There is no denying that science and technology have made the world a better place. It is hard to imagine where the world would be without technology. There are new and better products coming on the market every day to make the lives of people easier and better.

However, most of the technology related devices depend on the power to function. Larger ones are connected directly to power sources. Smaller ones, on the other hand, use batteries in most cases. Even larger machines these days are using cells as well.

Motor vehicles, for instance, require battery power to start. Moreover, there are those electric cars that depend fully on powerful batteries to perform.

In simple terms, batteries have been key to achieving portability. They produce electrical energy needed for the device to work.

There are different types of batteries. Each type differs from the other depending on several factors; majorly power and performance. The 18650 battery is among the most powerful cells.

About 18650 batteries

If you understand the importance and popularity of gasoline, then the 18650 are its version in the 21st century. This is why finding the best 18650 battery is a real hustle. They are not easy to come by, and it is understandable why.

The best type, among other batteries, is the Li-ion 18650 batteries. They have more power and come with more advantages than any different kind. When it comes to performance, the cells are known to last longer because of their higher density.

Another great advantage of such batteries is low self-discharge. Where other batteries discharge fast, 18650 Li-ion batteries hold onto power much longer.

Despite these advantages, the batteries require very minimal maintenance. They will perform properly with the least maintenance procedures, and this is the reason they are good for major technology companies.

How long does it take to charge an 18650 battery?

It is important to understand the charge time for 18650 batteries because it determines how long the last. The time it takes to get the battery fully charged can be used to estimate the health of the batteries.

You need to ensure a consistent charge time. Sometimes the charge may vary depending on usage, but it does not have to be a huge difference.

When you notice the battery is taking too long to charge, it may be a sign you have to replace it. That means you have to know first how long it takes for the battery to achieve a full charge. It depends on the charger you are using as follows:
· When using a separate charge. This is the easiest means to charge the 18650 batteries, and it usually takes about 4 hours. It may be slightly longer but not for more than an hour. If this happens, you may be running out of battery juice.
· When using a Micro USB charger. Such chargers are considered to be fast charging. This is why it may take about three hours to charge the battery.
As much as these are the charging times, be advised that there are always variances even if the battery is new. Do not worry, therefore if it takes longer than you expected.

You will get used to the charging behavior when you have used it for a few days. Note the normal charging time so that you can tell when the battery gets older. It begins to charge longer and cannot hold a charge between uses for long.

Replace the 18650 battery when you notice this. They are powerful batteries build to withstand consistent used for long. However, like any other battery, you should expect degrading performance with time.

How to prolong an 18650 battery life

The good news is, you can make your 18650 battery last longer. Here are some ideas to help you through:

Ensure proper charging temperatures
A high temperature above 45 Degrees Centigrade is the number one enemy to any battery life. The batteries damage fast if kept under warm temperatures.
Colder temperatures are not good as well. They provide a conducive environment for less efficient chemical reactions resulting in poor performance.
Ensure that the charging environment is neither hot nor cold. It must be at the right measure to give your batteries a longer life.

Avoid complete discharge

Taking good care of your 18650 battery can be as simple as ensuring the battery never discharges. The draining the battering reduces its efficiency over time. Give the battery a complete charge cycle and use it only when it is above 30%.

Sometimes using the batteries makes it heat up. Charging it in this condition is a big mistake that may reduce the lifespan of your battery significantly. The best thing to do is to let it cool down first. You can either discontinue use for a while or remove it from the device. This will give it a longer life.

Ensure your 18650 battery is kept above 2.8V. If it goes too long to say 2.0V, discontinue use and charge immediately. In this case, consider slow charging to give your battery a longer life.

If you follow these tips, you can have a long lasting battery. Also, consider these charging tips:
· Start by cooling down your battery to set the right charging environment.
· Set your charger to 4.1V. This will strenuously extend the life of the battery.
· Avoid trickle charger. It can spoil your battery.
· Do not overcharge the battery. Constant overcharging destroys the battery in the same manner as discharging.

How about the charging current of 18650 batteries?

18650 is one of the most popular cylindrical lithium cells. They generally have a capacity of 2500 mAh.

If the current drops too low, to say 50 mA, it may require a 1250 mA constant current charge. It is recommended to give it a 4.2 V constant voltage as well as charge termination.

As stated above, the 18650 batteries are one of the best batteries today. They perform better and last longer. However, this will not happen if you don’t take good care of it. If you follow the tips above, then you have a long lasting battery.