Our FAQ picks up those questions often asked and beyond that we would like to answer further questions all around e-bike batteries and the basics of the lithium-ion technology.
About our company
How long has Akku Vision been going?
E-Bike Vision was founded in 2011 in Attendorn and sold to Daniel Maiberger at the end of 2013, who has acted as Managing Director since January 2014.
Does Akku Vision belong to another company?
Akku Vision GmbH is independent. Our products are manufactured as part of a joint venture with TAV Battery GmbH. Triathlon Holding GmbH is a participant along with Akku Vision GmbH. The production site is at the main headquarters in Haibach.
What is the difference between e-bike and pedelec?
The designation ‘e-bike’ is often used as a generic term for all electrically-driven bicycles. The (S-)Pedelec [(Speed-)Pedal Electric Cycle] in turn is one type of an e-bike, whereby the cyclist is only supported by an electric drive, provided he operates the pedals at the same time.
What is the range of a EBV E-Bike Battery?
As there does not exist a standardised calculation of ranges, we are unfortunately not able to give a binding statement. The range of a pedelec depends on many aspects. Most important is, of course, the battery capacity on which we always focus while developing each products. There are, however, a lot of restricting aspects which influence the determination of ranges:
- Route profile
- Driver’s weight
- Outside temperature
- Wind conditions
- Support level
- Motor system
- Type and weight of bicycle
- Tyre pressure
- Additional weight of bicycle bags or – baskets
Why do EBV E-Bike Batteries have a higher capacity than the original batteries from manufacturers?
This is because we keep up with the development of lithium-ion round cells and subsequently use round cells with a higher capacity or build in more round cells.
The discharge curve of lithium-ion batteries
The discharge curve of lithium-ion batteries is not linear. The voltage range is between 25 V (discharged) and 42 V (fully charged) in case of a 36 V battery. The 36 V is called a nominal voltage. During discharge, the voltage of lithium-ion batteries reduces rather fast to start with, from the achieved final charging voltage (42 V) to the nominal voltage (approx. 36 V), but from this point on it reduces hardly at all over a longer period of time. The cell voltage starts to fall very much just before a complete discharge.
Example: Discharge curve of a 18650-round cell Panasonic NCR18650A
What is a full cycle?
A full cycle means that the battery is completely discharged once and subsequently completely charged up (1 full cycle = 100% of the battery energy charged and discharged). Part cycles are added on.
If an e-bike battery is charged from 20 % to 70 %, subsequently driven down to a remaining capacity of 40% and then again charged up to 90%, this is equivalent to three part cycles:
Part cycle 1 (20% – 70% charged) = 70%-20% / 2 = 0.25 full cycles
Part cycle 2 (70% – 40% discharged) = 70%-40% / 2 = 0.15 full cycles
Part cycles 3 (40% – 90% charged) = 90%-40% / 2 = 0.25 full cycles total cycles: 0.65 full cycles
How do I calculate the energy of my battery?
If you know the capacity (in Ah) and also the nominal voltage, you can calculate the energy of the battery:
36 V x 17 Ah = 612 Wh 36 V x 13 Ah = 468 Wh
This also works in reverse.
What is the meaning of SOC and SOH?
SOC or 'state of charge' describes the current charging status of the battery. An SOC of 100% is therefore the equivalent to a fully charged battery. SOH means 'State of Health'.
SOH or “State of Health“ describes the state of health of an already aged, used battery in respect of its ability to achieve required performance parameters compared to a new battery. This means SOH describes the status of aging of a battery.
Example: The original capacity upon purchase was 17 Ah. Now, after two years the capacity is down to 15 Ah. SOC = 15 Ah / 17 Ah * 100% = 88.24 % Only special battery testing devices can establish how much capacity a rechargeable battery can take.
Can I simply exchange my existing rechargeable battery for an E-Bike Vision spare battery?
Yes, provided the compatibility according to the product description is guaranteed and as long as there is no exception quoted in the product description. As there are many e-bike manufacturers on the market using different frame geometries, it may be possible – in a rare case – that the EBV E-Bike Battery does not fit.
