Batteries, how do you know they are still good?

 

Rechargeable Batteries 

Rechargeable batteries, Lead Acid and Li On, are a great way to save money and reduce waste, but they need a little love to perform their best and last a long time. Whether it's for your phone, laptop, or camera, these tips will help you maximize the life of your batteries. These paragraphs are for general purposes and general items, for which the information provided will serve as well for Scooters and Power Chairs, since most of them use Lead Acid and a few to this moment use Li On Batteries.

Let's begin...

Understanding Your Battery 

Most modern devices use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These batteries are light, powerful, and don't suffer from the "memory effect" that plagued older battery types like Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd). The memory effect would cause a battery to lose capacity if it were recharged before being fully drained. Fortunately, that's not a concern with Li-ion batteries.

Top Tips for Longevity 

Here are some simple but effective ways to extend the life of your rechargeable batteries:

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures 

This is one of the most important factors. Both extreme heat and cold can permanently damage a battery's capacity.

  • Heat: High temperatures accelerate a battery's degradation. Avoid leaving your devices in a hot car or in direct sunlight. If your device feels hot while charging, try to move it to a cooler spot.

  • Cold: While less damaging than heat, very cold temperatures can temporarily reduce a battery's performance and permanently affect its lifespan if exposed for too long.

2. Storing Them Fully Charged or Fully Drained 

For long-term storage, it's best to keep Li-ion batteries at around a 50% charge. Storing them at 100% or 0% for extended periods can stress the battery and reduce its overall capacity. If you're putting a device away for a month or more, try to get the charge to about half.

3. Use the Right Charger 

Always use the charger that came with your device or a high-quality, certified third-party charger. Low-quality or incompatible chargers can provide inconsistent voltage, which can harm the battery and even pose a fire risk. Consult your provider for more information.

4. Practice Smart Charging Habits 

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to "train" a modern battery by fully draining it. Li On Batteries. For lead-acid batteries, it is appropriate to let the battery drain to about 30 percent and fully charge throughout the night to prolong its life.

  • Avoid deep discharges: Regularly letting a Li-ion battery go from 100% down to 0% puts more stress on it. It's better to do partial charges more frequently. Think of it like taking sips of water throughout the day instead of gulping a whole bottle all at once.

  • Don't overcharge: While most modern devices have built-in circuits to prevent overcharging, leaving a device plugged in 24/7 can still put a slight strain on the battery over time.

When to Replace 

No battery lasts forever. All rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge cycles. When you notice your device's battery life is significantly shorter than it used to be, it's probably time for a replacement. Remember to recycle old batteries properly at a designated e-waste facility or your preferred battery store for a fee.

Oliver Millan 

Mobility Consultant

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