How Long Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Last?

Lithium-ion batteries are present in most of the electronic devices, like smartphones, laptops, and even solar power systems. When purchasing any appliance or battery backup, you'll need to keep the battery life in mind. But how long do lithium batteries last? The lifespan of the Li battery will depend on the number of charging cycles they undergo and how well they are maintained.

For instance, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station has a long cycle life of around 2000 cycles, after which the battery will still have over 70% capacity. Similarly, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station has a capacity of 2042.8Wh and a lifespan of around 4000 cycles, after which it will still have 70% of its capacity. Here are different Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and their technical specifications.

Products	Image	Capacity	Rated / Peak Power	Battery	Size
Explorer 3000 Pro		3024Wh	3000W (6000W Peak)	NMC	Length: 18.6 in (47.24 cm) Width: 14.1 in (35.81 cm) Height: 14.7 in (37.36 cm)
Explorer  2000 Plus (up to 24kWh)		2-24 kWh	3000W (6000W Peak)	LiFePO4	Length: 14.7 in (37.36 cm) Width: 18.6 in (47.3 cm) Height: 14.1 in (35.94 cm)
Explorer 2000 Pro		2160Wh	2200W (4400W Peak)	NMC	Length: 15.1 in (38.4 cm) Width: 10.5 in (26.9 cm) Height: 12.1 in (30.75 cm)
Explorer 1500 Pro		1512Wh	1800W (3600W Peak)	NMC	Length: 15.12 in (38.4 cm) Width: 10.59 in (26.9 cm) Height: 12.11 in (30.75 cm)

What Are Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are popular rechargeable battery chemistry that powers the devices we use every day. They consist of single or multiple Li-ion cells with a protective circuit board. Here are the components of lithium-ion batteries:

• Electrodes: The lithium-ion cell has two electrodes at the ends called anode (negative electrode) and cathode (positive electrode).
• Electrolyte: It is the gel or liquid responsible for conducting electricity.
• Separator: It is the porous polymeric film separating the electrodes while offering the exchange of Li-ions from one side to the other.
• Current Collectors: These are the conductive foils at each electrode connected to the cell terminals.

Lithium-ion batteries provide many benefits over other types, including higher efficiency, longer lifespan, high energy density, and lightweight nature.

How Long Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Last?

Most standard lithium-ion batteries have an expected lifespan of nearly 500 cycles. On average, it can last somewhere between 2-3 years, depending on how often you use them. The lifespan of standard Li-ion batteries can be extended to 5 years if they are maintained well. When the lithium ions travel between the anode and cathode through the electrolyte, the energy is stored and released in the battery.

While charging the lithium-ion battery, the positive Li-ions move from the cathode terminal to the anode. The potential difference between these two electrodes charges the battery. Similarly, when the lithium-ion stored in the anode moves to the cathode, the energy is used, and it discharges the battery.

Jackery offers high-quality NMC and LiFePO4 batteries that are designed to last longer and be more efficient. The wide range of battery capacities and sizes makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and off-grid power. For example, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is rated for 2000 cycles. Once it completes these full cycles, the battery will still have over 70% of its capacity.

What Factors Affect Lithium-Ion Battery Lifespan?

There are many factors that could potentially influence the lifespan of the Li-ion batteries. If you are wondering about how long do lithium-ion batteries last or want to increase their lifespan, here are the factors you need to understand.

Charging Cycles

Frequent charging and discharging of the Li-ion batteries can lead to mechanical stress and even increase the growth of the SEI layer. During cycling, lithium-ion batteries lose positive and negative lithium reaction sites in electrodes, decreasing their capacity. The continuous cycling of the Li-ion batteries without giving them adequate time to cool down can impact their lifespan.

Temperature

High temperatures often lead to thermal decomposition of the electrolyte and electrodes. The electrolyte decomposition increases the anode's SEI (solid electrolyte interface) film thickness. This leads to high lithium ion consumption, increases the cell IR, and even reduces battery capacity. The degradation degree increases with the increase in temperature.

State of Charge

The state of charge (SoC) measures the energy available in the Li battery at a specific point in time. It is typically expressed as a percentage. The following graph represents the varying degradation rates of lithium-ion batteries at different SoCs, assuming the battery is stored for over ten years. The remaining capacity of lithium batteries depletes quickly when the SoC levels are increased.

Overcharging

Batteries without intelligent battery management technology, like smartphones and personal devices, do not respond well to overcharging. When these batteries are overcharged, it leads to stress and faster degradation. However, solar battery backups like Jackery Solar Generators have built-in battery management systems and charge controllers to prevent overcharging.

