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[MajorMajor]

I have a Zero FXS.
I usually ride daily and charge the bike all night.
For the next 13 days I won't be riding.

I can think of three options:
1. This isn't a big deal. Keep it plugged in throughout the entire time and keep the bike covered (maybe throw an extra chain on it).
2. It would be better for the battery life to drop the charge to 60% for the 11 days and leave it unplugged.
3. Charge it to 100% and leave it unplugged because it might be a fire hazard.

Is there any reason not to go with option 1?

[ElectricZen]

Can't think of any to be honest!  For two weeks option one seems perfectly reasonable to me. 

If you were storing it for a couple months or shipping it.  Maybe option two.  And options three is you are plugged into a sketchy outlet. 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[DPsSRnSD]

I think it's safest to go with #1 if the circuit breaker and smoke detectors are in good working order. The bike must be put on charger within 24 hours if fully discharged and within 90 days even if fully charged. My interpretation of the way Zero specifies battery capacity is that the difference between maximum and nominal provides a buffer to prevent overcharging.

[Fred]

It seems that it's recommended to store Li-Ion batteries at about 40% charge rather than fully charged. How does that equate to the usual practice of keeping a Zero fully charged when not in use? Is it just that leaving your bike at 40â„… would be a pain?

[Kocho]

I've been asking myself the same question... Some chemistries suffer more than others when left or kept fully charged, but I don't know under which category does Zero fall and whether the factory recommendation to keep plugged-in is to ensure cell balancing takes place and to prevent accidental discharge at the expense of battery life, or if it truly does not affect the battery that much and is OK to do it and to have access to the full range every time...

Oh, but for the 13 days unused, if this was my bike, I'd definitely keep it unplugged, especially if in a public space. Maybe even take the 2 batteries out of the bike. 2 weeks is nothing - the battery should barely lose any charge over that period of time.

It seems that it's recommended to store Li-Ion batteries at about 40% charge rather than fully charged. How does that equate to the usual practice of keeping a Zero fully charged when not in use? Is it just that leaving your bike at 40â„… would be a pain?

[andreashogue]

I believe manual says keep it plugged in.... even if fully charged... just bought one, and actually read some of the manual  LOL

[buutvrij for life]

leave it with some 40-ish% charge. Li-ion of any chemistry type don't like to be 100% charged and/or be in hot condition for a long time.
The manual only tells you to keep the bike plugged for practical reasons. Zero don't want you to spread the word that you forgot to charge, and can't go anywhere.

I left my bike for 2,5 months with 30% and got home and it still said 30% charge (unplugged)
Read batteryuniversity.com for some knowledge about the most expensive part of you bike.

Greetings from the Netherlands..

[KrazyEd]

Not sure about the newest models, but my 2012 XU and 2013 FX both said on the first page of the manual
to place on charger as soon as removed from crate. Then to keep plugged in whenever not being ridden.
Warning that failure to do so would void the warranty. Just read the opening of the 2016 FX FXs manual
Says the same thing. Keep plugged in even if fully charged.

[MostlyBonkers]

Option 1 and don't worry about it. If you were storing for a couple of months or so, my answer would be different.

[buutvrij for life]

Allright...

Then search for 'notes from a Farasis engineer' on this forum,
And read all about why li-ions do NOT like to be 100% Soc all the time, and in particular  about our bikes.
Keep in mind that it is advice from one of the "designers' of our batteries...

[DPsSRnSD]

Allright...

Then search for 'notes from a Farasis engineer' on this forum,
And read all about why li-ions do NOT like to be 100% Soc all the time, and in particular  about our bikes.
Keep in mind that it is advice from one of the "designers' of our batteries...

Do we know that Zeros are charged to 100% SOC? Nominal/Maximum capacity = about 88% across the line-up. Maybe not optimal but enough to balance risks and rewards?

[MrDude_1]

two options.

1. plug it in and dont worry about it. Nothing bad will happen.

2. stress about it not being at the ideal voltage for battery storage. stress about the BMS discharge rate. stress about if it should be plugged in or not. come to some odd conclusions, maybe something like a timer scheduled plug or similar... stress about it more.  end up with the exact same battery life as #1 guy, but your hair is grayer (or missing)


(btw do NOT use a normal timer for charging.. they're not rated for continuous high current usage, even if they say 1500w.. thats something you SHOULD stress about if you do it.)

[gman669]

Park it.  Walk away.  Enjoy not having an oil spot under it when you come back. 😁

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Allright...

Then search for 'notes from a Farasis engineer' on this forum,
And read all about why li-ions do NOT like to be 100% Soc all the time, and in particular  about our bikes.
Keep in mind that it is advice from one of the "designers' of our batteries...

Do we know that Zeros are charged to 100% SOC? Nominal/Maximum capacity = about 88% across the line-up. Maybe not optimal but enough to balance risks and rewards?

0-100% on Zero indicated SoC is 20-80% actual SoC. FYI I have met that engineer and many others. Do not worry about this. The Battery article on the wiki captures all of these concerns and more:

http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Unofficial_Service_Manual#Battery

[Fred]

Great. That guide explains really well why leaving the bike plugged in all the time might not be perfect in theory but is nothing to worry about.