Battery Tips: Lithium-Ion Batteries

All rechargeable batteries are not created equal. Today’s cell phones, tablets and laptops use lithium-ion batteries, which are very light and can deliver a lot of energy per charge, making them ideal for portable devices. They also have a low self-discharge rate  and can be recharged over a thousand times. Lithium-ion batteries are completely different from the first cell phone batteries and rechargeable AA’s or AAA’s, and as such they require different maintenance.  Proper care of lithium-ion batteries is easy and straightforward – by following these useful tips, you’ll help prolong the lifespan of the batteries in your portable devices:

• Do a full battery charge before using your device for the first time.
• Don’t wait to recharge: lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle frequent recharges. In fact, letting a battery run out on a regular basis may significantly reduce its lifespan. Manufacturers recommend recharging a lithium-ion battery when it’s at 40%, and doing one full discharge per month.
• Don’t leave your device plugged in all the time. This has a negative impact on the flow of electrons in the battery, which is essential to good battery health.
• Avoid high temperatures. Heat is extremely damaging to a battery’s lifespan. Do not to leave any portable devices in your car on a hot day, or expose them to direct sunlight.
• Don’t buy spares for future use. The lifespan of a lithium-ion battery starts decreasing as soon as it is manufactured. Always check a battery’s manufacture date before buying, and make sure the manufacture date falls within a year of the date of your purchase.

Do you have any questions about lithium-ion batteries or battery tips to share with us? Please use the comments section.