Storage and winter
Store at 40 to 60 percent charge, between 50 and 77°F, indoors, and top up every two months. Never charge a pack that is below freezing.
| Charge level | For storage | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Worst | Fastest calendar aging, highest fire energy if damaged |
| 80% | Poor | Still high cathode stress |
| 40–60% | Best | Lowest aging; this is how packs ship from the factory |
| 20% | Risky | Self-discharge can take it to 0 within a season |
| 0% | Damaging | Cells below 2.5V may never recover; BMS may lock the pack |
| Temperature | Riding | Charging and storage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 32°F (0°C) | Ride: OK with reduced range | Charge: never. Lithium plating damages cells permanently |
| 32–50°F | Ride: 10–30% less range | Charge: let the pack warm indoors first |
| 50–77°F | Ideal for riding, charging and storage | |
| 77–95°F | Ride: fine | Charge: OK; store elsewhere |
| Above 95°F (35°C) | Ride: OK briefly | Charge and storage: avoid. Hot car trunks reach 130°F+ |
Why cold cuts range
Cold slows the chemistry inside each cell, so voltage sags under load and the controller sees "empty" sooner. The capacity is not lost; it comes back when the pack warms. Expect 10 to 30 percent less range below 40°F, and keep the pack indoors until you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my e-bike battery in a cold garage?
Below freezing, no. Cold storage itself is not harmful, but you will be tempted to charge it cold, and condensation when it warms can corrode contacts. Keep it indoors.
How often should I charge a stored battery?
Check every two months and bring it back to about 50 percent. A pack that drops below 20 percent in storage is at risk of over-discharge damage.
Should I store the battery full before winter?
No. Full packs age fastest. 40 to 60 percent is the manufacturer-recommended storage level for lithium-ion.