How to charge your battery faster! (Multiple methods!)

[@Todd66]

I’ve been into ebikes less than 6 months, so I am on a information quest….this channel has been a treasure trove of quality information. Make more videos please, I’m still hungry! Lol Great job….again

[@devildogcody]

Just remember that the faster you charge, the more heat is generated. Heat is one of the biggest causes of a cell degrading. You will get longer life/more charge cycles using slower charging.

[@tedforester133]

I looked for this comment before posting the same thing. I see people kill their cell phone batteries using "fast charge" for every time they plug in. Fast charging shouldn't be everyday charging, and shouldn't be more than 80% of the max battery capacity.

[@petergilbert72]

Am I right in thinking that least ‘friction’ among positive and negative ions occurs when you charge a half full battery eg charging it from 40% to 60%? And that this is the optimum for battery health and long life?

[@devildogcody]

@@petergilbert72 Not sure about friction, but the chemical process of discharging a lithium battery is exothermic (generates heat), and for charging is endothermic (absorbs heat). Most battery chargers are designed to operate with the batteries specific "C" rating in mind and to not max that rating out. You can technically charge at the max C rating of that battery, but the outcome will be shorter life. Charging above that rating can possibly cause venting and thermal runaway (a violent and rapid exothermic reaction). Luckily thermal runaway is fairly rare as the individual cells have built in protections that disable the battery, effectively killing it but avoiding further damage....think about how often you see stories on "exploding batteries"....then think about just how many lithium batteries you yourself actually have......almost all modern electrical devices with built in batteries are using a form of lithium cell. I have 5 just within arms reach of where I am sitting right now. The ultimate goal is to find a charge rate that is fast enough for you to be useful, but low enough to minimize cell degradation in your battery (the science behind the degradation goes a little deep for me, all I needed to know was that heat speeds up the process, and extreme cold can as well...though a different type of degrading). I think for most battery packs you can purchase, 5A charging is a fairly safe range...and up to 10A when high quality, high C rating cells are used. Those super fast, "charge up in under an hour" chargers may technically be "safe" as in not exceeding the battery packs C rating, but you are going to end up with 100-300 charge cycles instead of the 500-800 you could get using a slower charge method.

[@smoxesss]

@@tedforester133 i ave had many fast charge phones non have ever gone below 100% i have had 1 over 5 years that was the iphone 6s have a iphone 8 plus still charges to 100% i charge them daily to 100% i have never had battery issues like what u speak on i think me and fast charging is gone be ok

[@smoxesss]

do if was to charge in in low cold temps then there would be no degrade to my battery right ???? i will leave my scooter and charge it next to my door freezing down there always cold too .. .... loooks like can fast charge daily not that i will be doing that

[@liscales1092]

Exactly what I needed, thanks. Have been looking to cut charging time for when I go bike-packing and will often need to grab a quick charge when the opportunity presents itself.

[@raylivengood8040]

Glad to have this information confirmed. I’m often tempted to charge using the amp “half” rule, but usually stick to 3-4 no mater the size battery over 10ah. My Cycle Satiator really warms up at 4amps, so the 40% sounds like a safe ceiling. I have a 48v 23ah battery that I’ve been tempted to charge at 5 amp+, but haven’t because of the stress to the charger and unknown ability of the battery BMS. Thanks for the video !

[@kennelson410]

I enjoyed the video ,and I needed the info

[@apexer6]

did you go to school for this? bro i love the videos. I just wanted to ride a bike to work and now I am stuck watching every single one of your videos even the ones that don't have to do with biking. Stay positive!

[@LordManhattan]

Thanks! I always wondered why my 14.5 Ah (48V) battery charged in about two hours (from about 20%) when it said in the manual that it would typically take 4-5 hours (from 0%). The bike I have gets delivered with either one of the two: a 2A charger (regular), or a 5A (fast charger). I just realized that I have the fast charger 😄 I thought that maybe my battery was going bad, but guess not, lol.

[@christopherh7315]

Thank you for this info! Chargers are often overlooked but obviously important!

