Another Battery question

[zerotoo]

Last year I got 6 brand new AW 18650 batteries because they were from a shop which was closing down. They are genuine. The problem I have is that I already have half a dozen on rotation between myself and my wife. These things seem to go on and on!

How long will the ones I have stored last? Should I charge them every so often?
In other words, is there a shelf life?
Thanks

 

[Rickajho]

Hi

Without looking it up to be 100% sure, Li-On's have a shelf life of about 3 years before degradation starts setting in just from chemical breakdown - whether they are used or not. That would be degradation over time - it's not like they would suddenly be worthless once they are three years old.

It's best to keep them in storage at a maintenance level charge of 3.7 volts. To do that would mean checking your charger and pulling them off before typical chargers bring them up to a full 4.2 volts. Allowing them to drop below 2.5 volts while in storage isn't good for them either.

The bottom line is that batteries - in use or not - don't improve with age. Might as well just put them in rotation as well and use them.

 

[zerotoo]

Hi, thanks.
I did try looking it up. As far as I can make out they naturally discharge I wasn't aware about only charging up to around the 3.7 volts. Might be an idea like you suggested to rotate with the others.
Thank you

 

[Rickajho]

Hi, thanks.
I did try looking it up. As far as I can make out they naturally discharge I wasn't aware about only charging up to around the 3.7 volts. Might be an idea like you suggested to rotate with the others.
Thank you

I'm too tired to look it up right now but there is something about storing them long term starting at a full 4.2 volts that is also "chemically stressful" on Li-On batteries. When they leave the factory manufacturer's only charge them to 3.7 volts - on purpose - for their time just sitting around before they are purchased and put into use. A battery at 3.7 volts sitting idle probably won't need another maintenance charge for at least a year - but personally I would check the voltage every six months.

 

[gaspt]

I'm too tired to look it up right now but there is something about storing them long term starting at a full 4.2 volts that is also "chemically stressful" on Li-On batteries. When they leave the factory manufacturer's only charge them to 3.7 volts - on purpose - for their time just sitting around before they are purchased and put into use. A battery at 3.7 volts sitting idle probably won't need another maintenance charge for at least a year - but personally I would check the voltage every six months.

definitely rotate them & all batteries have a shelf life