Battery and charging
What is a battery charge cycle?
A charge cycle equals using 100% of a battery's capacity, even if it happens in parts: using 50% today and 50% tomorrow adds up to one cycle. Manufacturers state how many cycles a battery can handle before dropping to a set share of its original capacity, usually 80%.
How many cycles each battery lasts
The lithium-ion batteries in phones, power banks, and watches are usually rated for a few hundred cycles before capacity drops noticeably.
LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, common in power stations, are rated for thousands of cycles. That makes them a good fit for daily use, such as frequent power outages.
What wears a battery out
Heat is the main enemy: charging or leaving a battery in the sun or near a heat source ages it faster.
Keeping it at 100% all the time or draining it completely often also wears it down. Partial charges do no harm: there is no need to wait until it is empty to plug it in.
What to check before you buy
- If you will use the battery every day, compare the cycle rating and the capacity percentage it refers to.
- For daily backup during outages, a LiFePO4 battery offers a much longer service life.
- Avoid charging devices in hot places or direct sun.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. What counts is total energy used: four 25% top-ups add up to a single cycle.