When lithium batteries are left unused for extended periods, several things can occur. Firstly, they experience self-discharge, which means they gradually lose their charge over time, even if they're not powering a device.
A lithium-ion battery can typically sit unused for several years without significant degradation, provided it is stored under optimal conditions. The key factors influencing its longevity include charge level, temperature, and humidity. Proper care ensures that these batteries remain functional and safe for future use.
How long does a lithium battery last?
That explains the 10 years. When people read “lithium battery”, most think of lithium-ion rechargeable, so called secondary cells. Hence both mine and Cristobols comments/answers. Your battery will degrade in storage, certainly significantly in 15 years. How much depends on conditions. The mechanisms of lithium-ion degradation are shown here.
If left unused for months, a fully charged lithium battery can become completely depleted. Capacity Loss: Over time, unused lithium batteries can lose their ability to hold a charge. This means that when you finally decide to use the battery, it might not last as long as it would have if it had been used regularly.
On average, lithium batteries lose about 2-3% of their charge per month when stored properly. While this might not seem like much, it can add up over several months, potentially leaving the battery with little to no charge when you need it. Regularly checking and recharging the battery can help keep this issue in check.
Do lithium ion batteries go bad?
Lithium-ion batteries don't really go bad very quickly just sitting there. As long as they are properly stored, they will only lose a tiny, tiny fraction of their lifespan sitting on a shelf. For any real damage to occur, it takes either charge and discharge cycles to damage them, or for their voltage to fall below 2.5 volts or over 4.2 volts.
How long can you store a lithium battery before it degrades?
You might be curious about how long you can store a lithium battery before it starts to degrade. Generally, lithium batteries can be stored for up to 6 to 12 months without significant degradation, provided they are stored under the right conditions.