How about washing an eBike that got dirt/mud on it? Battery removed? If so, is there risk of the electrical contacts components being exposed. Same for transport. I remove battery to save weight on the hitch mounted rack, but does rain impact the components, motor, or battery.
I suspect that eBike manufacturers may be reluctant to answer some of these types of questions due to liability concerns. You might try a shorter less threatening list to get an initial response and then follow up once you have developed a rapport with someone whom is knowledgeable and forthcoming at one of the eBike companies. Maybe you can find someone who will do one of your video interviews with you and make it a more of discussion? So many good questions in your list and in the comments here. The only thing I would suggest is that technically, I believe that an LFP battery is a type of lithium ion battery so you might just ask what type of lithium battery do they use (e.g., LFP, NMC, LiPo, etc.) and do they use any batteries with non-lithium chemistries such as NiMH?
The question: "How many battery fires have your eBikes had in the last few years?" might be rephrased to ask for a percentage of bikes that had fires (rather than a number).
A follow-up could be, "What were the causes of those fires?"
You ask the question about the Li technology used. The technology could have changed but you fire question does not ask for specifics. Could you rephrase the question to get a better response?
Most manufacturers provide charging in/on the frame. Is it recommended/preferred to remove the battery for charging?
My son is an underwriter for an insurance company. Lithium battery fires are fast becoming the greatest source of home fires. Not just bikes but scooters (especially, as they are cheap with cheap batteries) and cheap tools. He warns to never leave a lithium battery on the charger unattended. I admit that with name brand tools I don't worry about it but probably should. I would never store or charge an escooter in a garage.
I would ask the following question a bit differently to get actual data to compare the two situations. Instead of "Do more eBike battery fires occur during charging or storage?"
How about washing an eBike that got dirt/mud on it? Battery removed? If so, is there risk of the electrical contacts components being exposed. Same for transport. I remove battery to save weight on the hitch mounted rack, but does rain impact the components, motor, or battery.
I suspect that eBike manufacturers may be reluctant to answer some of these types of questions due to liability concerns. You might try a shorter less threatening list to get an initial response and then follow up once you have developed a rapport with someone whom is knowledgeable and forthcoming at one of the eBike companies. Maybe you can find someone who will do one of your video interviews with you and make it a more of discussion? So many good questions in your list and in the comments here. The only thing I would suggest is that technically, I believe that an LFP battery is a type of lithium ion battery so you might just ask what type of lithium battery do they use (e.g., LFP, NMC, LiPo, etc.) and do they use any batteries with non-lithium chemistries such as NiMH?
Do your bikes have an IP rating and what is it?
Great list. I'll look forward to your summary as I'm interested in buying an ebike.
The question: "How many battery fires have your eBikes had in the last few years?" might be rephrased to ask for a percentage of bikes that had fires (rather than a number).
A follow-up could be, "What were the causes of those fires?"
Consider asking “What are the top 3 root causes of customer returns of your batteries?"
That is a great list.
You ask the question about the Li technology used. The technology could have changed but you fire question does not ask for specifics. Could you rephrase the question to get a better response?
Most manufacturers provide charging in/on the frame. Is it recommended/preferred to remove the battery for charging?
My son is an underwriter for an insurance company. Lithium battery fires are fast becoming the greatest source of home fires. Not just bikes but scooters (especially, as they are cheap with cheap batteries) and cheap tools. He warns to never leave a lithium battery on the charger unattended. I admit that with name brand tools I don't worry about it but probably should. I would never store or charge an escooter in a garage.
Proper storage during off season?
Are there any safety features incorporated into your proprietary chargers? Similarly, do they have any universal safety rating certifications?
-is removable battery seal adequate to prevent water intrusion when battery is in place?
-battery in or out during transportation (bike rack on front of truck)
- if recommended to remove battery during transport, how to protect empty cavity?
What safe action(s) are suggested if there is a fire.
I would ask the following question a bit differently to get actual data to compare the two situations. Instead of "Do more eBike battery fires occur during charging or storage?"
Split it in two.
How many eBike fires occur during charging?
How many eBike fires occur during storage?
Thanks for all you do,
Bob
Question 5: and number of units sold?
Do Lion battery fires self oxygenate?