The best way to drain an Onewheel battery is to ride it down. Put on your gear head out for a while and let the battery drop to the level you want.
Keep in mind that riding at the last percentage of the battery will increase the risk of a nosedive. Take it easy during the last 20% and don’t push the board when you are below 10%.
This risk of a nosedive increases as the available voltage and current from the battery drops when the battery level decreases. The power is determined by the Voltage of the battery pack and the maximum current the motor can take. As the battery is drained to the last percentage the voltage has significantly dropped compared to a fully charged pack.
Why drain the Onewheel battery
The most common reason to drain the Onewheel battery is to prepare it for long-term storage. When storing the Onewheel it’s recommended to keep the battery around 60%. This will increase the lifetime of the battery pack and your board.
If you are interested in more tips around charging and the Onehweel Battery check out the Tips and tricks about charging a Onewheel.
BMS (Battery Management System): The BMS, or Battery Management System, controls the function of the Onewheel battery. It regulates the charging and discharging processes, monitors individual cell voltages, and ensures the overall health and safety of the battery pack. By preventing overcharging, balancing cell voltages, and managing temperature, the BMS plays a pivotal role in extending the lifespan of your Onewheel battery.
The warranty of the battery is only 6 months so it’s a good idea to keep it in a good state so you can ride for a long time.
The second reason would be if you are planning to rebalance the cells, driving the board down before fully charging the device might help the BMS (Battery Management System) to recalibrate the capacity of the battery pack. This helps to avoid a condition called digital memory.
Digital Memory: Digital memory refers to a phenomenon in which a battery’s capacity measurement system becomes inaccurate over time due to repeated charging and discharging cycles. Regularly fully discharging and recharging a Lithium-ion battery, such as the one in your Onewheel, may contribute to digital memory. To counteract this, occasional full drains followed by recharging can recalibrate the BMS, ensuring a more accurate assessment of the battery’s true capacity and prolonging its overall health.
Should I fully drain my Onewheel battery?
No, you shouldn’t fully drain the Onewheel battery regularly. The Onewheel battery is an NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide battery) battery, e.g. a Lithium-ion. Lithium-ion battery cells should not be frequently fully discharged and recharged, so-called being deep-cycled.
NMC: Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2), batteries contain a cathode, made of a combination of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. It is known for its high energy density, NMC batteries are commonly used in not only Onewheels but power tools, e-bikes, and other powertrains.
The only time it’s recommended to do a full drain of the battery and discharge it completely is to recalibrate the capacity measuring electronics in the BMS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing and draining your Onewheel battery is critical for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance, especially for long-term storage. As highlighted throughout this article, riding down the battery to your desired level is the most effective method, but caution is advised during the last 20%, given the increased risk of nosedives.
Remember, the primary reasons for intentionally draining your Onewheel battery include preparing it for long-term storage, aiming for approximately 60% charge, and recalibrating the Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent digital memory.
To maximize the lifespan of your battery pack and Onewheel board, it is crucial not to frequently engage in full discharges and recharges, as Lithium-ion batteries, specifically NMC batteries, thrive on a consistent and moderate usage pattern.
Ride safely, and may your Onewheel adventures be charged with excitement!
