Bosch Powerpack 500 battery life: the complete guide

Keeping your Bosch PowerPack 500 bicycle battery for as long as possible is not rocket science. Here are a few tips to prolong the life of your battery:

• Drive in Eco mode: using the electric motor at minimum power means less strain on the battery;
• Keep the battery out of extremes: recharge your electric bike between 10 and 90% or even between 20 and 80% to optimize battery life;
  
• Long charging time: the faster the charge, the more it damages the cells. A 2 A charger is preferable to a 4 or 6 A charger;
  
• Use the eBike Connect system sparingly: use it only when necessary, as it increases the Bosch VAE's power consumption.

Bosch batteries are designed to withstand riding in the rain. Nevertheless, it is advisable to dry your refurbished VAE and its battery at the end of your ride. This also applies to cleaning off mud or dust after your VTTAE sessions or on hiking trails.

As with all lithium-ion bicycle batteries, Bosch PowerPack 500 batteries run the risk of complete discharge or "deep discharge" if stored for several weeks or months at low charge. This means removing the battery from the electric bike, and keeping it at an ideal charge of 80% for long periods of downtime.

In this case, avoid placing it outside, in a damp room, at low temperatures or in direct sunlight, which can accelerate degradation. It's better to keep it at room temperature, in a dry room, and to charge it from time to time.

Bosch PowerPack batteries are sealed, i.e. optimized against rain or heat, while guaranteeing high energy density. Repairing one or more cells would break the integrity of the entire battery. The consequences are a risk of malfunction or even fire in the event of shock, exposure to water or extreme temperatures. What's more, you lose the Bosch warranty.

Over the years, capacity naturally diminishes. If the autonomy becomes too low compared to the initial level, or if it operates randomly, it may be time to intervene.

In the event of malfunction or loss of autonomy, ask a specialist bicycle dealer or Bosch partner to check the battery. He will confirm either the remaining capacity or a possible problem requiring replacement or reconditioning of the battery.

There are three ways to replace your battery:

• You're buying exactly the same part number, so there's nothing you can do;
• You opt for a battery compatible with your Bosch eBike Systems, but with a different capacity: make sure it's compatible with your electric bike, and you'll need to adjust your assistance to take account of the change (range prediction in particular);
• You make an appointment with one of our partner bike shops, who will advise you on your needs and make sure your installation is secure, as well as updating your BMS (battery management system) if necessary.

If you change your battery yourself, you are responsible for recycling it. It is therefore forbidden to throw it in the garbage can. You must take your Bosch PowerPack 500 to a collection point listed by the Corepile program, which may be a supermarket or your favorite bicycle shop.

Properly collected, most of the battery can be recycled, including the famous precious lithium for reuse in a new battery.

This battery is very popular, but it's far from the only one on the market. Bosch electric bikes use other PowerPack 400, 625, 750 and even 800 capacities, with the same technology but different autonomies. Various other formats (fixed) or PowerMore extenders also make up the Teutonic firm's catalog.

It's not just Bosch or Yamaha motors that are available, but also alternatives such as Shimano Steps or Bafang batteries. These are not as widely recognized, however, and the after-sales network is less widespread.