[@orson347]

Micah, I do not understand what happened. I got a notice a while back that I was the winner of one of your books. I responded selecting the E-Bike Manifesto. I thought I did so in a timely manner. I never received the book and I did include my address when responding. I also emailed you through your channel and got no response. So, I figured I would post here and see what happens. That aside, this video was really informative. Thanks!

[@Casenundra]

Everyone says fully charge battery on first time charge; but, no one tells you red = charging, & green = charged ! Chargers get warm. I place my charger on its side to help it dissipate heat.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

That was interesting. Micah, often times when I'm curious about something and I venture off KZbin and practise my Google-Fu, I'm offered articles from Electrek and about a third of the time ... you're the author. I thought that was pretty COOL.

[@rickrys2729]

Very helpful and clear presentation on charging. I use a DC power supply as a backup in case the charger fails . This unit can charge up to 10 amps. Nice to know I should throttle back a bit

[@CarlosSanchezMusic4Life]

with my 48v 20Ah battery, i limit charging to 4Amps when the weather is cool, and 3Amps in the Summer. always feel the charging wires near the battery input, and the side of the battery pack. if it's warm, back down the charging Amps. you want to preserve the battery, but also want to avoid catastrophe.

[@wkrupper]

Hey Micah, I always appreciate your videos!

[@chrisbarker270]

Like the way you're so clear on your videos.

[@Milkybar3320011]

Another easy explained masterclass in ebike 101. If I could make a request and from personal experience, my latest issue is how to swap out a failed BMS when the old one is unknown and the new one based on what is available is different. Hard lesson learnt having burnt out the first replacement as the balance leads and plug was transferable but backwards!

[@sgtfirefighter]

I love all your informative videos. Is it safe to use a smart plug to set up a charging schedule for your e-bike battery? That way it's not sitting at or near fully charged overnight adding strain to the battery, in a sense it makes for faster charging since you don't have to keep an eye on it or plug it in early in the morning. Also, isn't one of the reasons it takes so long to get the last few percent is your charger is balancing your cells, which is not necessary to do all the time but is good to do periodically, correct?

[@miespost]

Smart plugs are great just have the charger on when you plug it into the battery so it doesn’t spark at the battery connector, I used to use a Christmas light timer before I got a Luna advanced charger that I highly recommend because using a smart plug/ timer is kinda anoying rather then just plug in and charge at 1 amp to 80%. The last 15% charge slow because the cells have to be constant voltage charged to full cell voltage. Balancing occurs at this point because it is when cells that are charged above the rest will reach full charge first and the bms can burn off with resistors or use capacitors to redistribute the excess voltage un tell the rest of the cells have reached full charge.

[@PaulBrawl-lc7gz]

Helpful info for my escooter too brother, thanks!

[@ipadworkim5460]

Show us how to build a high power ebike charger with chardemo or type 2 ccs used for ev charging. These wall charges may be a little expensive but they output so much power thst we could tap into for those using our ebikes for the last mile logistics

[@andyfumo8931]

This is crucial for emobility future. You're able to have smaller cheaper batteries if you can utilize charging on the go. Not all of us have a 10mile commute. If we can't go 50+miles at a reasonable rate of speed, then it becomes just a hobby day off bike and with costs of living being what they are, it'll make an emobility purchase non viable for a large group of potential customers, which of course hurts sales for the new and upcoming emobility companies 😅

[@turfnsurf9367]

This vid is most helpful to me. I take my ebike with me on my travels and charge the battery at libraries.

[@mattc825]

Faster charging won’t take a toll on your battery but what you have to look out for is the circuitry (hardware)

[@TimBee100]

Just ordered a 4A charger. Seems to be the same plug. I think they are the default ones. I just wanted to double check before I bought it. I will use the 2A one when in no rush - If the company replaces it (under warranty).

[@tripuallampudi7402]

Great intro to ebike battery chargers. Very clear and simplified, especially the formula shown on chalk board to really understand the mechanics of charging, and how voltage/Amperage and charging times jive together. Great Video!!🎉

[@Zomby_Woof]

It all depends on the cells. LIPO has better charge and discharge rates. Mine are good for 120A - and that's before taking into account that its 4P, so I could be charging at 480A. That's more than double my entire home electrical service.

