What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Lithium-ion or li-ion batteries are the most common choices for cordless outdoor equipment like string trimmers, leaf blowers and lawn mowers. A li-ion battery pack is made up of several individual Li-ion power cells. For example, a 12V lithium-ion battery typically has thee cells, while a 48V lithium ion-battery typically includes 13. The voltage indicates the power the battery can supply.
Li-ion batteries offer several benefits for rechargeable power equipment. Compared to comparable nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries:
- Li-ion batteries are lighter.
- Li-ion batteries charge faster.
- Li-ion batteries store more energy.
- Li-ion batteries hold a charge longer in storage.
- Li-ion batteries accept more charges with minimal effects on performance.
- Li-ion batteries don’t have a memory effect, so they don’t need to be completely discharged to fully charge.
This article focuses on Li-ion battery maintenance, use and charging tips, since this is the most common battery type for outdoor equipment.
We give you general tips for charging, use, storage, troubleshooting and battery disposal, but always follow the instructions and safety procedures in your battery, charger and equipment manuals.
Take look at our video on what you can do with a cordless mower to learn about the capabilities of battery-powered outdoor equipment.
Li-Ion Battery Run Times
An amp-hours rating is a key factor in determining how long a piece of outdoor equipment runs on a Li-ion battery. Actual run time is a factor of battery voltage, amp-hours, usage, temperature, battery age and more, but a battery with a higher amp-hour rating runs longer than a comparable battery with a lower rating. More amp-hours also allow batteries to effectively power heavy-duty equipment like backpack blowers, riding mowers and two-stage snow blowers.
Charging and Using Li-Ion Batteries
Battery health and getting the most power, runtime and lifespan from a rechargeable battery start with charging it properly.
Charging a Li-Ion Battery Correctly
You typically need to charge a new battery pack before the first use. Always charge a battery with the charger specified by the battery manufacturer and follow the battery and charger instructions. In general, when charging a battery:
- Make sure the battery is cool and dry.
- Make sure the charging location is in the manufacturer-specified temperature range, for example, between about 39- and 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
- You can partially charge or top off a partially charged Li-ion battery.
- Disconnect the battery after charging.
Using a Li-Ion Battery Correctly
Use a battery only with compatible equipment. Your equipment or battery manual has instructions for proper battery use, but here are some common best practices for using a Li-ion battery:
- Operate the battery-powered equipment in the temperature range specified by the manufacturer, for example, between 50- and 105-degrees Fahrenheit.
- In cold weather, run the equipment with no load for a minute or so to warm the battery.
- Keep the battery away from water, open flames and extreme heat.
- Pay attention to performance and runtime so you’re aware of changes.
- If the battery pack overheats, allow it to cool down.
- Follow any power level warnings that indicate the battery needs charging.
- Invest in a backup battery so you don’t need to stop work.
Never open, pierce or crush a battery pack.
Charging or using a battery incorrectly or using a damaged battery creates a risk of fire or explosion.
Consider purchasing outdoor equipment and tools that use the same battery platform. Having several devices with the same battery type typically means you’ve got backup batteries on hand.
Identifying Battery Health Problems
Knowing signs of trouble helps you work safely and keeps equipment running efficiently. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time for a new battery. Don’t use or charge a battery if:
- The battery casing is enlarged, damaged or leaking.
- The battery terminals are damaged.
- The battery overheats during normal use or charging.
- There’s a noticeable drop in performance or run time.
- There’s a noticeable increase in charge time.
Don’t touch the residue of a leaking battery. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles if you must handle a damaged battery. Follow any safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Troubleshooting a Li-Ion Battery
In addition to proper use, charging, storage and maintenance procedures, your manual might have a few basic troubleshooting tips. If your battery isn’t charging or operating correctly:
- Check the charger to ensure it’s powered and can charge other batteries. Replace the charger or charger cable if necessary.
- If the battery is overheated or too cold, allow it to cool or warm before using or charging.
- Make sure you’re charging and using the battery in the correct temperature range.
- Make sure the battery, equipment and charger contacts are clean. Disconnect the battery and unplug the charger, then brush away debris.
- Check your manual to see if there are steps for resetting the battery.
Battery Maintenance and Storage
Good outdoor equipment battery care maintains performance, runtime and lifespan:
- Keep the battery casing and terminals clean and dry.
- When a battery is disconnected, ensure no metal items contact the terminals.
- Store the battery in a cool (not cold) area away from temperature extremes, direct sunlight, heat sources, open flames and moisture.
- For long term storage, many manufacturers specify keeping the battery at a partial charge, for example 30 to 50%. Others specify a full charge.
- Store the battery disconnected from your equipment and the charger.
Battery Lifetime: How Long Lithium Batteries Last
While factors like battery design, use habits, charging procedures, storage practices and more affect lifespan, in general a high-quality, well-maintained Li-ion battery can last as long as 3 to 5 years.
Improving Lithium Battery Lifespan
How long a Li-ion battery lasts depends on several factors, but you can maximize battery lifespan. Start by reading and following the battery care and maintenance instructions that come with your cordless equipment. In general, follow the charging, use and maintenance tips above:
- Keep the battery charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the battery in the recommended temperature range.
- Keep the battery terminals clean.
- Disconnect the battery after using or charging.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place at partial charge.
Disposing of Lithium Batteries
Eventually, even a well-maintained, high-quality battery loses capacity and needs to be disposed of and replaced. Again, your manual has disposal or recycling instructions to follow, but here are some key points:
- Li-ion batteries require specific disposal procedures to handle the materials safely and responsibly.
- Never simply discard a Li-ion battery or throw it in the trash.
- Look for battery recycling bins at your local Lowe’s.
- Check with your local municipality or recycling center for Li-ion battery disposal options.
- Your state might offer additional collection and recycling options.
Battery Maintenance Key Takeaways
Keeping your outdoor equipment batteries in good shape is simple. Charge and use a battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in the specified temperature ranges. Here are additional key points:
- Monitor the performance of a battery so you can notice changes.
- Allow an overheated battery to cool down before continuing use or charging.
- Don’t use or charge a battery that overheats with normal use.
- Don’t use or charge a battery with an enlarged case, damaged contacts or signs of leaking.
- Don’t open or damage a battery casing.
- After use or charging, disconnect a battery and store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight, heat and moisture.
- Keep a battery partially charged during long-term storage.
- Dispose of a battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations.
Most outdoor equipment comes with a battery, but you can shop Lowes.com for spare batteries, replacement batteries or more equipment that uses the same battery type. Stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate to learn about your battery options, find a battery with the amp-hour rating you need for your work and for tips on keeping your batteries and equipment in top shape.