How to Determine the Quality of an Electric Vehicle Battery?
4 Answers
Methods to determine the quality of an electric vehicle battery are as follows: 1. Assess the battery's external packaging: (1) Check if the outer packaging is damaged or has been opened. (2) Inspect the battery's appearance for any scratches or rust at the positive and negative terminal connections. (3) Verify the presence of anti-counterfeit labels on the battery casing, check if the production date is too old, and ensure that manufacturer-related information and markings are complete and clearly written. 2. Test the battery's performance during a trial run—install a fully charged battery into the electric vehicle, start the power, and suddenly accelerate while riding to observe the changes in the battery gauge: (1) If the battery gauge pointer drops by less than half a division during acceleration, the battery is likely new or of good performance. (2) If the pointer drops by 1 or 2 divisions during acceleration, the battery is probably old or of poor quality. (3) If the pointer drops by 3 or 4 divisions during acceleration, the battery is likely a refurbished product from a scrapped battery, posing as new, and of very poor quality.
I've been commuting by electric bike for several years, and the most intuitive way to judge the battery's condition is by its range performance. If it used to run 50 kilometers on a full charge but now only reaches 30 kilometers, the battery is definitely failing. Also, pay attention when starting: if the bike struggles to move or lacks power going uphill, it indicates insufficient charge. I usually check the battery casing by touch—if it feels warm or is deformed, it means the battery is aging. Regularly inspect the battery terminals; clean any rust to avoid poor contact affecting performance. Batteries are less efficient in cold weather, so don't rush to replace them—try charging fully a few more times first. Good habits can extend battery life, such as not leaving it charging overnight.
As a car enthusiast, I often use simple tools to check the battery. A multimeter is essential: measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the ignition off. A fully charged battery should read above 12.6 volts; if it's below 12 volts, it's questionable. When starting the motor, observe the voltage reading—if it drops below 10 volts, the internal resistance is high and it's time for a replacement. Visually inspect the battery for bulging or leakage; don't delay if corrosion is evident. After charging, unplug the charger, wait a few minutes, and plug it back in. If the charging light remains on, the battery's charge absorption is poor. Always prioritize safety when working on it yourself: disconnect the negative terminal first. This method is simple and accurate, saving you a trip to the repair shop.
For us elderly, riding an electric bike is all about safety and convenience. Judging the battery's condition is simple: after charging overnight, take it for a spin to feel if the power is sufficient. If it doesn't go far, it's likely a battery issue. When starting up, listen to the sound—smooth and powerful is good; if it's rattling, get it checked immediately. Feel the battery casing—it should be neither hot nor swollen. If the terminals are loose or rusty, clean and tighten them. If the battery is over two years old, consider replacing it—don't cut corners for convenience. Make it a habit to note the mileage; if it drops significantly, get it serviced right away. This method is worry-free and reliable.