[@californiakayaker]

With my Wildeway and its 32AH battery, they supplied a 4amp charger. Amazingly, they supply that same charger to the 17AH bike battery system they sell. I asked them about that and they played dumb, but I know I could get away with a higher amp charger, and I'm thinking easily an 8 amp charger. What do you think ? What should the max voltage while charging be ? It sounds like these chargers are regulated to never go above 54.6 volts ? That is, if my battery actually has 13 cells ? I'd love to see a "tear down" channel like we see with the LIPO batteries. Tear downs are very informative to a tech like myself.

[@marthamryglod291]

I have two 72v bikes and one 36v bike. They all have 2A chargers. I'd like to get an adjustable charger so I can speed charge to like 90% if need be. Any recommendations?

[@brandonmoreno5644]

thank you for the excellent videos! Very inspiring, informational, and well articulated. You are the man! As I dive deeper I'll consider supporting and grabbing one of your books. My money is all gone from ebike parts at the moment.

[@studiosinger]

I think he should have recommended only chargers that have an auto turn off when the battery is full. You can actually start a fire if left on too long. I recently ordered a new charger that was very hot after 2 hours so these do catch on fire if they charge too fast for the bike especially. The charger business said they tested it for safety even.

[@brafaelo]

Hi, loved all the info you provided here. Well, I have a super soco TC max that uses a 72v 45ah li-ion battery. The original charger is a 83v 10a. Can I use a 84v 15a charger ? Thanks

[@cubitaid2454]

Hi Micah, I learned a lot from you. Thank you.

[@veryanoynimouse]

I prefer to use the stock charger. It is slow but (I hope) it will prolong the service life of my battery. In any case I ride to work , plug the bike in, ride home at the end of the day and then overnight it. Cycling for me is more about utility (cheap transport) than pleasure

[@walleyehunter8862]

All ebike batteries should have a battery percentage and volt percentage gauge built on it .

[@stephangarancsi4516]

You can, if you have two stock chargers, dual charge the battery. With parallel charging. + to + and - to - solder a diy dual port parallel charge port. Just unplug one charger when they start blinking green/red. Just don't go crazy : you can safely charge at 1C charging. Meaning : if battery have 6 ah. You can have two chargers rated at 2ah (2+2ah=4ah. You charge at 0,66C.

[@dg9bfc]

1C is not possible on bigger packs I have 2x 25 Ah .. each pack can take 5 A charge current but I set my charger to 8.5 to have some safety room (both packs charged in parallel so 4.25 A per pack)... I guess with higher amps the charge port goes up in smoke (it gets a tiny bit warm at 4 A) so.. "fast charge" here is 6h and on every few charge cycles I set charger down to 2A and the cells will have lots of balancing time

[@mikejf4377]

Haven’t seen you for a bit. Hope all is well.

[@herbboughner3944]

You provide great information for Ebike users, thank you very much, could you tell me if there is a gauge for telling a person the accurate amount of a charge in their battery , that can be purchased or made.

[@herbboughner3944]

@Telegram me👉@The_Ebikeschool You can reach me at [e-mail] I would like to get a gauge that tells me what percentage my 48 volt battery is at , you said to take it for a 5 mile ride after you charge it fully, but in the winter I can't do that in Canada, so I would like to leave at about 60% for the months I have it in storage. Thanks for replying.

[@MrTwoZZT]

Thanks for the info was looking to get a faster charger for my electric motocycle and this video was very helpfull.

[@JoeLanzetta-bd3ze]

Great information on battery chargers- thanks for the info!!

[@pascalbruyere7108]

Are there chargers that deliver more than 4-5 Amps anyway? At some point the wire and plug become a problem of their own. Also, isn’t the BMS limiting the current? In which case it would not help to get a more powerful power supply. By the way we call that a charger but in fact it is just a power supply, right? The ‘charger’ is the BMS, isn’t it?

[@dg9bfc]

depends on the pack... some can not take more as 5 A on charge port or even lower (on smaller packs) other can take up to 10 or 20A (but speed charge is not good for the cells

[@blendpinexus1416]

i just grabbed a couple more of the basic chargers my batteries came with and some cable management later the batteries now have a much faster charge times of a little over an hour.

