I recently purchased a new 4Ah 20V battery that was produced in 2021. It's still brand new, sitting untouched in its original packaging, with no signs of wear or damage. However, I'm concerned about how it has been stored for so long without being used. Is there any risk to using a battery that has been stored for 4 years? Should I charge it fully before using it, or is there a specific way I should handle it to ensure it works well? Should I avoid charging it completely or using it until it's empty?
2 Answers
Just treat it like any brand-new battery! Go ahead and fully charge it, then start using it. The age isn't ideal, but it should still work fine. Just keep in mind that batteries usually last longer if they’re stored at around 50-70% charge to avoid dropping too low. So, as long as it’s not at 0%, you should be good to go!
It could be a concern since it’s older. That’s why I prefer to buy my batteries from places where they have a quicker turnover, like Kaufland. In Lidl, I've seen batteries that are usually 2-3 years old. I like to get them fresh! But since yours is a gift and unused, it’s likely fine. Just keep an eye on it when you start using it.
I actually got this one from someone who never used it after getting it as a gift, so it's a bit different!
Thank you for the advice!