The straight skinny of lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries are among the most common rechargeable batteries on the market. But consumers are still somewhat confused about their use and limitations. Here are some of the more widespread myths surrounding them.

Lithium ion batteries need to be primed before you first use them.

Not true. Although some batteries, including nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydrate need to be primed or charged overnight before using, lithium-ions batteries, including li-ion polymers, don't. In fact, they can be used right out of the box. Even some NiCd and NiMH batteries come pre-primed.

Use every last watt before recharging a lithium-ion battery.

Not true, either. Some rechargeable batteries gradually lose capacity if not completely discharged before recharging. For example, if you always recharge battery once it gets down to 40% of its charge, , the battery begin acting as if 40% mark is actually 0%, and you lose less capacity. Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries seem to lack a memory. On the downside, if you totally use up a lithium-ion battery too often, it can fall into a state of deep discharge and it will take much longer to recharge.