[@Hyper-Wolf]

Nice! I'm going to look more into these different chargers, when I get the time

[@semkraaijkamp]

I always like a free book with great info.

[@davia.holanda9405]

Another top video, great advice you gave about not going over 40%. thank you so much

[@brockedwards5896]

Thanks for the very informative video. I have been thinking about getting a better charger.

[@MAEVE369]

You look better with longer hair okay Keanu Reeves

[@Clemi47]

Hi Micah, love your work and through watching your videos I've learned lots. Most of my projects have been completed using mid drive Bafang 750 and 1000 Watts motors. Could you give me your opinion on what motor to use in my next project with a tricycle please? Hub or Mid drive? Thanks for producing such a informative Videos. Kind regards Clem Oliver (Australia)

[@ronbrown1236]

Thank you for the helpful video! Just one question, does what you said in this video apply the same for lead acid batteries of the 72v variety?

[@EbikeSchool]

The principles are the same, but the voltages I listed are for lithium-ion batteries like those used in most electric bicycles.

[@devildogcody]

not really. You especially don't want to follow the 80% rule on a lead acid battery. These batteries have what is known as "battery memory". If you constantly charge one to 80% capacity, over time that becomes the new max capacity.

[@ronbrown1236]

@@devildogcody thank you both for replying! :) I finally got a 72v lead acid charger for the bike and was previously using a lithium charger for the last couple weeks. It would charge it to 70-80 percent each time and stop as lithium does when trying to do lead acid. I hope the batteries aren’t going to mind the new charger and won’t have a memory too much from the lithium charger

[@devildogcody]

@@ronbrown1236 another thing to remember with lead acid batteries...the battery memory works in reverse also...meaning that unlike lithium cells, you want to discharge the lead acid battery as much as you can before charging....if you only ever discharge it half way, over time you will end up with half that battery usable. It is one of the reasons other than energy density most electronics have moved to lithium.

[@ronbrown1236]

@@devildogcody I didn’t know this. I will definitely drain it more then I have been doing, I was using the lithium logic unfortunately and keeping it around 40-60 percent

[@barrygodfrey8202]

great tip for faster charging

[@dannyoberthier3053]

I would rather spend the money on an extra battery, they all come with trickle chargers, the slower chargers ensure longer life for the battery, there is no faster recharge than a battery swap, you can take 2 batteries to riding venues, you can leave a spare battery at your regular destiny as well you have a spare charger and a spare battery in case of malfunction.

[@stephanbaker9210]

Ready for some “ o(ld ) w(I’fe) tales “ cause I simply parallel two identical chargers for double rated current . And live to tell the tale !

[@tanohuizar]

Towards the end you said you would put a link to your video about charger connectors. Where is it?

[@tda7293]

i like to hear what i already know, means that my knowledge is correct.tnx

[@SylvainsShipyard]

Great video, very informative! I understand that we cannot charge a 48v battery with a 36v charger but can we charge a 36v battery with a 56 or 62v charger? I would think so.

[@devildogcody]

No, it would be next to impossible to monitor individual cell voltage. The chargers are designed to slow down when a specific average cell voltage is reached...which will be a higher total voltage on a 72v charger than say a 48v.......letting the individual cells rest and balance out. If you try and manually watch voltage to shut off when "correct voltage" is reached....it is highly likely that individual cells will be over charged.

[@SylvainsShipyard]

@@devildogcody it makes sense, thank you so much for your reply!

[@jbwjr54]

Good presentation, info, analysis.

[@sasokoss]

Hi, thnx for info. Can you recommend the right charger for Xiaomi pro 4? Thnx for all support 🙌

[@ciliciaann3504]

I was wondering if it would be ok to use a parallel cable with two 2amp chargers. My Ebike battery is 54.6V 20Ah. I already have an extra 2 amp charger. My electric scooter came with two 2 amp chargers with the option to use one or both for faster charge. Would like to have the same option for my Ebike.

[@rickyelvis3215]

excellent and thanks… if my scooter takes about 7 hours to fully charge but I sleep 9 hours each night … is this detrimental to the battery… 56.4v … 13 Ah ?

