Understanding How Cold Affects Lithium-Ion Batteries

The 48V 20Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery pack in KINDYMA electric bikes uses premium 21700 cells, the same cell format found in electric vehicles. These cells deliver excellent performance, but like all lithium-ion batteries, they have specific temperature requirements.

Inside the battery, lithium ions move between the anode and cathode through an electrolyte gel. When temperatures drop, this electrolyte becomes more viscous, slowing ion movement and reducing the battery's ability to deliver power. At around -10°C, a lithium-ion battery may produce only 50% of its normal capacity.

This temporary capacity reduction reverses once the battery warms up. However, one winter practice causes permanent damage that cannot be undone: charging a cold battery.

The Critical Rule: Never Charge Below Freezing

When you charge a lithium-ion battery at temperatures below 0°C, the lithium ions cannot properly integrate into the anode structure. Instead, metallic lithium deposits on the anode surface, a phenomenon called lithium plating. This process permanently reduces battery capacity and creates internal resistance that worsens over time.

According to 

battery technology specialists, lithium plating is irreversible and poses safety risks including potential cell failure. Even a single charging session below freezing can cause measurable damage.

The Battery Management System (BMS) in quality e-bike batteries provides some protection. The BMS in KINDYMA batteries complies with UL-2271 standards and monitors cell conditions. However, not all protection systems prevent cold charging, so following proper procedures remains essential regardless of built-in safety features.

Ideal Storage Conditions for Winter

Temperature Range

Store your e-bike battery in an environment between 10°C and 20°C. Normal room temperature in a heated home falls within this range. Avoid locations that experience temperature extremes, such as unheated garages, sheds, or attics that may drop below freezing or climb above 30°C in summer.

If you keep your 

KINDYMA TITAN X electric mountain bike in a cold garage during winter, remove the battery and bring it indoors. The removable and lockable battery design makes this straightforward. The bike frame itself can safely remain in cold storage, but the battery should not.

Optimal Charge Level

Do not store your battery at 100% charge or completely empty. Both extremes stress the cells and accelerate degradation. The ideal storage charge level sits between 40% and 60%, which represents the most chemically stable state for lithium-ion cells.

For the 48V system in KINDYMA bikes, this translates to a voltage reading of approximately 48V to 50V on your KT-LCD5 display. If your display shows percentage, aim for the 40-60% range before putting the battery into storage.

A completely discharged battery risks entering deep discharge, a state where voltage drops so low that the cells may never recover. Storing at full charge forces the cells to maintain high internal stress, which degrades capacity faster than partial charge storage.

Humidity and Placement

Choose a dry location away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Moisture can corrode battery contacts over time, while heat accelerates chemical degradation even when the battery is not in use. A cupboard, wardrobe, or basement room at stable temperature works well for most homes.

Keep the battery away from radiators, boilers, or south-facing windows where sun exposure might cause localised heating. Temperature stability matters more than achieving a specific number; consistent conditions produce better results than fluctuating temperatures even within the acceptable range.

Monthly Maintenance During Storage

Lithium-ion batteries slowly self-discharge even when not in use. Over several months of storage, the charge level will gradually decline. If it drops too low, permanent damage can occur.

Set a monthly reminder to check your stored battery. Press the button on the battery housing or connect it briefly to your 

KINDYMA AURORA S electric bike to view the charge level on the display. If the level has dropped below 30%, charge it back to the 40-60% range.

This monthly check takes only a few minutes but prevents the slow drain that could push your battery into deep discharge during a long winter. The premium Samsung 21700 cells in KINDYMA batteries have low self-discharge rates, but monitoring remains good practice regardless of cell quality.

Preparing the Battery for Storage

Before putting your battery away for winter, take a few minutes to prepare it properly. This preparation helps ensure it emerges from storage ready to perform.

Clean the Contacts

Inspect the battery contacts where it connects to your e-bike. Remove any dirt, moisture, or corrosion using a dry cloth. If you notice oxidation on the metal contacts, gently clean them with a contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Clean contacts ensure good electrical connection when you reinstall the battery in spring.

