Hobie Evolve Battery Life?

Is there a guide on what sort of lifespan the battery in the Hobie Evolve will have? If it is used for say 4 hours a week, will it last 1-2-3-4... years?

Also, is it recommended to be stored at 50-60% charge capacity when not being used for an extended period?

From the manual:

• You will extend the life of your battery if you do not expose it for longer than necessary to a very hot environment. In order to guarantee that the life of the battery is as long as possible, the battery should be stored for longer period of time (e.g. over the winter) at around 50 % charge and between 0 °C and +15 °C / +32 °F and +60 °F.

From Torqeedo's site:

• Lithium-manganese battery life expectancy: Charge cycles are not the main factor affecting the service life of the lithium-manganese battery. The battery does not have a memory-effect. Generally, a loss of capacity of 4% per year can be assumed. Aging is accelerated if the battery is exposed to high temperatures for long periods and if it is stored fully charged for long periods. Therefore, the battery can be used in very hot conditions, but should be removed from the sun and stored in a cool place when not used. If it is stored for a longer period of time, its charge status should be about 50%. If these instructions are followed, your battery will have a life expectancy of some 6-10 years.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

That is a long battery life. If the computer is in the 'box' with the battery, do you need to replace both items later on? I saw this topic before searching for info, so thanks. I was talking to a Hobie dealer at a boat show on Sunday about the new motor; my wife said I couldn't go buy a new bass boat so "accessorizing" my Revolution is the goal this summer and high on the list is the electric motor.

Yes, the battery is the box... gps and circuits all in one. You can not replace just the Lithium cells.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I have and love my Hobie Evolve, but can always use more range. Any idea when extra batteries will be available for purchase?

Batteries are available now.

72021131 ULTRALIGHT BATTERY, TORQEEDO $599.00

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Does the supplied charger also discharge the battery?

For the radio controlled model boats I have, the charger can discharge my Lipo batteries to 50% for storage. This is a handy feature and takes all the guess work out of managing my battery packs.

Not that I am aware of.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Is there a recommended way to discharge the battery, when the kayak is at home, out of the water?

I don't see anything in their manuals about a technique beyond running it down in normal use. You should be careful about running when dry. This can damage the motor. Perhaps running in a bucket of water is the best solution. I will ask our engineer to review next week.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

That would be great if you could find out.

I would see the battery being kept fully charged most of the time, ready for some last minute kayak sessions. But as Winter hits, there may be a need to discharge the battery to store it for a couple of months. I wouldn't want to put the kayak in the water in winter to discharge the battery.

Our engineer confirmed that running the motor down on the last outing or running in a bucket would be the ways to do this.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

ok, thanks.

Can the extra battery be linked together with the original battery? Ideally one could avoid having to disconnect/reconnect the wires while out on the water?

No.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)