How long does a battery last?
Battery life is an important factor when purchasing a battery-powered device.
The big question then, of course, is how long will the battery last before it wears out?
What does it mean when a battery is worn out, and what can you do to extend its lifespan?
How do batteries work in electronic devices?
The life of a battery depends on a number of factors: its chemical makeup, total capacity and number of charge cycles.
In devices such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, a lithium battery is almost always chosen. Lithium batteries are used because they charge faster, last longer and can store more energy in a small package than other technologies.
The most commonly used battery technologies are lithium-ion and lithium-polymer.
It is important to replace these batteries safely and recycle the old battery safely. Used batteries exposed to oxygen or heat can catch fire or even explode.
What influences the lifespan of a battery?
There are several factors that influence the lifespan.
- Chemical composition: Although lithium batteries generally last a long time, they still wear out over time due to chemical reactions.
- Number of charge cycles: A charge cycle is a complete charge and discharge of the battery. Most lithium batteries can handle about 300 to 500 charge cycles before they start to deteriorate.
- Usage conditions: Batteries are sensitive to the environment. Batteries exposed to extreme temperatures will deteriorate faster.
How long does a battery last on average?
Because the technologies for batteries are often the same between different devices, we can make estimates about the average lifespan.
When people talk about the life of a battery, they actually mean the period during which the battery degrades from 100% capacity to 80%.
So this means that in some cases the battery may still function in reduced capacity on some devices.
The average lifespan is about 3 years.
This corresponds to 300 to 500 charge cycles.
What happens when a battery wears out?
The battery loses capacity (amount of energy it can hold) and the voltage also decreases.
This has several consequences:
- Shorter usage time: The battery drains faster, even with normal use.
- The device shuts off unexpectedly: When the battery cannot provide enough voltage, the device may suddenly shut down.
- Sometimes it doesn't charge anymore: Worn-out batteries often have trouble charging partially or fully.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is best to replace your battery as soon as possible.
Tips to extend the lifespan of your battery
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Batteries perform best at room temperature. Also, ensure the device can cool down adequately to prevent the battery from overheating.
- Use the right charger. The wrong charger can damage or overcharge the battery, causing it to malfunction.
- Use energy-saving features.: By consuming less energy, the battery needs to discharge and recharge less often, making it last longer.
Safe recycling of batteries
Batteries contain chemicals that are hazardous to humans and the environment.
Batteries that are recycled incorrectly can catch fire or explode.
Always take your batteries to a recycling point, do not throw them in a trash bag!
Conclusion
The more often you use your device, the faster your battery wears out. Handle used batteries carefully and recycle them properly.
Replace your battery promptly to avoid problems!
