If you’re using a lithium-ion battery for the first time, it’s important to fully charge it before use. This will help ensure that the battery performs optimally and lasts as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about charging a lithium-ion battery for the first time.
If you don’t charge a lithium battery for a long time, it will eventually discharge and become unusable. A lithium battery will self-discharge at a rate of about 5% per month, so if you don’t use it for six months, the battery will be completely discharged. If you don’t charge a lithium battery for a long time, it will eventually die.
In fact, overcharging a lithium-ion battery can actually damage it and shorten its lifespan. If you’re using a lithium-ion battery for the first time, it’s important to fully charge it before use. This will help ensure that the battery performs optimally and lasts as long as possible.
Storing lithium-ion batteries at full charge for an extended period can increase stress and decrease capacity. It’s recommended to store lithium-ion batteries at a 40-50% charge level. Research indicates that storing a battery at a 40% charge reduces the loss of capacity and the rate of aging.
A battery that is only lightly discharged can often be recharged without any problems. However, if a battery is discharged below 2 volts per cell, it may be irreversibly damaged. It’s important to note that even if a lithium-ion battery is not being used, it will slowly self-discharge.
Most manufacturers recommend that you charge lithium-ion batteries at room temperature for optimal results. Charging them in extreme cold or heat can decrease their lifespan significantly. Once the battery is fully charged, remove it from the charger immediately to prevent overcharging (which can also shorten its lifespan).