[@parjacpar3077]

If you take them apart there are 2 screws which increases and decreases the voltage and ampage My battery charges in less then 2 hours because of this and my battery is 48v 10ah ALWAYS keep a eye on them when charging because they can catch fire and I know from experince

[@chrisackert8774]

Thanks for the video! i always carry a charger with me for long trips so I can grab a drink while it charges for an hour or so :)

[@erniedevries3243]

Very informative. Looking forward to exploring your channel.

[@1stawesome]

Thanks, great video! Can I use two fast chargers at the same time with one port charging (f.e. 16s9p battery)?

[@AnthondeVries]

i don't like charging them when i'm not around(or awake) so i charge them at work, usually i can fill them in 1 day, but if i don't i'll have to finish the charge the next day to avoid cell imbalance.(20ah 48v battery, 2amp charger)

[@klumze9911]

My ebike uses a barrel connector. How do you usually measure barrel connectors to make sure you buy the replacement charger?

[@EbikeSchool]

Majority are usually 5.5x2.1mm or 5.5x2.5 mm, some are larger up to 8mm. When in doubt, you can either ask your manufacturer or get one of those DC barrel plug adapter kits that have like 10 connectors for cheap, and compare them to your plug to see which fits.

[@Usasb4488]

I Lane so many things from bro I love you God bless you and your family 👪

[@bencoelho3]

"Anything you'd like" - done!

[@deyontecoleman2163]

Does this mean I can charge a 52v 30ah lithium ion battery with 58.8v 12a? (30ah x 40% = 12A.)

[@dg9bfc]

some packs can be charged with high current but most packs can not take more as 5A .. I have two packs and in theory I could charge them with 10 A in sum... but I use only 8 A to have some headroom means 4 A per pack ... divide by 5 cells (14s5p) it's 800ma per 5Ah cell (5 to 6h charge time empty to full)

[@2shucks826]

this would be helpful on the go when I run out of battery at a friends house which has happened before

[@grantadamson3478]

All good information Please keep up the great work.

[@juliustutaan4931]

Ebike manifesto, like this book.

[@twokosher]

This is very helpful information, thank you

[@markkramer8878]

Excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@anginelyboscan1895]

whats the best ebike for 2k or under?

[@pauloconnell7668]

Nice job, I enjoyed it.

[@edongbato9234]

is it ok to charge the battery overnight?

[@clemonsjoey]

Always good info

[@WVgunfun]

I procured a Cybertrack 200 ebike from an Amazon pallet that did not have a charger. I'd like to buy one but I don't have the old charger to refer to. The manual says it should have a 36V 3 Amp Fast Charger, 3-4 Hour Charging. Can you please help me find a suitable charger?

[@AMPProf]

How hard are these batteries to build and can addapter systems be made?. Free idea build adapters for major models for An iso battery.. force Iso standards

[@rickwallace3102]

This is my random comment, The Ultimate Do It Yourself Ebike Guide. No, wait... DIY Solar Power: How To Power Everything From The Sun.

[@Davelightuptheworld]

i use my Wanptek 6020D 60v 20a Adjustable Desktop Laboratory variable dc Power Supply CCCV to charge my 14s20p Battery. always 80% (56V) 1200W with a Smart BT BMS. I just love my config 😍😍😍😍😍

[@trini_boi2414]

The charger that came with my electric scooter is a 54.6v 2 amp..i plan on getting a 54.6v 3 amp..from what you explained i guess me and the battery safe with those specs then🤔

[@dg9bfc]

yes.. it's safe

[@barberclips4304]

Hey Micah. Very helpful videos you have been doing. I have been looking to purchase an ebike there are so many different varieties. The question I have what is was the difference between 10.5,15,17.5 and 19.2 amps? What do you recommend?

[@barberclips4304]

The difference between the batteries are how far you can go on a charge 10.5 can go 31 miles and 19.2 can go 81 miles. I got the 19.2 amp with a faster charger

[@jtnoodle]

@@barberclips4304 Did you just answer yourself?

[@Motorradfahrer82]

@@jtnoodle 😂😂

[@ChristianMontmarquette]

Hi, I have a 48V 21 amp ET Cycle T-1OOO battery. How many amps should my fast charger have at most to remain safe?

