Everything you need to know about the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries

A lithium-ion battery is designed and guaranteed for a minimum number of charge cycles and a minimum calendar life under optimal conditions of use.

Let's discover together its aging factors and the solutions that exist to prolong their life cycle.

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1 - What is the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery?

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The lifespan of a lithium-ion battery depends on several factors, including use, temperature, chemistry, and the depth of charge and discharge cycles.

‍In general, the lifespan of a lithium ion battery is measured in the number of cycles.

A cycle corresponds to a discharge and a complete charge of the battery, from 100% to 0% at once, or in combination with several charge/discharge phases. For example: discharge from 80% to 30%, then recharge up to 100%. The following day, discharge from 100% to 50% and finally recharge to 80%. The whole corresponds to 1 cycle.

For moderate daily use, the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery can be estimated at 2 to 3 years or 300 to 500 charge and discharge cycles for a given device. On the other hand, for optimized use and under ideal conditions of use, its lifespan can reach up to 5 years or more than 1,000 charge and discharge cycles.

As with any object, it is important to know the ideal conditions of use so that it can serve us and meet our needs for as long as possible.

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2 - How do you make a lithium-ion battery last?

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A battery is designed and guaranteed for a minimum number of charge cycles and a minimum calendar life under optimal conditions of use.

These optimal conditions are based on three factors:

• ‍temperature;
• terms of use;
• storage.

How do you make a lithium ion battery last?

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A battery is designed and guaranteed for a minimum number of charge cycles and a minimum calendar life under optimal conditions of use.

These optimal conditions are based on three factors: temperature, conditions of use, and storage.

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Temperature

• Whenever possible, it is recommended to use and handle the battery at room temperature around 20°C.
• Charge as much as possible at room temperature. In particular, for an electromobility battery that has just been used intensively, remember to let it cool down at the end of the race before charging it.
  

Use

• Avoid complete cycles of 100% to 0%. Prefer partial loads and discharges, operating between 80% and 20% charge level.
• Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer and avoid rapid charges with excessive currents (Ampere).

Storage

• The ideal conditions for storing a battery are dry and at room temperature. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing a fully discharged battery as it risks entering a deep discharge which may damage its electrochemical components. For extended storage, check the state of charge and charge if necessary to return between 30 and 50% of charge.

Shock: to be avoided!

Shocks can damage the connections and electronics embedded in the battery. If the battery protector is damaged as a result of a violent shock, immediately isolate the battery and take it for recycling.

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Despite these precautions, sometimes a battery can suffer damage that leads to malfunctions. And more generally, its aging and its use lead to a decrease in its performance for a given use. In both cases, the battery no longer meets the requirements for use. However, there are several solutions to extend its lifespan.

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