On average, lithium batteries can last anywhere from two to ten years, depending on usage patterns, environmental conditions, and the quality of the battery.
The following guidance is based on batteries that are kept at the right temperature, the right humidity and in the correct State of Charge. Under these conditions standard lithium based batteries can have a shelf life of up to ten years. Military and Medical lithium based batteries can have a shelf life of up to twenty plus years.
There are several strategies that manufacturers, distributors, and consumers can follow to prolong the shelf life of lithium-ion batteries: Lithium batteries should be stored in cool environments, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and avoid high temperatures. Store at a partial charge.
The cycle life of a lithium-ion battery refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles it can undergo before its capacity declines to a specified percentage of its original capacity, often set at 80%.
When the temperature range is from 35°C~40°C for LFP, the calendar life is 5-6 years. But over 45°C, the calendar life will be shortened to 1-2 years. Different cathode materials have varying calendar life properties. For example, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries often have a longer calendar life than nickel-rich chemistries.
Do unused batteries expire?
A: Yes, unused batteries can expire over time. Even when not in use, chemical reactions inside the battery cause a gradual loss of capacity, leading to battery expiry. The battery expiration date varies depending on storage conditions and battery type.
Different factors, such as temperature, state of charge, depth of discharge, charge current, charge voltage, and frequency of cycles, affect the longevity of a lithium battery. If you leave the battery for a long time without charging, the total energy may get depleted over time.