Storage

When storing the batteries, you must keep them at a cool temperature and with a 40-60% charge level. Storing a lithium-ion battery in a discharged or 100% charge state can lead to faster battery degradation.

Fast Charging

Commonly used in EVs or electric vehicles, fast charging is a valuable feature of lithium-ion batteries. The new feature produces more heat and stress in the battery.

Discharge Rate

When you discharge the battery faster, it impacts the battery's longevity. Opting for a slow, steady discharge of your battery is recommended to improve the lifespan.

Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station with Long-Lasting Battery Lifespan

Jackery provides various power stations and solar generators to charge indoor and outdoor appliances. The Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations feature an NMC or LiFePO4 battery with a long battery life. They can be recharged using an AC outlet, Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, or a carport.

When the sun's rays fall on the monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels absorb and convert the solar energy into DC electricity. Then, the pure sine wave inverter in the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station converts the DC electricity into AC to charge appliances.

Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station

With an NMC battery of 3024Wh capacity and a 3000W output, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station can supply steady power to 99% of appliances. It has around 2000 charge cycles and can last for years. Once the battery completes 2000 full cycles, it will still have a capacity of 70%. It has fully upgraded BMS and features 12 forms of protection to deliver a versatile and reliable charging experience.

Customer Review

"Completely powers my trailer for 3 days off the grid. That's a mini fridge hooked up to my Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station; it stayed in for 3.5 days. Plus. I have an automatic system that sucks clean water into the faucet, and that was plugged in as well." — Shannon Valdez.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station 

The expandable Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station has a battery capacity of 2042.8Wh and a high lifespan of 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity. It has high-temperature resistance technology to provide incredibly efficient and safe operation. Jackery's innovative fast charge technology provides 12 protective algorithms, 4 types of physical safety protection, and 62 protective mechanisms to increase battery lifespan by 50%.

Customer Review

"I ran my full-sized residential stainless bottom freezer fridge for 9 hours on this generator down to 22% power when I stopped it. As I read, you shouldn't really discharge it below 20%. The fridge drew between 117W to 424W depending on what the fridge was doing." — Supershopper.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station has an NMC battery of around 2160Wh. It features an advanced battery management system with overvoltage and short-circuit protection. The battery backup solution has about 1000 life cycles, and then it will work at 80% capacity. It can last up to 10 years, even when using it twice weekly.

Customer Review

"The Jackery was fully charged ready (easily charged pre-storm by home outlets), and they are quiet. Used inside for 9.5 hours (still had additional 5-9 hours charge depending on usage) watching TV, morning coffee, fridge kept cold and used all day to maintain a comfortable day during severe storms." — Donald E. Thompson.

Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station

The smaller and lighter Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station has a 1512Wh battery capacity and a superb battery management system. It has a cycle life of 1000, and then the capacity will drop to 80%. The battery backup is durable and features top 94V-0 fireproof material for efficient outdoor charging.

Customer Review

"I needed a portable generator for use in an RV for a CPAP machine, so I decided to get the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station because of the long usage time and fast recharge! Nice small, powerful light generator!" — Doug Richards.

Lithium-Ion Battery Lifespan FAQs

Do lithium-ion batteries go bad if not used?

In short, yes. Lithium batteries will degrade over time, even if you use them. This is because of the chemical reactions that cause self-deterioration and self-discharge over time. To slow this process, you must periodically charge and store the battery at a cool temperature.

How often do lithium-ion batteries need to be replaced?

How long do lithium batteries last before they need replacement will vary depending on various factors like heat, overcharging, deep discharging, and high load conditions. In order to increase the battery lifespan, you must properly maintain the battery and avoid high temperatures.

Do lithium batteries really last 10 years?

Yes. Lithium-ion batteries can last about 8 to 10 years if maintained well. However, the exact battery lifespan will depend on how frequently you use it, the ambient temperature, how it is charged, and the usage style.

Do lithium batteries lose power over time?

While in storage, the lithium batteries discharge slowly (self-discharge). Generally, the lithium-ion batteries will go through a 5% discharge rate in the first 24 hours and then at 1-2% each month. If the battery is safely stored by following the manufacturer's instructions, you can reduce the degradation rate over time.

Final Thoughts

How long do lithium batteries last will depend on how you use and store them. For example, keeping the Li battery in an excessively hot place will make it degrade faster than usual. In order to extend the battery lifespan, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions for using it. In addition, store the battery at a partial charge of around 40-50% to minimize the damage.

Jackery Solar Generators have extensive and highly efficient NMC or LiFePO4 batteries to charge indoor and outdoor appliances for long hours. They have longer lifespans and come with a proper battery management system for efficient charging. Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station utilizes LiFePO4 battery chemistry with over 4000 charge cycles, after which the battery operates at 70% capacity.