • @scottrichards3587
    @scottrichards3587 2 роки тому

    U.L. certification is trustworthy.

  • @realeyesrealizereallies6828
    @realeyesrealizereallies6828 2 роки тому

    Funny, when me and my wife were dating and we were poor as fuch, I had a Daewoo TV that we always made fun of, it worked good but the name was just funny to us, my kid took it to college with him, he graduated and the thing still works...So you just never know..Gotta be 30 years old....

  • @wagonet
    @wagonet 2 роки тому +2

    first. love all your videos

  • @wild-radio7373
    @wild-radio7373 Рік тому

    100% 🔥❤️

  • @RetroMancer242
    @RetroMancer242 Рік тому

    Or just get a Polly battery and dont worry about it.

  • @granadosable
    @granadosable 2 роки тому

    E bikes are too complicated, real bikes are better.