FAQs
General
Why the LiON is not with universal input voltage?
It is not rocket science to build a charger with universal (100-240V) input voltage. However, in view of practical use and to maximise power efficiency while minimising product size and weight, we decided to launch models with only specific range of input voltage.
How about warranty for the LiON?
Each LiON smart charger would have 2 years of warranty.
Is the LiON waterproof?
Unfortunately, the LiON is NOT waterproof, although the charger case is robust, strong, reliable, protective…......Please be very careful to stay the LiON away from water, which might lead not only to damage but also electrical shock.
My LiON got damaged, what can I do?
We feel sorry to know about your LiON got hurt. If the damage was not due to any mishandling and it is still within the warranty period, please contact our customer service colleague to get a new replacement at cs@ONgineer.de. Otherwise, please also come to us and see what we could do for you.......for example a special price to buy a new LiON.
When would the LiON for the US be launched?
It is definitely in our plan to launch the US version. The schedule depends on backer's feedback. Please fill in the questionnaire so that we could listen more from you.
When would the LiON for 24V or 48V batteries be launched?
It is definitely in our plan to launch the charger for 24V and 48V batteries. The schedule depends on backer's feedback. Please fill in the questionnaire so that we could listen more from you.
What mains input frequency does the LiON work for?
The LiON works for both 50Hz and 60Hz mains input frequency.
Operation
I have two vehicles with different connector plugs. How can I use the same LiON to charge both of them?
You could add an extra output cable from us with different connector plugs to suit for two vehicles.
How can I retrieve the charging logs from the LiON to the LiON app?
After each and every charging, the LiON would store the charging log which recorded key statistics of the process. This charging log would be stored in the charger, and automatically uploaded to the LiON app with the corresponding profile during the next NFC communication.
How can I keep the charging statistics report?
There is a button on the charging statistics report page, for users to easily screen capture the charging statistics report and store in the photo album of mobile devices.
Do I have to create any profile before I could charge the battery?
Yes, it is compulsory to create the battery profile so that the LiON is able to record battery statistics properly, which is a very useful tool to monitor the status of the batteries. Don't worry, creation of the battery profile would only take a few steps. Just do it!
What is the whole procedures to charge from after receiving the LiON?
The owner of the LiON should follow the procedures as below:
-> Download the LiON app from either Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
-> Create/Configure the battery profile on the LiON APP.
-> Select the desired charging current and maximum charging percentage in the LiON app.
-> Place the mobile device on top of the LiON for NFC communication.
-> Plug the LiON to the vehicle.
-> Charging starts.
Would charging be automatically started every time when plugged? Or it would only start after the LiON app commanded?
Charging would automatically start every time when plugged to the vehicle, according to the last setting. The LiON is unable to identify which vehicle/battery it has been plugged to, due to the limitation on batteries. Therefore, in order not to charge the vehicle/battery with wrong parameters or mix up the charging log of different vehicles, it is strongly recommended that users should communicate with the LiON before plugging in to start charging.
What would happen if charging was interrupted?
If charging was interrupted, for example in case of changing the mains plug from one to another or new command received to amend charging parameters, the LiON would consider this as a new charging event after the interruption. Two separate charging logs would be created under such circumstances.
What charging parameters should I use for my battery?
1. The time you have before using the vehicle.
2. The expected mileage before your next possible charging.
What would be shown on the charging statistics report?
Statistics such as accumulated energy charged, last full charge record, battery health status as well as the previous charging logs would be shown on the charging statistics report.
LiON APP
Can I create profile for more than one battery in the LiON app?
Yes. Each LiON app could create profile for up to 10 batteries. Individual charging statistics could be displayed.
Can I manually input the parameters for configuration of battery/vehicle?
Yes. Users could manually input the parameters for configuration of vehicles. Parameters include maximum charging current of the battery as well as battery capacity. Some models of vehicle have been listed in the compatibility list, where configuration information would be auto-filled. Manual input of parameters would become necessary if the vehicle model has not yet been included on the compatibility list.
My vehicle has more than one battery. Do I need to create separate profiles for each and every battery?
Yes. In order to present the correct charging statistics of individual battery, it is necessary to create separate profiles for each and every one of them. But don't worry, creation of battery profile would only take a few steps. However, you should correctly label the batteries and you should select the correct battery profile before commencing any charging so that the statistics counts correctly.
