Battery care tips for electric construction machinery: charging habits determine battery life

The battery is the most important component of electric construction machinery. From a technical standpoint, the battery directly affects the vehicle's range and lifespan. As the equipment is used more, the battery's performance gradually declines, potentially requiring replacement, which can be costly. Therefore, developing good charging habits is crucial to extending battery life. In this article, AILISHENG will provide a comprehensive overview of effective charging techniques to maximize the longevity of your electric construction machinery.

1. Lithium Iron Phosphate and Lithium Ternary Battery: A Comparison of Two Power Batteries

In the field of new energy electric construction machinery, two types of batteries are currently used: lithium iron phosphate and lithium ternary batteries. The anode material of the lithium iron phosphate battery is lithium iron phosphate, while the anode material of the ternary lithium battery is composed of nickel, cobalt, manganese (or aluminum) and lithium. Both batteries use graphite for the negative electrode, and the main component of their electrolyte is lithium hexafluorophosphate.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are notable for their economic efficiency, durability, high safety standards and heat resistance. Due to the lower raw material costs, the manufacturing cost of LiFePO4 batteries is typically lower than that of Li-ion ternary batteries. They also have the advantages of non-toxicity and environmental protection. After 2,000 full charge/discharge cycles, the capacity of Li-FePO4 batteries can be maintained at over 80%. In addition, lithium iron phosphate batteries are highly stable and safe, and will not explode even when damaged internally or externally. They can also withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than the temperature resistance of lithium ternary batteries, about 200 degrees Celsius. This makes lithium-iron phosphate batteries particularly stable in high-temperature environments.

Lithium ternary batteries are renowned for their high energy density, excellent charging efficiency, and good low-temperature performance.

Currently, the energy density of Li-ion ternary batteries generally exceeds 240Wh/kg, and there is significant potential for this to be increased to 300Wh/kg in the future. In addition, the voltage platform of Li-ion ternary batteries is higher than that of lithium-iron phosphate batteries.

2. Charging Tips for Longer Battery Life

2.1. Activating the battery is a misconception

Some EWM users or owners may have heard that newly purchased EWMs need to have their batteries activated by three consecutive 12-hour or more 'full-charge' sessions. This term comes from a technical term used in the battery manufacturing process - battery formation. In reality, this step is carried out by the manufacturer before the battery leaves the factory, meaning there is no need for the owner or user of an electric construction machine to repeat this operation.

2.2. Timely charging: avoiding battery depletion

Maintaining lithium batteries in the range of 20% to 90% can effectively extend the life of the battery. Therefore, when the battery power of your electric construction machinery drops from 20% to 35%, you should arrange to charge it as soon as possible. Avoiding going back to the charging pile only when the power is extremely low is recommended, as this will not only increase the driver's anxiety but also cause greater damage to the health of the battery.

2.3.Overcharging is not recommended.

Most charging piles, especially DC fast charging piles, will automatically reduce the current and enter a 'trickle charging' mode when the battery reaches about 90% to 95% of its capacity, at which time the charging rate will slow down significantly. Frequently charging the battery to 100 percent may cause unnecessary damage to the battery. Therefore, unless it is necessary to maximize operations, it is recommended to set a charging limit of no more than 90%, in order to better protect the battery and extend its life.

3. Daily Charging Guide: Battery Care Essentials You Can't Afford to Ignore

Whether it is lithium iron phosphate or lithium ternary, the following key guidelines should be followed when charging new energy electric construction machinery:

3.1. Avoid high-temperature charging

High-temperature environments have a negative impact on battery life. In summer and other high-temperature seasons, a charging location that avoids direct sunlight should be selected. Before charging, switch off the electric construction machinery for 10 minutes to allow the temperature of the battery to drop naturally before starting the charging process.

3.2. New energy-electric construction machinery, even when not in regular use, must be charged regularly.

With the onset of summer, some car owners may opt to store their electric construction machinery in a cool and secure location. However, AILISHENG would like to remind you that when your new energy-electric construction machinery is not in use for an extended period, it is essential to ensure the battery is fully charged before storing it. Over time, this may lead to a rapid loss of power and reduce the battery's lifespan.

The longer the battery remains idle, the more significant the damage. To ensure the battery pack remains in optimal condition, it is essential to charge the equipment regularly, even when it is not in use.

Good charging habits not only extend the service life of the battery but also improve the driving experience of new energy electric construction machinery and help to avoid unnecessary extra expenses.