Does the replaced battery also work with the existing display?
Is it possible that the replacement battery may destroy my pedelec?
No. In general batteries are only a passive part of the drive system. The motor is the “Master“ and takes energy from the battery as required.
What are the advantages of EBV E-Bike Batteries?
Increased distances: All EBV E-Bike Batteries have considerably more energy than the original batteries. Our EBV E-Bike Batteries achieve a longer range and can therefore be used for longer tours.
More convenience: All our EBV E-Bike Batteries have an additional external charging socket. In connection with our chargers you are now able to charge the battery directly at the pedelec without having to remove it.
Shorter charging times: Especially if you are under time pressure, our 6 A quick charger reduces the charging time by up to 40%.
Lightweight: Our Bosch Lite batteries are lightweight.
My EBV E-Bike Battery has developed a play at the fastening on my e-bike. What can I do?
The locks of the battery mounting at the tyre can be readjusted by your specialist trader, if there is too much play. This may happen after a while, caused by mechanical stress during operation.
Buying a EBV E-Bike Battery
Where can I buy EBV E-Bike Batteries by E-Bike Vision?
You can buy our EBV E-Bike Batteries and chargers from specialist traders. You can use our retailer search to find a retailer near you.
Can I come to your company directly and take away a EBV E-Bike Battery?
No, we are exclusively acting in the B2B section and pursue the specialist trader concept. We only market our products via the specialist trade and do not offer them to end users directly. You can use our retailer search to find a retailer near you.
Online or in a shop?
You must decide for yourself. The online shop often offers our products for less. But keep in mind that if you buy from a specialist trader, you will always have a personal contact in reach.
Charging a EBV E-Bike Battery
Does my existing charger work with the replaced battery?
Yes, with one exception. All EBV E-Bike Batteries can be charged with the original charger. The EBV E-Bike Battery for the Panasonic 36V drive system is the only exception. In this case you need to buy an E-Bike Vision charger.
Do the Akku Vision (quick) charging units work with original batteries?
No, the (quick) charging units from Akku Vision are only suitable for charging replacement Akku Vision batteries.
Can I connect the original charger to the external charging socket?
No. Most manufacturers of e-bike drive systems use proprietary plug connections and restrict the max. charging current of the battery. Only the E-Bike Vision chargers allow a charging of EBV E-Bike Batteries via additional charging sockets. If you do not own an E-Bike Vision charger you can use the original charger for charging (for the exception see EBV E-Bike Battery Panasonic 36V).
Do I need a new charger to utilise the quick charging?
Yes. In order to quick-charge the EBV E-Bike Battery you will need our quick charger which can be connected to the additional external charging socket. [Go to Chargers]
How long do I have to charge the EBV E-Bike Battery?
You can work that out yourself very quickly. If the EBV E-Bike Battery has a capacity of 17 Ah, and you want to charge the empty battery with a 4 A charger to 100%, you will need approx. 4.5 hours.
Battery capacity: charging current = approx. charging time
17 Ah : 4 A = 4.25 h 17 Ah : 7 A = 2.5 h
The reason why we use the term ‘approx.‘ here, has to do with the charging procedure CC/CV. To start with a constant current (CC) is used, towards the end, however, only a constant voltage (CV) is used. During the CV-phase the current reduces very much and the simple method of calculation becomes rather inaccurate at this point. Therefore, about half an hour is added.
Is there a memory effect?
No. The memory effect known from the past and older battery technologies, does not exist with the modern lithium-ion batteries. You are safe to interrupt the process of charging in-between.
It is, however, recommended to fully charge the rechargeable battery at the beginning and also following a prolonged pause and subsequently empty it completely. These 1 – 2 recommended full cycles only serve to calibrate the gas gauge (establish the capacity) exclusively.
Do I always have to fully charge the EBV E-Bike Battery?
No. You can interrupt the charging process in-between. That does not damage the EBV E-Bike Battery.
Presuming that the electricity price is about 30Cent/kWh and you use a 612 Wh (0.612 kWh) EBV E-Bike Battery, one charging process will cost you 18.36 Cent.
