Battery Lifespan: How Long Do Lithium-ion Batteries Last

What Is Lithium-ion Battery? 

Many of today's electronics run on lithium-ion batteries, unique works of modern tech. These rechargeable batteries have cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes that help the lithium ions move around during the charging and discharging.

Because of this complicated dance of ions, lithium-ion batteries can store and release energy quickly. They power everything from computers and smartphones to electric cars and renewable energy systems.

Lithium-ion batteries are unique because they have a high energy density and a long working life. They are great for portable gadgets because they can store energy in a small, light package. They also last a long time so that they will work reliably after hundreds or even thousands of charge cycles.

Lifespan of Lithium-ion Battery  

A lithium-ion battery's lifespan depends on several things, such as how it is used, its surroundings, and the quality of its construction before it shows signs of wear and tear; consumer gadgets like smartphones and laptops last about 2 to 3 years.

However, lithium-ion batteries can last much longer if cared for and maintained correctly. Gadgets that are used sparingly can last up to 5 years or more. Some big lithium-ion batteries can last for more than 18 years.

A lithium-ion battery's lifespan can be affected by how often it is charged and drained, the temperature and humidity of its used area, and the quality of the battery cells.

High usage, deep discharges that happen often, extreme temps, and overcharging can all speed up the degradation of a battery. On the other hand, batteries tend to last longer in devices that aren't used as much, are kept in the proper temperature range, and are charged and drained in a controlled way.

Lithium-ion batteries will eventually break down, but knowing how to use and maintain them can help extend their lifespan. Avoiding high temperatures, charging correctly, and limiting deep discharge cycles are some things that people can do to make lithium-ion batteries last longer and ensure that their electronics work well for years to come.

What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Lithium-ion Battery?

A lithium-ion battery's lifespan can be affected by how often it is charged and drained, the temperature and humidity of its used area, and the quality of the battery cells. High usage, deep discharges that happen often, extreme temps, and overcharging can all speed up the degradation of a battery.  

On the other hand, batteries tend to last longer in devices that aren't used as much, are kept in the proper temperature range, and are charged and drained in a controlled way.

Usage Patterns: A lithium-ion battery's lifespan can be affected by how often and complicated it is used. Heavy users, like people who use their phones or laptops for extended amounts of time during the day, may see their storage space go down faster than people who use their devices less often or for shorter periods.

Charging Habits: Battery lifespan can be impacted over time by charging habits, such as how frequently the battery is charged, how much it is discharged, and the charging power and current. Overcharging and deep discharges that happen too often can speed up the loss of capacity. On the other hand, avoiding overcharging and keeping shallow discharge cycles can help protect battery capacity and longevity.

Environmental Temperature: A lithium-ion battery's lifespan can be affected by the gadget's temperature and the area where it is used or stored. Exposure to hot or humid environments can speed up the loss of capacity. On the other hand, batteries work best in more relaxed, drier circumstances.

Charging Cycles: A lithium-ion battery's lifespan can be shortened by frequently charging it before using most of its capacity. The same will happen if you only charge the battery 50% or less of its total capacity. The electrodes will get worse each time the battery is charged because of the buildup. Users should wait to charge a lithium-ion battery until it is almost empty to get the most out of it.

Proactive Coatings: At higher temperatures and voltages, the metal covering on the cathode of a lithium-ion battery can mix with the electrolyte, which makes the battery break down even more over time. The oxygen this link makes also covers and blocks the cathode, which wastes even more energy.

Advanced conductive coatings use multilayer fuse protection to stop bad reactions, making lithium-ion batteries last longer and more durable in various settings. Most of the time, these items are made of carefully developed polymers that don't rust.

We can help reduce capacity loss and increase the lifespan of their lithium-ion batteries by being aware of these factors and implementing proper battery care and usage practices. Ultimately, knowing about and caring for these things can help lithium-ion batteries in electronics work better and last longer.

What Are The Signs of Battery Degradation?

Lithium-ion batteries naturally break down over time, affecting how well they work and how long they last. Knowing when a battery is losing power is essential for keeping electronic gadgets working at their best. Here are some usual signs that a lithium-ion battery is losing its power.

