The cold, enemy of lithium
As soon as the temperature drops, the battery chemistry slows down: voltage falls faster and the controller "sees" less available charge. Concrete result in autumn/winter:
| Temperature | Remaining range |
|---|---|
| 20°C (reference) | 100% |
| 10°C | ~90% |
| 0°C | ~75% |
| -10°C | ~60% |
It's reversible: capacity returns when the battery warms up. But on your 3°C morning commute, you really do lose kilometres.
The 5 key habits
- Store the battery somewhere warm (indoors, 15–20°C) and install it just before you leave.
- Charge at room temperature, never a frozen battery ("lithium plating" damages it permanently).
- Neoprene cover on the battery to retain heat while riding.
- Eco mode at start: maximum torque in the cold stresses the cells.
- Don't drop below 20% in severe cold (voltage collapses faster).
