Lithium-ion batteries are found in laptop computers, cell phones, electronic cigarettes and more. These batteries hold a longer charge and carry a higher voltage than nickel cadmium and alkaline batteries. Unlike lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable. This makes these batteries the best solution for electronics requiring high energy and long battery life.
Lithium-ion batteries produce energy as ions move between the positive and negative electrodes. As the battery ages its performance decreases due to environmental conditions, discharge/charge cycles and use. As a result, the life of most lithium-ion batteries is 300 to 500 discharge/charge cycles.
Below are tips to help prolong lithium-ion batteries lifespan:
Do’s
Allow partial discharges and charges. Lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory like NiCad batteries. Several full discharges in a row put a strain on the battery that reduces its life.- Fully discharge of lithium-ion battery after 30 charges or once a month. A condition called “digital memory” occurs when a battery has continuous partial discharges. By recharging the battery after it has reached the discharge “cut-off” point, the power gauge is recalibrated to show the correct discharge life on the fuel gauge in the electronic.
- Unplug the battery when it is fully charged. By leaving it plugged in once it is fully charged, the battery health degrades because the charger may continues to try to charge the battery even when it is at 100%. Read the battery manual to be sure the charger stops charging after the battery is full if you want to keep it on the charger overnight.
Don’ts
- Expose to extreme heat for long periods of time. For instance – left inside the car during warm temperatures, stored near a heating vent, setting out in the sun for long periods of time, etc. Heat is the number one reason for shortened lithium-ion battery lifespan.
- Store or charge in areas of high humidity. It is not recommended that you have your cell phone in the bathroom while you shower or charge the electronic near the laundry area. Water can get inside the battery and reduce the lifespan.
Continue using a lithium-ion when it is at the “cut-off” point. When you completely discharge a lithium-ion battery beyond the “cut-off” point, a safety circuit in the battery is activated, and it will not charge using the original charger. - Fully discharge the battery frequently because it puts a strain on the battery and shortens the amount of time it holds a charge.
- Store the battery for a long period of time at a 100% charge because the oxidation of the battery is at its highest rate. Instead store the battery with a 50%-40% discharge in a dark cool location.
- Use a charger that did not come with the battery. Lithium-ion batteries require a specific charge rate and voltage to avoid damaging or overcharging the battery.
- Charge to 100% all the time. Lithium-ion batteries retain a longer lifespan when charged between 40% and 80% on a regular basis.
Most lithium-ion batteries are partially charged at the factory. Make sure you read the manual for the electronic for initial charging instructions. For example, some manufacturers tell you to place the electronic on the charger for 24 hours before the first use. Some electronic cigarette lithium-ion battery instructions say to use the battery until it indicates that it needs to be charge. Premium Vapes recommend fully charging the battery for 3-5 hours the first time it is charged to receive optimal battery life. After the initial charge, Premium Vapes does not recommend leaving the battery on the charger for long periods of time or overnight.
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