• Decreased Capacity: A drop in the battery's ability to hold a charge is one of the most obvious signs that it is failing. Lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to store energy over time. This means that electronic gadgets have shorter battery lives and run times. Users may need to charge their devices more often or notice quick battery percentage drops while using them.

• Increased Charging Times: Longer charging times are another sign that a battery is losing power. Batteries may need to improve at taking and keeping a charge as they age, which means it takes longer to charge them to total capacity. People may notice that their devices take much longer to charge than when the battery is brand new. This means the battery isn't as healthy as it used to be.

• Reduced Performance: Battery degradation can also show up in electronics that generally don't work as well. When people use their devices, especially when doing things that need a lot of battery power, they may notice slower response times, less processing power, or more lag. This lower speed is because the battery can't power the device's parts as well as it used to.

Lithium-ion Battery Maintenance & Care

Lithium-ion batteries must be adequately cared for and maintained for the most extended lifespan. By following the instructions for charging, storing, and using batteries, people can keep them in good shape and reduce the things that cause them to break down.  

There is also a product called Jackery Portable Power Station that doesn't need any care or maintenance and might be a better choice for you since it has a lithium-ion battery inside. It's an easy and environmentally friendly way to power electronics, which makes them perfect for trips outside or emergencies where regular power sources might not be available.

Jackery Portable Power Stations with Lithium-ion Batteries

We highly suggest Jackery Portable Power Stations because they have lithium-ion batteries that can power your electronics and only need maintenance. With 12 levels of control, the best energy management system in the business keeps your charging devices safe. It is very resistant to fire and shock, so you can use it without worrying.

It has used the power station once a week for 20 years, while camping will still hold up to 80% of its total capacity. ("full charge" means once a week). The very long battery can rest for up to 4 years when fully charged. Great for camping, living in an RV, home emergencies, and working outside.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus 

Here is the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus portable power station, a portable energy solutions powerhouse that is a huge step forward for living off the grid and getting power while you're outside. This generator has an enormous capacity and puts out a lot of energy, so it can power demanding activities like professional trips and extreme camping for weeks each time.

It has a strong 2 kWh base capacity and can grow to an impressive 12 kWh with more lithium battery (LiFePO4) packs. This makes it great for long trips, outdoor activities, heavy work, and emergencies that don't plan.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus differs from other products in its category because it can increase its power up to 3000 W, 30% more than other products in the same category. This improved power transfer ensures that almost all essential devices work without any problems, meeting a wide range of needs with unmatched efficiency.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus stands out as a reliable and innovative power option in a world that relies increasingly on portable power. When going on outdoor adventures, dealing with sudden power outages, or looking for environmentally friendly energy options, this lithium battery generator gives people unmatched performance, allowing them to live a free and resilient life.

Product	Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
Image
Capacity	2042.8Wh (13A/638.4Ah)
Life Cycle	4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Battery Cell	LiFePO4 battery
Dimension	37.36x35.94x47.3cm
Recharging Methods	Explorer 2000 Plus + 6*SolarSaga 100W: 6H; AC Adapter: 1.7H; 12V Car Adapter: 25H
Output Ports	3*AC Output: 230V~ 50Hz, 3000W Max, 6000W surge peak; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station supplies reliable power for many uses thanks to its sizeable 1002Wh storage and 1000W output power. You can get constant power with a thousand charge cycles that let you charge the whole thing from the wall in just 1.8 hours. Adding two SolarSaga 80W solar panels will increase the amount of electricity you make by 25%. This makes it a cheap choice for use at home or outside.

This small power source is great for camping trips because the handle can be folded for more accessible storage and transport. Please take advantage of its small size and long 1,000-charge cycle life, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro has a pure sine wave amplifier that gives it a steady power source.

With a DC car port, two 1000W AC output ports, two USB A ports, and other output ports, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro can be turned into a powerhouse for your devices. With its lithium-ion battery, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro changes how portable power is used inside and outside.

Product	Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
Image
Capacity	1002Wh (43.2V/23.2Ah)
Life Cycle	1000 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Battery Cell	NMC battery
Dimension	25.5x26.2x34cm
Recharging Methods	Explorer 1000 Pro + 2*SolarSaga 80W: 9H; AC Adapter: 1.8H; 12V Car Adapter: 12H
Output Ports	2*AC Output: 230V, 1000W (peak 2000W); 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

What Are The Tips for Extending Lithium-ion Battery Lifespan?