612 Wh = 0.612 kWh = 18.66 Cent
468 Wh = 0.468 kWh = 14.04 Cent
Presuming you commute to work daily and the EBV E-Bike Battery 612 Wh lasts three days before you have to fully charge it again – you would use about 45 kWh per year and that will cost you 13.50 EUR per year.
Storage and Maintenance
How do I store my battery, if I do not need it for a longer period of time?
If you have to store your battery over winter, for example, there is a special range in which the lithium-ion batteries are best stored:
– approx. +17 degree Celsius
– 50% - 70% State of charge
Under these circumstances, the chemical ageing of the electric bike battery is reduced to a minimum. The e-bike battery usually loses approx. 1% of its capacity per month. Our EBV E-Bike Batteries automatically switch to a ‘deep-sleep mode’ so that the self-discharging is reduced by the BMS power consumption. Before using your bike again you should fully charge the e-bike battery so that the BMS can calibrate itself.
How do I care for my e-bike battery?
The e-bike battery only needs little attention and care. Soiled areas can be cleaned with a damp cloth. But avoid by all means to treat the e-bike battery and motor directly with a steam jet. Please do not use pole grease!
How is the battery pack built up?
An e-bike battery consists of just a few components:
- Discharging- and charging socket
- Battery Management System (in short BMS)
- Capacity display and button
- Temperature sensor
The corepack refers to the battery pack that in turn is sub-divided into the following components:
- Cell mounting
- Lithium-ion round cell
- Cell connector
What is a Battery Management System?
The Battery Management System (in short BMS) is an electronic control monitoring and regulating the status of the battery. It is an important part of every battery and is responsible for the necessary cell-balancing. It protects against external short circuits, operates the lithium-ion battery within the permissible voltage range and protects the battery against overheating and undertemperature. The BMS establishes the filling level and communicates with the components of the drive system.
Does cell-balancing take place in EBV E-Bike Batteries?
Yes. We use a passive cell-balancing in our products such that the voltages of the cells in series always remain identical and so that you can enjoy many kilometres with our products.
Who do I turn to with questions about my EBV E-Bike Battery?
Should the FAQs not satisfy your questions, please turn to the trader where you bought the EBV E-Bike Battery to start with. He will advise you competently. But in case even he cannot answer your questions, we look forward to your e-mail with the contact form!
What kind of guarantee is offered by E-Bike Vision?
We offer a 24-month voluntary guarantee for our EBV E-Bike Batteries in addition to the legally applicable guarantee. Accessories, such as our charging units, come with a 24-month guarantee. For further information on guarantees, please refer to the instructions of your EBV E-Bike Battery [Go to Downloads]
Can the guarantee period be extended?
Yes. The guarantee period can be extended by 12 months to an overall of 36 months. Read more about this subject on the page guarantee extension.
How many full cycles does E-Bike Vision guarantee?
In respect of the lithium-ion round cell we guarantee that an SOH of 80% is still available after 500 full cycles. The FAQ will explain the term of full cycles and also SOH.
How is a collection organised in case of a service?
Please approach the trader where you purchased the product. He will contact us and organise everything. Please do not send any parts to us as end customer, as all this is done through your trader following consultation and relevant documentation.
How long do I have to wait for my EBV E-Bike Battery in case of a service?
Where can I have my EBV E-Bike Battery be repaired?
Directly by us. As manufacturer of the EBV E-Bike Battery we are, of course, able to exchange and replace components. Kindly use our contact form to request a quote.
How can I ideally contact E-Bike Vision?
To start with, please contact the trader where you purchased our product. Should he be unable to answer your questions, we will be happy to receive your e-mail.
Our main season is the bicycle season between April and August. We do, of course, organise our personnel accordingly. But we nevertheless ask for your understanding, should we not return your call or answer your e-mail at once.
Where do I find the instructions for use?
The instruction manual is available to download in various languages.
Special Questions about our EBV E-Bike Batteries
EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with the Bosch Classic drive system
Does the EBV E-Bike Battery also support the light?
