Low battery capacity and short range: causes and what to do

If the battery drains quickly and the range has dropped to only a few kilometres, the cause may be cold weather, riding conditions, the charger, or wear or damage to a cell section. First carry out safe checks: charge fully (at room temperature), take a test ride and watch the charge indicator. If the range is still low, the battery needs to be diagnosed by a service centre. Do not open it yourself, and contact the service centre before shipping, because lithium-ion batteries are subject to dangerous-goods transport rules.

This advice is based on solutions to specific, anonymised cases handled by Amperi Service. Every case can be different – the steps described do not replace a professional service diagnosis.

Symptoms

The battery drains very quickly.
The range after a full charge is only a few kilometres.
The battery does not hold its charge and the charge indicator drops quickly.
The vehicle loses power or switches off even though the indicator still showed some energy in reserve.
The battery capacity seems clearly lower than before.

Possible causes

Natural wear of the battery after many charge cycles, which reduces its capacity.
Damage to or weakening of one or more battery sections. In some cases of short range, the repair involves replacing sections.
Low ambient temperature, which temporarily reduces the available range. Charging a cold battery (below 0°C) can additionally cause permanent capacity loss.
Riding conditions: heavy load, hills, a high assistance level, low tyre pressure.
Incomplete charging, a faulty charger, or poor contact in the plug or socket.
Storing the battery for a long time in a deeply discharged state (for longer storage, about 40–60% charge and periodic checks are recommended).

What you can check

Note how the problem shows itself: whether the range dropped gradually or suddenly, and after how many kilometres the indicator starts to fall quickly.
Charge the battery fully with the original charger. Check that the charger indicates the end of charging.
Visually inspect the plug, the charging socket and the battery contacts. Do not use a battery or charger that shows visible damage, signs of moisture, a burning smell or a swollen casing.
Take a test ride in calm conditions: no heavy load, a lower assistance level and correct tyre pressure. Compare the result with your earlier range.
If it is cold, bring the battery into a warm room and let it reach room temperature before you start charging it. Do not charge a battery that is below 0°C. Do not heat it with a radiator, hair dryer or open flame. After it has warmed up and been charged, repeat the test.
If the range is still very low, stop using the battery for normal riding and submit it for diagnosis. Have the battery serial number ready (from the rating plate) and describe the symptoms.
Do not open the battery casing, disconnect anything inside it, or try to replace cells or sections yourself.
Before shipping, contact the service centre and ask about the shipping rules. Lithium-ion batteries are dangerous goods (class 9, UN 3480), so you need a courier that accepts such parcels and correct marking. A battery that is swollen, overheating, leaking or mechanically damaged must not be sent as an ordinary parcel. Special rules apply to it (e.g. ADR special provision 376), and air transport is prohibited. If you are unsure about the battery's condition, ask the service centre before sending anything. Remove the battery according to the vehicle's manual, protect its contacts, pack it in ri
After sending the parcel, keep the proof of postage and the tracking number. If the parcel does not arrive within the expected time, check its status with the courier.

Follow safety rules when working with batteries and electrical equipment. Do not open batteries or high-voltage electronics. Unauthorised modifications to the equipment during the warranty period may void the warranty.

When to contact the service

The battery should be taken in for diagnosis at a service centre if, after a full charge and a test ride, the range is still only a few kilometres or the battery drains very quickly. The same applies if the vehicle loses power despite showing reserve energy. Stop using and charging the battery immediately if it is swollen, overheats, gives off a smell, has a damaged casing or has been exposed to liquids. Put it in a safe place on a non-flammable surface, away from flammable materials and with no charger connected, and contact the service centre. If there is smoke, fire or rapid heating, move away and call the emergency services (112).

FAQ

Why is the range only a few kilometres after a full charge?

The most common causes are cell wear, a weakened or damaged battery section, a faulty charger or very low temperature. The exact cause can only be determined by diagnosing the battery.

Does cold weather really reduce range?

Yes. Low temperature temporarily reduces the battery's available capacity. If the range returns after the battery has warmed up to room temperature and been recharged, temperature may have been the cause. However, do not charge a battery that is below 0°C, as this can permanently damage it.

Can I open the battery myself and check the cells?

No. Inside the battery there is protective electronics and cells that can deliver a high current. A short circuit can cause burns, fire and damage to the battery. Diagnosis and repair are carried out by a service centre.

Can low range be fixed without replacing the whole battery?

In some cases the cause is a single battery section and the repair involves replacing that section. The scope of the repair is determined by diagnosis.

What should I include with a battery sent for diagnosis?

Include the label or the case number (if the service centre gave you one), the battery serial number and a short description of the symptoms: what range you get, when you noticed the problem, and whether the battery drains gradually or suddenly. Agree the shipping method with the service centre first, because lithium-ion batteries are dangerous goods.

What should I do if the battery I sent has not reached the service centre?

Check the parcel status with the courier using the tracking number and keep the proof of postage. It is also worth finding out whether the courier had any difficulty collecting or delivering the parcel.

Problem still there? Open a service request with Amperi Service – we will help.

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Updated: 2026-10-31 · Serwis Amperi · serwis@amperi.eu