When used less often, like in backup power banks or tools that you only use once in a while, lithium-ion batteries can last a lot longer, often up to 5 years or more.

On the other hand, batteries in devices used often, like electric cars or power tools, may have a shorter lifespan because they are stressed out from being charged and discharged so frequently. For increasing the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, try the following:

Tip 1# Optimise Charging Practices

Deep discharge cycles can shorten the battery's lifespan, so avoid completely draining lithium-ion cells before charging them again. Instead, keep the batteries charged between 20% and 80% of their power to make them last as long as possible. Consider using innovative charging features or battery control apps to get the most out of your charging cycles. 

Tip 2# Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Lithium-ion batteries work best when the temperature is reasonable. Keep electronics away from high heat or cold, which can speed up battery degradation. When not in use, keep things in a cool, dry place.

Tip 3# Minimise Fast Charging

Fast charging can wear down batteries and shorten their lifespan despite being useful. Use standard charging ways or choose slower speeds to keep the battery cells from getting too stressed.

Tip 4# Regular Maintenance

Check devices regularly for signs of battery degradation, such as shorter run times or longer charge times. If you need to, consider getting new batteries or setting up care to ensure the best performance and longevity.

Tip 5# Limit Exposure to High Loads

Do not put lithium-ion batteries under heavy loads or fast discharge rates. This can damage the cells faster and cause the battery to break down faster. When using apps or gadgets that use a lot of power, you should spread them out over time to make the battery last longer.

Consumers can increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries and improve the performance of their electronic devices by following these tips and practising proper maintenance and usage practices.

Lifespan of Lithium-ion Batteries FAQs

The frequently asked questions about the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries are listed below:

1. 1. What size of portable power station do I need?

If you need much power, pick a Jackery Portable Power Station that can hold between 300Wh and 12 kWh. Making sure you know how much energy it gives off is one of the most important things you should do.

The tools and gadgets that a power station can use depend on how much power it has. To find out how many hours of use this Jackery Portable Power Station can give your gadgets, do the following:

Working Hours (H) = [Jackery Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)*0.85] / Appliance's Wattage (W)

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro (2160Wh) can supply power to a 100W drone for 19 hours (2160*0.85/100). Employing this formula makes it straightforward to ascertain which devices will continue functioning.

2. 2. Can a lithium-ion battery last 20 years?

Lithium-ion batteries are renowned for their superior energy density and extended longevity compared to alternative battery technologies. However, a lithium battery doesn't usually last for 20 years. 

A lithium-ion battery's lifespan relies on many things, such as the type of lithium chemistry used, the depth of discharge, the number of charging and discharging cycles, the temperature at which it is used, and how it is stored.

Some lithium batteries may still have a lot of their power after being used for a few years, but it's more common for their power to drain over time slowly. This means they work less well and last less time. In most cases, getting a 20-year lifespan would be considered exceptional and rare.

3. 3. Do lithium-ion batteries degrade over time?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries do break down over time. This happens for several reasons: chemical processes inside the battery cells, cycling (charging and discharging), hot places, and other environmental stresses. When lithium-ion batteries are charged and discharged many times, tiny changes happen inside the cells. These changes cause solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layers to form, electrodes to break down, and the batteries' capacity to decrease over time. 

4. 4. How long does quad biking last?

What kind of terrain you ride on, how far you go, and your tour or rental plan can affect how long your quad biking experience lasts. The tours and outings for quad bikes usually last between one and several hours and let people enjoy the thrill of off-road riding while exploring beautiful trails.

Some guided tours offer half-day or full-day outings, while others provide multi-day trips with places to stay the night. Finally, how long quad biking lasts varies depending on the person and the schedule of the activity they choose.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge of lithium-ion batteries' lifespan is essential for getting the most out of them and making them last as long as possible in our increasingly digital world. Remember that proper care and maintenance are the most important things you can do to make batteries last longer as you learn about the things that affect their performance and lifespan.

It's possible to use lithium-ion technology for many different things, from outdoor activities to everyday tasks, thanks to new products like the Jackery Portable Power Stations.