Lithium battery packs have many practical applications within commercial spaces. Business owners and warehouse managers use these packs to power their electric industrial work equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, or floor sweepers, or even entire building backup power systems that rely on solar energy. However, some people may question the long-term value of investing in these devices and wonder what the life span of lithium battery packs is. To make sure that you get the most power out of your batteries, read on for some things to consider.
General Timeframe
There isn’t a singular concrete answer for how long lithium battery packs last because there are several factors involved. However, when looking at your battery pack purely from the passage of time, you should get between 8 and 12 years of usage. This timeframe applies to a battery that you consistently use and properly care for. Fortunately, many battery pack manufacturers offer warranties if you have a faulty battery that doesn’t end up meeting its expected lifespan.
Charge Cycles
A charge cycle typically refers to the amount of power and/or time that it would take for a battery to go from fully charged to fully drained and back to fully charged. For example, draining your battery to 50 percent capacity, charging it before draining it again to 50 percent, and recharging it completes one full charge cycle.
Different lithium batteries have different charge cycle limits, with some allowing for 300–500 charge cycles and others several thousand. Most LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries can last anywhere from 3,000–5,000 charge cycles, with some lasting even longer. For example, BigBattery’s LFP batteries last between 4000–8000 cycles, beating the industry standard.
Contributing Factors
Expected lifespan, as stated by the manufacturer, and total charge cycles are both key factors to consider when figuring out the life span of lithium battery packs. However, several other factors can help ensure you get the most time and energy possible from your investment.
For instance, charging your batteries before you drain them too far and avoiding overcharging them helps to prevent any performance degradation or internal damage, both of which can contribute to a reduced lifespan. Similarly, storing your batteries in proper temperatures and climate-controlled environments reduces the risk of damage or performance issues that may prematurely age them.
BigBattery aims to bring cutting-edge lithium battery technology to business across the country and offers a range of battery pack options for commercial and professional needs. We have 48-volt lithium forklift batteries for commercial use, 24-volt battery packs for scissor lifts, and a range of other solutions for any industrial application you need to power. For more information on what BigBattery can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime—we’re happy to help address your questions, comments, and concerns.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LiFePO4 batteries last?
A quality LiFePO4 battery can commonly deliver 4,000 or more charge cycles, often roughly 10 years or longer under the right conditions. Depth of discharge, temperature, charge settings, storage habits, and the BMS all affect the result.
How many years is 4,000 cycles?
One full cycle per day is about 11 years. Three cycles per week is more than 25 years on paper, though calendar aging becomes the limit first.
What happens at the end of a LiFePO4 battery's life?
It does not suddenly stop. It loses capacity gradually. A battery rated for 4,000 cycles may be specified to keep around 80% of its original capacity at that point.
Does temperature affect LiFePO4 battery life?
Yes. High heat speeds aging, and charging below freezing can damage cells unless the battery has low-temperature protection or self-heating.
How long does a lithium battery last in an RV?
Many years, when charging sources are configured correctly and the battery is protected from freezing charge conditions. Annual cycles are often fewer than in a daily solar system, but conditions vary more.
How should I store a lithium battery?
Store it at a partial state of charge in a clean, dry, moderate-temperature location. Disconnect parasitic loads and check it periodically per the manufacturer's guidance.
