Lithium batteries are widely used in various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles and more. However, lithium batteries are not immune to degradation, which means they lose their ability to store and deliver energy over time. This can affect the performance and lifespan of the devices that rely on them.
There are many factors that can cause lithium battery degradation, such as temperature, charge and discharge cycles, depth of discharge, current rate and more. Some of these factors are unavoidable, but others can be controlled or minimized by following some simple tips.
Here are some tips to slow down lithium battery capacity degradation:
- Avoid discharging below 20 percent. Discharging a battery too low can cause irreversible damage to the electrodes and increase the internal resistance. This can reduce the battery’s capacity and power output. To prevent this, try to keep your battery above 20 percent charge level and recharge it before it gets too low.
- Only charge up to 80 percent. Charging a battery too high can also cause stress and damage to the electrodes and increase the risk of thermal runaway. This can also reduce the battery’s capacity and lifespan. To prevent this, try to limit your charging to 80 percent or less, unless you need the full range or capacity for a specific occasion.
- Keep your device at the right temperature. Extreme temperatures can affect the chemical reactions inside the battery and accelerate its degradation. High temperatures can increase the rate of side reactions and electrolyte decomposition, while low temperatures can reduce the ion mobility and increase the internal resistance. To prevent this, try to avoid exposing your device to direct sunlight, heat sources or freezing conditions. Ideally, keep your device between 15°C and 25°C.
- Don’t be a lead foot. Driving or using your device aggressively can increase the current demand and strain the battery. This can generate more heat and wear out the battery faster. To prevent this, try to drive or use your device smoothly and moderately, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration.
- Limit DC fast charging. DC fast charging can provide a quick boost of energy to your battery, but it can also cause more heat and stress to the battery. This can degrade the battery’s capacity and lifespan faster than normal charging. To prevent this, try to use DC fast charging only when necessary, such as on long trips or emergencies, and limit it to 80 percent or less.
By following these tips, you can slow down lithium battery capacity degradation and extend its useful life. However, keep in mind that lithium batteries will inevitably degrade over time, so you may need to replace them eventually.