Adjust the Charge Level

If your battery is fully charged after your last ride, take a short trip to bring the level down to approximately 50%. If the battery is nearly empty, charge it to the target range. Using the 54.6V smart charger included with KINDYMA bikes, a partial charge to reach 50% typically takes 3-4 hours rather than the full 6-8 hours needed for a complete charge.

Disconnect from the Bike

Remove the battery from your e-bike rather than leaving it installed during storage. Even when switched off, the bike's controller and display can draw small amounts of power. Over months of storage, this parasitic drain can slowly deplete the battery. Physically removing it eliminates this risk entirely.

Winter Riding: Special Considerations

If you continue riding through winter rather than storing your bike, you face different challenges. Cold temperatures reduce range, and proper charging practices become more important than ever.

Expect Reduced Range

In freezing conditions, expect your battery to deliver 30-50% less range than in summer. The up to 160 km pedal-assist range advertised for KINDYMA bikes assumes testing at normal temperatures with an 82 kg rider on mostly flat roads. In winter, this range decreases significantly.

Plan your routes accordingly and charge more frequently. This reduced capacity is temporary and will return to normal once the battery warms up.

The Two-Hour Rule

After a winter ride, resist the temptation to plug in your battery immediately. The internal cells take much longer to warm up than the external casing feels. Even if the plastic housing seems room temperature after 30 minutes indoors, the cells inside may still be cold.

Wait at least two hours after bringing your battery inside before connecting the charger. This delay allows the internal temperature to equalise with the room, making charging safe. Some riders place a note on their charger as a reminder not to plug in immediately after cold rides.

Store Indoors, Install Before Riding

Keep your battery at room temperature overnight and install it just before setting off. A warm battery starting a cold ride performs better than a battery that spent the night in a freezing garage. According to 

winter cycling experts, this simple habit significantly improves winter range and protects the battery from the most damaging cold exposure.

Bringing Your Battery Out of Storage

When spring arrives and cycling season returns, your battery needs proper preparation before the first ride.

Visual Inspection

Examine the battery housing for any signs of damage, swelling, or unusual appearance. Check the contacts for corrosion or debris. If you notice any swelling, cracking, or deformation, do not attempt to charge or use the battery. Contact support for guidance.

Full Charge Before First Ride

Charge the battery fully before your first spring ride. This allows the cells to balance and ensures you start the season with maximum range. The 54.6V charger with 100-240V wide-voltage compatibility works safely anywhere in Europe, taking approximately 6-8 hours for a complete charge from the storage level.

Test Ride

Take a short test ride to verify everything functions correctly. Check that all five pedal-assist levels respond properly and that the KT-LCD5 display shows accurate readings. Test the Shimano M200 hydraulic disc brakes and confirm the 21-speed drivetrain shifts smoothly. Address any issues before planning longer rides.

Long-Term Battery Health

Proper winter storage contributes to your battery's longevity over years of use. 

Lithium-ion battery research indicates that cells stored properly at moderate temperatures and partial charge retain more capacity after hundreds of cycles compared to batteries subjected to temperature extremes or stored at full charge.

The Samsung 21700 cells in KINDYMA batteries support multiple charge cycles while maintaining performance when cared for correctly. Following proper storage practices each winter helps ensure your battery delivers reliable range for many seasons to come.

Remember that batteries are covered under the KINDYMA 2-year warranty, but damage from improper storage or charging practices may not be covered. Protecting your battery through proper care saves money and keeps you riding without interruption.

Summary: Winter Battery Care Checklist

Protecting your e-bike battery through winter requires attention to a few key principles. Store the battery indoors at temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Maintain charge levels between 40% and 60% during storage. Never charge the battery when it is cold, waiting at least two hours after bringing it inside from winter conditions. Check the charge level monthly and top up if it drops below 30%.

These simple practices protect the 48V 20Ah Samsung battery pack that powers your KINDYMA electric bike, ensuring reliable performance when riding weather returns.

Explore the complete range of 

KINDYMA Volterra Series electric bikes featuring premium Samsung cell batteries designed for years of dependable service.