Battery life

[Panda Rose]

Do anyoneknow whether we whould keep charging up the battery or letting it run down and then charge it up? Does it make any difference?

[wild_Willie2]

The readers Li ion battery (theoretically) doesn't suffer from charging as often as possible..

[Xiaopanda]

True, but it's better to let them run out for the first three - five times.
Also, the do need to be charged for (usually) 12-14 hrs for the first charge.
Everything has it's lifetime.

[acidzebra]

I will quote from BatteryUniversity, an excellent source for information on all manner of batteries:

Unlike nickel and lead-based batteries, a new lithium-ion pack does not need cycling through charging and discharging. Priming will make little difference because the maximum capacity of lithium-ion is available right from the beginning. Neither does a full discharge improve the capacity of a faded pack. However, a full discharge/charge will reset the digital circuit of a 'smart' battery to improve the state-of-charge estimation

[Source]

Some other relevant entries from the same site:

Batteries live longer if treated in a gentle manner. High charge voltages, excessive charge rate and extreme load conditions have a negative effect on battery life. The longevity is often a direct result of the environmental stresses applied. The following guidelines suggest ways to prolong battery life.

-The time at which the battery stays at 4.20/cell (full charge) should be as short as possible.


-Do not discharge lithium-ion too deeply. Instead, charge it frequently. Lithium-ion does not have memory problems like nickel-cadmium batteries. No deep discharges are needed for conditioning.

-Do not charge lithium-ion at or below freezing temperature. Although accepting charge, an irreversible plating of metallic lithium will occur that compromises the safety of the pack.

Not only does a lithium-ion battery live longer with a slower charge rate; moderate discharge rates also help.

[source]