How would the LiON app communicate with the LiON?
LiON app would communicate with the LiON via NFC. Therefore, it is necessary for the LiON app to be installed on mobile devices with NFC communication feature.
Where can I download the LiON app?
The LiON app could be downloaded from both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Beta version of the LiON app would be available soon. Please sign up on the Indiegogo Page to stay tuned with us.
What can I decide on the LiON app to control the LiON?
Users could set the charging current (1/2/3/4A) and the maximum charging percentage of battery. Users could also set a reminder alarm after time estimation from the LiON.
What would be shown on the charging statistics report?
Statistics such as accumulated energy charged, last full charge record, battery health status as well as the last 3 charging logs would be shown on the charging statistics report.
How can I update the firmware of the LiON?
The firmware update would be automatically downloaded to the LiON app. It would then automatically send to the LiON during the next NFC communication.
Technical
Can you prove that charging batteries at a lower current or to a lower level than full could extend the battery life spans?
Scientists have made intensive researches on how to better protect lithium-ion batteries. A publication from the Technical University of Munich in Germany (Title: Aging of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles) suggested some ways to maximise battery lives. "Avoiding Very High States of Charge (i.e. battery level)" and "Applying Reasonable Charging Currents" are two of the best practices advocated. For details, please refer to: https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/1355829
What makes the LiON a smart charger?
There are a few things that make the LiON become a smart charger. They include:
1. Adjustable/Selectable charging current and percentage level of battery as users desired,
2. Capability to communicate with users via NFC and mobile app,
3. Capability to record key statistics of every charging event, and
4. Capability to check the health status of the battery and alert users when battery is out of order.
Is the charging current of the original charger coming along with my vehicle stands for the highest charging current my battery could take?
No. In many cases we found that vehicle manufacturers might not provide a charger with the highest possible charging current. To many users, it might be what the LiON is for.
Can all batteries be charged at 4A?
Not all, although very much most, of the batteries could be charged at 4A. Please check on the user manual of your vehicle the highest charging current that your battery accepts, some battery management system limits the charging current.
The highest charging current of the original charger that came along with your vehicle does not necessarily be the highest charging current your battery could take. In general, batteries with 300Wh or 8Ah or above should have no problem to be charged at 4A.
How long will it take to charge the battery?
1. Battery level before charging,
2. Charging current, and
3. Desired percentage of battery level.
What charging parameters should I use for my battery?
1. The time you have before using the vehicle.
2. The expected mileage before your next possible charging.
Compatibility
How could I know whether the LiON works for my battery/vehicle?
You can firstly check from the compatibility list to find your vehicle, then the LiON app would auto-fill the info. for you. Otherwise, please check if your vehicle is with 36V batteries at mains input 220-240V, as our first model only works for 36V (max. charging voltage at 42V) batteries. Then select a plug available on the list that fits your vehicle's connector socket. And the LiON would become the charging companion of your beloved vehicle.
Can you check if the LiON works for my battery/vehicle? If yes, what information do you need?
You can firstly check on the compatibility list. If you can't find your vehicle and would like us to check for you, please take three photos of the followings and forward to us by email at cs@ongineer.de: Original charger label, vehicle battery label (or battery specification shown in vehicle user manual), and original charger plug to the vehicle. We would verify and confirm based on information given whether the LiON works for your vehicle. We might also contact you for further information.
My vehicle is with 36V battery but not listed in the configuration table, what should I do?
You can manually input/select the necessary parameters into the LiON app to configure the LiON. Parameters include battery voltage (This model of LiON only supports 36V), battery capacity (in Ah or Wh) and maximum allowable charging current (please refer to the battery label or specification shown in vehicle user manual). The LiON would then operate according to the information given.
Can I use the LiON if the connector plug type of my vehicle is not on the list?
We provide various connector plugs for you to choose from. However, we understand that not all models of vehicles use the most common connector plugs available; and if not, the LiON might not be useful to you at this stage. However, we continue to add cables with different connector plug to welcome more vehicles to join us. And for some special plugs, you could choose the XLR-4 plug from us and then purchase an adaptor from the market. Contact us at cs@ongineer.de if you need any assistance.
Thanks for your help!