What happens if you charge a 48V electric scooter with a 60V charger?
2 Answers
No, if the charging voltage is too high, it will cause excessive charging current in the initial stage of charging, which will damage the battery. Generally, the terminal voltage of the battery being charged should remain the same, meaning the charger voltage must match the battery voltage. The specific details are as follows: 1. Effects of excessive voltage: If the charging voltage is selected appropriately, the entire charging process can be completed in 8 hours without manual supervision, making it widely used for supplementary charging. Correct selection of charging voltage is crucial. If the charging voltage is too high, it will cause excessive charging current in the initial stage, which may lead to severe consequences such as plate bending, significant shedding of active material, and excessive temperature rise in the battery. If the voltage is too low, the battery will not be fully charged, resulting in reduced capacity and shortened lifespan. 2. Charger parameters: For a 48V new battery, the charger parameters should meet the following requirements: the maximum voltage should be between 58.5V and 59.7V, not lower than 58V. A voltage below 58V will result in insufficient charging, while a voltage above 59.7V may prevent the charger from switching off. The turn-off current should be approximately 0.4A to 0.7A, with an actual voltage of about 55.5V. A voltage below 50V will cause insufficient charging, leading to battery depletion over prolonged charging.
I've tried different chargers, and higher voltage definitely won't work. Using a 60-volt charger on a 48-volt battery means 20% overvoltage, which puts excessive pressure on the battery, causing a sharp current increase and intense internal reactions that generate heat quickly. Lead-acid batteries may swell or leak, while lithium batteries are more sensitive and could catch fire or explode. In the short term, overcharging may cause bulging after just a few charges; in the long run, it can permanently damage the battery. My neighbor made this mistake and spent hundreds repairing his e-bike. I recommend stopping immediately and only using a 48-volt compatible charger. Always check labels to avoid confusion, charge in well-ventilated areas, and never leave unattended—safety first. Don't risk saving money; proper battery maintenance extends lifespan. E-bike components are fragile, and using the wrong charger could cause irreversible damage—it's not worth the risk.