The EBV E-Bike Battery works the same as the original battery and has a light reserve. If your pedelecs has a light installation that is fed by the battery, you will also have light even if the motor does not support this and your battery is empty. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
The EBV E-Bike Battery carrier battery compatible with Bosch Classic is mounted very tightly on the carrier. What is the reason for this?
In order to achieve a higher capacity for our EBV E-Bike Battery we had to install more round cells. This resulted in the EBV E-Bike Battery being 3 mm wider than the original rechargeable battery. We therefore recommend that our customers measure up the width of their bicycle carrier prior to a purchase. The carriers often show a tolerance in their width which allows our EBV E-Bike Batteries to fit onto your carrier as a rule. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
Can my specialist trader carry out an update of the drive system despite a replacement battery?
Yes. By using the Bosch service software and with plugged-in replacement battery, the trader can update the display and motor to the latest firmware. Your EBV E-Bike Battery can only be updated by us. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with the Panasonic 26V drive system
EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with the Panasonic 26V drive system?
Yes. We obtain compatibility by mounting an additional lock that is fixed to the seat tube by means of a hose clamp. Assembly instructions are available from us. Kindly request this from us with our contact form.
What frame size is suitable for the EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with Panasonic 26V?
Our EBV E-Bike Battery only fits into frame sizes starting from 48 cm and is not suitable for folding bicycles. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
My EBV E-Bike Battery does not charge or discharge. What can I do?
The EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with Panasonic 26V is automatically put into a ‘Deep Sleep‘ mode following 24 hours of being inactive in order to reduce a self-discharge. In order to use the EBV E-Bike Battery again you have to ‘wake up’ the battery by activating the capacity button once quickly. The individual LEDs of the capacity display will show up once completely, indicating that the BMS of the EBV E-Bike Battery was booted up and awakened. By activating the capacity button once again, the capacity is displayed as usual.[Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
What do I have to observe when mounting a EBV E-Bike Battery?
Due to the additional charging socket it may be necessary to push the EBV E-Bike Battery in at a steeper angle. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with the Panasonic 36V drive system
Why do I have to buy an additional E-Bike Vision charger?
While developing the EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with Panasonic 36V we had to realise unfortunately that we were unable to make it compatible with the original charger. So that you can still charge the EBV E-Bike Battery you will need one of our 36 V chargers with 4 A or 6 A. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
The EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with Panasonic 36V automatically changes into a ‘Deep Sleep‘ mode following 24 hours of being inactive to reduce a self-discharge. In order to use the EBV E-Bike Battery again you have to ‘wake up’ the battery by activating the capacity button once quickly. Once the LED-display shows the capacity, the EBV E-Bike Battery is again ready for you. [Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
Which are the frame sizes for the EBV E-Bike Battery compatible with Panasonic 36V?
Our EBV E-Bike Battery only fit into frame sizes starting from 48 cm and it is not suitable for folding bicycles.[Go to EBV E-Bike Battery]
What do I have to observe when positioning the EBV E-Bike Battery?
Due to the additional charging socket it may be necessary to push the PowerPack in at a steeper angle.[Go to PowerPack]
PowerPack compatible with the Gazelle Innergy drive system
Why does the PowerPack not work with my Gazelle drive system?
As is usual with Gazelle drive systems, batteries of the following types must be paired up with the drive system. This can only be done with the Gazelle trader software. Please contact your trusted specialist trader.
- INNERGY PURE
- INNERGY XT
- INNERGY ORANGE
My PowerPack cannot be charged and discharged. What can I do?
The PowerPack compatible with the Gazelle Innergy drive system is automatically put into a ‘Deep Sleep‘ mode following two days of being inactive in order to reduce a self-discharge. In order to use the PowerPack again you have to ‘wake up’ the battery by activating the capacity button once quickly. The individual LEDs of the capacity display will show up once completely, indicating that the BMS of the PowerPack was booted up and awakened. By activating the capacity button once again, the capacity is displayed as usual. [Go to PowerPack]