I have used soft and hard case lithium batteries in radio controlled helicopters (22.2v) and 10th scale electric racing cars (11.4v) since the days when you had to charge the batteries in a fire proof bag just in case they spontaneously combusted. Not had an issue so far and still use the LiPo charger from when I was flying my T-Rex 600. There always used to be an issue fully discharging the battery but with the advent of LiFe batteries in hand tools, I don't think that is an issue any more. As has already been said, if you are going to store the battery it should be at 2/3rds charge. Benefit of using my charger for the helicopter is that you can choose the relevant programme including charging up to 10C. Andy
I posted about an issue with a Shorai on a 1098 a couple of months ago but didn't get much response. Any of you guys got any thoughts on it?
Everybody picked up on the 75% charge for storage, but not on the balance charging. I was told it was advisable to do it about twice a year Sure @Android853sp & @AirCon are more than aware. I only pointed out these facts as if you want max longevity that's what's recommended. I only know what I have been told and read in the literature. You can treat them more or less like lead acid batteries and they will be fine but you can/will shorten the service life, is how I read it. As I don't do lots of miles the technology sits well with me, I'd maybe think again if I did humungous miles all year round. The exception is they should not be used with a charger that has a built in De-Sulphation function (which the smaller C-Tek I use for lead acid cells has). Shorai told me the charge window was 60-80% charge, this does not equate to 60-80% voltage. The voltage range given to me was 13.13-13.27 V. At 100% the volts were 14.34 V, which the bikes on board charging system would not reach. I was also told that it was inadvisable to let them fall under 10% charge which equates to 12.73 V for the Shorai. I'm no expert Derek but I'll take a squint at it.
Ah, so no need to discharge it a little before long term storage as it'll not reach 100% capacity on the bike. It makes a little more sense now.
