Complete Guide to Rechargable Batteries

There are different types of batteries used in electronics, such as lead acid, nickel-base, and lithium ion. Each battery is different in some way, and so that means we have to treat/charge them differently. Let's talk about three of them that are quite common.

Lead acid batteries are mainly found in vehicles like cars, golf carts, and the like. Nickel-based (aka Nickel-Cadmium) can be found in small electronics/toys and other equipment. Lithium ion is probably the most common, which you'll usually find in laptop batteries, phones, etc.

First charge

• Lead acid: The battery should be fully charge. Apply a top-off charge before using.
• Nickel-based: Charge the battery 14-16 hours before the first use.
• Lithium Ion: Apply a top-off charge before the first use.

Full vs. partial charge

• Lead acid: You must always give this battery a full charge, as a partial charge can create sulfation.
• Nickel-base: A partial charge is good.
• Lithium Ion: A partial charge is actually better than full charge.

Full discharge

• Lead acid: A deep discharge can damage the battery.
• Nickel-base: Apply scheduled discharges only to prevent the battery from retaining memory.
• Lithium Ion: A deep discharge can damage the battery.

Battery calibration (for making sure the battery measurement is accurate)

• Lead acid: Not applicable.
• Nickel-base: Apply a discharge/charge when the fuel gauge becomes inaccurate. Repeat every 1-3 months.
• Lithium Ion: Apply a discharge/charge when the fuel gauge becomes inaccurate. Repeat every 1-3 months.

Device on / use while charging

• Lead acid: It’s okay to have device on when charging.
• Nickel-base: It’s always best to turn the device off during a charge, since a parasitic load can either alter full-charge detection, overcharge the battery, and/or cause mini-cycles.
• Lithium Ion: It’s always best to turn the device off during a charge, since a parasitic load can either alter full-charge detection, overcharge the battery, and/or cause mini-cycles.

Unplugging when fully charged

• Lead acid: This depends on the charger. If the charger has correct float voltage, then it’s fine.
• Nickel-base: Always remove your device after a few days in the charger.
• Lithium Ion: This is unnecessary, because the charger turns off.

Temperature

• Lead acid: It creates a slow charge from 32-113 degrees Fahrenheit / fast charge from 41-113 degrees Fahrenheit / the threshold is lowered above 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Nickel-base: It creates a slow charge from 32-113 degrees Fahrenheit / fast charge from 41-113 degrees Fahrenheit / the battery will not fully charge when it’s hot.
• Lithium Ion: Do not charge below freezing. Do not charge when above 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

So... 

• Letting the battery run out before charging extends battery life (not necessary for lead acid/lithium ion batteries, but only occasional full discharges for nickel based ones)
• Uncharged batteries become damaged over time
• For lithium ion batteries, it's best not to have the battery level too low too often.
• Leaving a device plugged in is bad for the battery (this is only bad for nickel-based batteries.)