MAGFAST uses lithium-ion batteries, the kind found in all mainstream battery packs because of their high energy density, which means that they hold more charge in a smaller, lighter battery than older battery types.
Not all lithium-ion batteries are the same. Even within the MAGFAST range there are different capacities and different characteristics, so battery care will vary and so will the life of different batteries. But we’re happy to suggest some straightforward things you can do that will help. As in everything, our goal is to keep our advice accessible and doable, and to hit the most important things first.
The big factors that affect lithium-ion battery life are:
- Temperature
Lithium-ion batteries prefer to be kept cool. Keeping them at “elevated temperatures” above 86F (30C) can reduce battery life sharply, so avoid leaving your MAGFAST products lying in the sun or in a hot car.
- Storage Charge
It’s better to store lithium ion with a partial charge than a full one. Tests show that a battery stored with a 40% charge lasts longer than one at 100% charge*. And always store your battery with at least some charge: there can be safety issues charging a lithium-ion battery that’s been stored for a long time fully discharged.
- Speed of Charging
Trickle charging is gentler on your battery than fast charging. Fortunately, MAGFAST’s standard magnetic charging is designed for this! Snap one MAGFAST on top of another, and it’s instantly charging at our safe standard rate to help keep your batteries healthy for longer. When you’re in a hurry and want to maximize the speed, charge using the USB-C input.
- Number of Charging Cycles
All lithium-ion batteries start out charging to their full capacity then gradually hold less charge over time - every ‘cycle’ (every time you charge and discharge) you are very slightly reducing the capacity of your battery. However ... you’ll do better if you recharge your battery when it’s partially discharged (a ‘partial cycle’) rather than draining the battery completely (‘full cycle’). The optimum time to recharge is probably when it’s about half-way discharged (at say 50-60% of capacity)**. There is some evidence that fully discharging your battery once in a while may also help maintain capacity.
- The Age of the Battery
Age catches up with us. Even a battery stored in a cool place with low charge and not used at all will degrade over time. Which means that if there’s only one of you, one MAGFAST Extreme will probably give you better service than two or three lower-capacity power banks. If you do plan to have backup power banks, then you might like to store them in your refrigerator (not your freezer) with 40% charge; top up the charge every now and then to keep it at around 40%.