Bike Forums - Batteries in the cold

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Back in my RC car racing days we used to charge batteries in a cooler because the charger would take longer and report a larger charge. But in reality it just took more because the battery wasn’t working as well. Then we’d go race and the Nicads would get label-melting hot. Some companies sold aluminum finned heatsinks. Bro science at its finest...

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD5NRH (Post 20139703)

Maybe you should work on redesigning the dynamo to work on Tesla wheels so they can charge themselves while driving and have infinite range.

Lol

have multiple batteries that are good to go

These battery problems might be a reasonable argument to convert to a dynamo hub.
Also: computer USB ports do not necessarily output as much charging power as dedicated USB chargers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtb_addict (Post 20052485)

It must be normal for Lithium battery. Even $100k electric Tesla car batteries struggle in cold. Nytimes guy got stranded because the range in winter was much much less than advertised.

Lead acid car batteries have the same issues, and I'd imagine that car battery shops are busy this time of year, and go into hibernation in July.

The electric cars are supposed to regulate their battery temperatures (heat or cool as needed). It might help if they are on a float charge at night so they can have power heating.

My guess is the Tesla range was shortened because the guy was using electric resistance heating in the car (and perhaps for the batteries).

Ideally, though, a car will also recover heat from the motor for use.

This is one of the reasons I no longer use lights with integrated rechargeable batteries. Instead, I use lights, front and rear, that can use removable primary or rechargeable batteries. They are getting more difficult to find, but they are much more versatile if you ride in the cold or need for a light to longer than a few hours (and don't want a battery pack with cord). My front light is a Fenix BC30 (in warmer weather I use 18650s, and in cold weather I use the same and carry extras or CR123A primaries), my rear is a PDW Radbot (rechargeable AAAs in warmer weather, extra off the same when it's colder or lithium primaries).

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdlamb (Post 20052222)

In the normal course of things, I replaced several of my extra blinkies this year. It's getting harder to find decent lights that at least pretend to be weather resistant, so I've got at least one rechargeable blinkie on each commuting bike. I've already found it more of a hassle to take each one off the bike, bring it in, and recharge it weekly, as opposed to tossing a couple new alkalines in every 4-6 weeks. Not looking forward to finding out what really cold weather is going to do to the rechargeables.

I solved this by keeping my bike next to an electrical outlet, then only buying lights that I can leave on the bike while charging.

Pull in on the bike, connect the charging wire, done. Of course having to plug anything in is a slight amount of hassle but I find it's easier on my brain to do it every time than to mentally remember something periodically.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdlamb (Post 20052222)

Of course, my primary dyno lights just keep going, and going, and going...

Yeah mine to. :-) Even better, in the winter with the snow reflecting lights you need less light, so even my older dynamo lights gets me more light than I need. Dynamo's are really ideally suited for winter riding.

Sub 0C being rare here* , My studded tire bike has removable battery lights AA & AAA.. they go in my pocket when I'm off the bike..

When 27f it was dry, last year not a cloud to be seen (or retain heat from daytime) ..* I'm by the ocean.. ranges between lower 40s to mid 50s.. ...

Mountaineers headlamps have the battery pack on a cord, so you keep the batteries in a pocket under the down parka..

....

You guys are so old school. I use the power of fusion to see at night. :roflmao:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikingTech (Post 20732846)

You guys are so old school. I use the power of fusion to see at night. :roflmao:

https://www.waterfiresharonpa.org/wp...7/05/torch.png

Looks like a rapid oxidation not a nuclear fusion..

https://www.waterfiresharonpa.org/wp...7/05/torch.png