[@o1ecypher]

Thank you

[@kjm-ch7jc]

Its best using the charger that came with the batteries, don't think I would trust non standard charger that's not certified, battery fires nearly always happen when people use the wrong charger.

[@barneygoogles5186]

Hi my battery just charged but the power side shows no voltage but charge plug shows 51 volts. I replaced the plug to be sure that was not the problem. What's your thought?

[@DavidJones-jv9vs]

Where’s my helmet? I got an message saying I had won a $600 helmet and I replied but never heard anything else. I would love get it if possible. I enjoy all your posts. Have a great day! 👍😀

[@EbikeSchool]

Hi David, that wasn't a message from me. It was a scammer that spammed my commenters pretending to be me by using a similar looking profile photo from a separate account.

[@DavidJones-jv9vs]

That figures. Oh well thanks for the reply! Have a great day!

[@jbar3337]

My eBay keeps cutting out under load that is to say when going up the Steep Hill and will only momentarily turn on and then instantly turn off however if I plug the charger into it for only a second it resets the battery and it's good again until I go up another Steep Hill any advice on this would be greatly appreciated pa I do have a second battery on this bike and I have no issues with it going up hills

[@parjacpar3077]

If you take them apart there are 2 screws which increases and decreases the voltage and ampage My battery charges in less then 2 hours because of this and my battery is 48v 10ah

[@lucky-gh5ox]

What is the best place to buy Real Japanese Batteries ?

[@woodskins]

Very useful. Thanks

[@waynechurchill7212]

Great info

[@anngeorge9293]

Do you know we’re I can buy a charger for my folding Ancheer e bike It has the 3 holes . I am having a hard time finding it

[@xricanxman]

7:35 so is it okay for the battery if the charger raises its voltage to 54.6 if it is a 48v battery? You said you have to match voltage so I’m unclear on this, will it harm the battery?

[@dg9bfc]

48v is 54.6 max.. so it's ok

[@smoxesss]

i have a 18amp battery will using a 4amp charger mash my battery or be fine ??? , have one if its gone be better me using the stock charger i will i am in no rush unlesss need to charge if out and about if far outl.

[@davidnewton3064]

Are there universal chargers available that you can set voltage and amperage on? I would prefer not to have to buy a specific charger for all my different batteries. Couldn't I just use a bench style DC power supply?

[@dg9bfc]

yes.. mine goes from 42 to 84V and from 2 Amp up to 15A

[@KingKola01]

Question, what does the ah mean. Like 48v 20Ah, 48v 11Ah?

[@hitomikida1990]

You can multiply them for watt hours . So 960 wh = 48v x 20ah It measures the amount of energy .

[@1StonaSteve]

So, I'd like to use my my old 36v 7.5ah 15s2p battery pack to to charge my current 52v 23.4ah battery that's in my current yume scooter. Is this possible?

[@timekeeperg2112]

hey Micah...i got a 60v20ah lead acid smart charger on amazon...its 3amps 240w made of aluminum with red light and another red that should go green once fully charged...but...even after 18+ hours using it for 1st time on brand new batteries it never turned green... now im assuming a full charges batt should read 13.8v per cell and 5 of them should be 69v. but the output on the charger was showing 69.8...so i adjusted the trim pot down to 69v exactly... havent tried it yet...but could that be the reason it never would go green? output volt were .8v too much? i dont want to order another 79$ charger!!! let me know if you have an answer for me please and thank you!!! and also what are the other 2 trim pots for ?? and should i need to adjust them too? anyone with answers are welcomed to share their input by replying i would be very grateful for anyone;s help!!! Thanks!!!

[@Leonardokite]

"Take a Toll on your battery"........ pun intended?!?!!! 🤣😜

[@dsrgarage]

Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter!! 😂

[@wastedWizard509]

So i can safely charge my 52v 19ah battery with a 7amp charger or higher?

[@Motorradfahrer82]

Yeah

[@dg9bfc]

depends how that pack is built some 20 or 25 Ah packs can only take 5 A charge current (should be printed on the label)

[@Jojo-tl6io]

Thanks for sharing

[@yougeekyou]

Good stuff Micah... now send me a free book.. ;) (please)