When buying new replacement batteries, whether for your car or your kid’s toy, you probably wonder how long they will last. However, the answer depends on several factors, including battery composition and how you store it. Batteries also have different measures to determine how long they last. The following guide explores the various measures of battery life and how to store them to ensure they last as long as possible.  

Run Time, Shelf Life, and Cycle Life

There are three ways to talk about battery life: run time, shelf life, and cycle life. Run time is how long a battery lasts for a single use. Different devices use different amounts of energy, so a battery’s run time in a flashlight will be different than when the same battery is used in a digital camera. 

Shelf life refers to how long batteries will last sitting on the shelf, unused. Humidity, temperature, and battery quality all affect its shelf life. The warmer and more humid it is, the shorter the battery's shelf life. 

Finally, cycle life is how many times a rechargeable battery can be recharged and used before it no longer holds a charge. Think of your cell phone and how the battery doesn’t hold as much charge the longer you have it. Cycle life doesn’t apply to single-use batteries.  

Battery Chemistry

Shelf life is the easiest way to talk about how long batteries last. Various battery types have different shelf lives. For example, alkaline batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years, while lead-acid batteries will only last about six months. Lithium rechargeable batteries will hold a charge for about two to four years, but lithium non-rechargeable batteries can hold a charge on the shelf for up to twelve years.  

When you need new replacement batteries, visit Victory Battery in Covington, KY. With all your battery needs in one place, they are experts on all types of batteries and their chemical make-ups. Visit them to find all sizes of replacement batteries, including automotive, wheelchair, and handheld options. They can also help you with battery testing and installation. Call (859) 581-0343 to speak with a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.