How Long Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Last?

The invention of the lithium battery has completely transformed our world. They power everything from our smartphones, electric tools, large off-grid power systems, and electric vehicles. They are also extremely energy-dense, low maintenance, and have a long shelf life. But exactly how long can lithium-ion batteries last? Are they really worth the money?

Below, we answer these questions and more while we take a deep dive into everything lithium. This includes how long they last, whether or not they expire, and how to get the most out of your investment. Let’s get started.

What is a Lithium-ion Battery?

The lithium-ion battery is the most advanced form of commercially available battery technology we currently have. They used lithium ions as the main component of their chemistry, which are containing many more valence electrons than other battery types. This means that they can store a lot more power energy for their size.

Like all batteries, the lithium battery also has an anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte. However, their electrochemistry is what makes them different. They can use a variety of different materials for the cathode, but the most common are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and lithium cobalt oxide.

As for the anode, the most common material in lithium-ion batteries is graphite. It is porous, it also has excellent conductivity, and has a good voltage match with the above cathodes. This combination of materials creates a battery that is second to none when it comes to energy density, weightlessness, and longevity.

How Long Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Last?

This answer to the question is depending on the battery. There are many different types of lithium chemistries and pack designs, which vary drastically. For example, a pouch cell lithium polymer with a cobalt aluminum oxide chemistry can only achieve 100 discharge cycles. However, a high-quality cylindrical lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cell can exceed 2,000 discharge cycles under proper conditions.

The Enjoybot lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries can last anywhere between 3,000 – 5,000 usable discharge and recharge cycles under real-world conditions. However, that doesn't mean that your battery will automatically stop working after discharging for the 5,000th time. It simply means that your battery will not function as optimally as it did when it was new. In most cases, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries will still hold 75-80% of their energy capacity as they age. We use well-quality lithium cells that are matched together to provide a safe battery pack that lasts as long as possible.

How do you make the Lithium-ion Battery Last Longer?

While 3,000 to 5,000 cycles are the standard lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, there are ways to extend the life of your battery so it averages closer to 5,000 cycles. First and foremost, make sure you are using the correct battery charger for your lithium batteries. While lead-acid chargers may supply power to your lithium batteries, they don’t charge them optimally. You probably won’t get as much depth of charge as you would with a lithium charger.

Second, it is important to avoid completely depleting your lithium batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are amazing because they can handle an 80% - 98% depth of discharge and still work exceptionally well. However, if you can avoid doing this repeatedly, you will increase the lifespan of your lithium batteries significantly.

Lastly, it is best to avoid charging the battery in extremely cold weather. While lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries can handle dramatic temperature changes with ease compared to other types of batteries. However, they will not allow a charge if their internal temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is protecting against lithium plating, which can be dangerous or cause short-circuiting.

Do Lithium Batteries Expire If Not Used?

Lithium batteries do not necessarily expire, but they do experience a small amount of power energy consumption when left sitting. Specifically, when left in the right conditions, LiFePO4 batteries experience a 2-3% depletion each month. Therefore, you may come back to completely dead batteries if you leave your batteries sitting long enough without a charge. This does take a long time though, so if you are storing your batteries over the winter, for instance, this is often not too long.

How Do You Store Lithium-Iron phosphate Batteries in the Winter?

Unlike lead-acid batteries, it is not absolutely essential to remove lithium batteries and store them above freezing temperatures. In fact, LiFePO4 batteries will be fine in typical freezing temperatures as long as you fully charge them and disconnect them from any power source. Nevertheless, if you expect temperatures to plummet to below -10 degrees, we recommend removing them and storing them at warmer temperatures (The Enjoybot LiFePO4 battery's storage temperature is -10~50℃ 14℉~122℉).

Should you keep lithium batteries fully charged?

Not letting your batteries die completely will extend their lifespan. If you are planning to store your lithium batteries for a period of time, you need to make sure your batteries are stored at half charge. Unlike other types of batteries that need to be recharged again and again throughout their storage time, lithium batteries do better at 40%-50% DOD (depth of discharge).

Is it OK to put a lithium-ion battery on the charger overnight?

Yes, you can leave a lithium-ion battery on the charger overnight. Because when batteries get fully charged, the BMS will be triggered to protect themselves to extend their lifespan.

What will happen if you don't charge a lithium-ion battery for a long time?

Lithium batteries have the characteristics of self-discharge. If it is not used for a long time or is not charged in the middle time, self-discharge will exhaust batteries power, resulting in too low battery voltage.

Can you Recycle your Lithium Batteries When They Are Used Up?

Yes. You can and should recycle your lithium batteries when you are done with them. At Enjoybot, we pride ourselves on creating lithium batteries with no hazardous materials.

Conclusion

Generally, how long lithium-ion batteries last depends on how well people protect them while using them.

Lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are truly superior in every way when you compared them to lead-acid batteries of the past, They weigh less, hold more power, have longer working time, work safer, non-toxic, non-spilling, and non-leaking, and have a lower self-discharge rate. They also need less maintenance and have a much longer lifespan. Yes, you will need to pay more in upfront costs, but the overall savings are significant. This is why we believe lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are completely worth it. LiFePO4 batteries provide a hassle-free, reliable way to store large amounts of power when you need it most.