Lithium ion batteries

[Sukhoi]

I can get a pretty good deal on a lithium ion battery, but it's several years old. However, it's new in the box and hasn't been charged. I know that lithium ion batteries lose capacity over time, but does this apply if they are stored uncharged?

 

[imported_KirbsAw]

I would say yes if it was used, no idea with a brand new battery though.

 

[rstove02]

Worked at Radio Shack for 4+ years. Out of the 4 major chemical types of rechargable batteries (Lithium Ion, Nickel Cadnium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Lead Acid), only Lead Acid batteries are killed if they are complete discharged.

Even if stored fully charged, a rechargeable battery will slowly lose its charge over the course of 30 or more days depending on how many milli-amp hours they store and their chemical makeup.

Long story short....your kosher storing a Lithium Ion battery uncharged (but it would be good to cycle it every 2 months or so).

 

[manly]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
I can get a pretty good deal on a lithium ion battery, but it's several years old. However, it's new in the box and hasn't been charged. I know that lithium ion batteries lose capacity over time, but does this apply if they are stored uncharged?

Yes.

 

[Thegonagle]

I wouldn't bother with this one. Li-ion batteries have the least usage-dependant life-span of any common battery type; they only last a few years either way, whether they're used or not.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
I wouldn't bother with this one. Li-ion batteries have the least usage-dependant life-span of any common battery type; they only last a few years either way, whether they're used or not.

Ah, that's what I was thinking. I guess I will buy one of the more expensive ones on eBay that seems to be of a newer manufacture.