What is the shelf life of a lithium ion battery that is in storage?

Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the product or in storage. When a battery has been unused for 6 months, check the charge status and charge or dispose of the battery as appropriate.

The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again. Use a two to three year life expectancy for batteries that do not run through complete charge cycles.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries have a limited life and will gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge. This loss of capacity (aging) is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it will power the product (run time) decreases.How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries

Lithium-Ion batteries continue to slowly discharge (self-discharge) when not in use or while in storage. Routinely check the battery’s charge status. The product user manual typically includes information on how to check battery status, as well as battery charging instructions.

Charge or discharge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity before storage.

Charge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every six months.

Remove the battery and store it separately from the product.

Store the battery at temperatures between 5 °C and 20 °C (41 °F and 68 °F).