How long should 18650 batteries last when they are not being regularly cycled?
I bought 4 batteries a while ago, but they have been sitting since the shipping delays. I only have a couple flashlights to help cycle the batteries. I don’t think I’m cycling the batteries enough to keep them healthy.
Does anyone have any recommendations on maintaining battery health?
If they are factory fresh they should be fine; they come shipped with a factory charge and have a low self discharge rate. I’ve pulled 18650s out of laptop packs that had been sitting for a decade plus that work fine, a bit below rated capacity, but fine otherwise. I would just pop them and charge with the console when you get it. Even the most lightly rated battery isn’t going to be taxed all that much in a uconsole.
For 18650 batteries in storage, the key is to store them at a partial charge, ideally around 40-60%. Storing them fully charged or completely drained for long periods accelerates degradation. A cool, dry place is also essential.
The lifespan is fundamentally tied to the electrochemistry inside them. For a deeper dive into the chemical principles behind lithium-ion degradation and energy storage, you can see details on our blog that covers the science of various substances.