How much impact does a non-original charger have on battery life?

How much impact does a non-original charger have on battery life?

The impact of using a non-original charger on the battery life of an electric scooter varies depending on the quality and adaptability of the charger. The following is a specific analysis:

1. Non-original chargers with qualified quality and adaptability
If the non-original charger meets national safety certifications (such as 3C certification), and its parameters such as input voltage, output current, and fast charging protocol are fully matched with the electric scooter battery, then the impact on battery life is small. For example, some certified third-party chargers have internal circuit designs and protection mechanisms similar to original chargers, and can charge according to the battery charging curve, without causing problems such as overcharging and over-discharging, and the battery life will basically not be affected additionally.

2. Non-original chargers with qualified quality but poor adaptability
Low charging efficiency: If the output current and voltage of the non-original charger do not fully match the battery, it may lead to reduced charging efficiency. For example, the output current of the original charger is 2A, while the output current of the non-original charger is only 1A, and the charging time will be significantly extended. Long-term use of such a charger will not directly damage the battery, but it will increase the number of battery charge and discharge cycles, thereby indirectly shortening the battery life.
Unable to enter fast charging mode: If the non-original charger does not support the fast charging protocol of the electric scooter, the battery will not be able to enter the fast charging mode and can only be charged at a lower power. This will not only prolong the charging time, but may also cause the battery to be in a high voltage state for a long time during the charging process, increase the burden of the chemical reaction inside the battery, and affect the battery life.

3. Substandard non-original chargers
Overcharge risk: Inferior non-original chargers may not have a perfect overcharge protection mechanism. When the battery is fully charged, it is impossible to stop charging in time, resulting in a continuous increase in the internal voltage of the battery, a runaway chemical reaction, and accelerated battery aging. For example, when a lithium battery is overcharged, the internal lithium ions will be over-embedded and de-embedded, causing damage to the internal structure of the battery and a rapid decrease in capacity.
Over-discharge risk: The voltage and current of some inferior chargers are unstable, and the voltage may be too low during the charging process, resulting in over-discharge of the battery. Over-discharge will damage the active substances inside the battery, reduce the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery, and shorten the battery life.
Short circuit risk: Inferior chargers may have unstable internal circuits due to design defects or cutting corners. During the charging process, if there is voltage fluctuation or poor contact, it is easy to cause a short circuit, which will not only damage the battery, but also may damage other electronic components of the electric scooter, and even cause a fire.

4. Actual impact
According to some experiments and user feedback, using a non-original charger with qualified quality but poor adaptability may shorten the battery life by about 10% - 20%. Using a non-original charger with unqualified quality may shorten the battery life by 30% - 50% or even more, depending on the quality of the charger and the frequency of use.

Recommendation
In order to ensure the health and safety of the electric scooter battery, it is recommended to use the original charger as much as possible. If you need to use a non-original charger, be sure to choose a product with 3C certification and a reliable brand, and pay attention to the changes in temperature, current and voltage during charging to avoid long-term charging.