What is the optimum ampage to charge Li Ion Batteries at?

[Stepinrazor]

I have a Xtar VP2 and have been using married pairs of Samsung 25rs both the blue and green ones as well LG HE2s and a few singles, for my single cell mods.

The VP2 allows you to charge the batteries at .25a / .05a and 1a draw.

I have been taking advantage of the faster charge times attained by charging at 1a. But it crossed my mind recently that I may be shortening the lifespan of my batteries by continually doing so. I typically will replace and recharge my batteries once they hits 3.5v or thereabouts, not letting them run down any lower.

So my question is what would be your advice for the optimum ampage to charge at, for overall improved battery care. I don't mind if it takes longer for my batteries to charge.

 

[NemesisVaper]

Charge as slow as possible taking into account your need for the cells. If you're I'm a hurry, charge at 1A, if not then the lower amperages.

Most cells from Sony Samsung and LG, at least the high drain that we use, specify a max of around 4A for fast charging, so 1A won't be doing too much harm if it's needed. Batteries are cheap, so I use them as circumstances suit.

Much more damage is caused to a cell by charging it to its full 4.2V than the difference between a 1A and 4A charge. If we charged them to 4.0V we would likely get twice the cycles.

 

[Stepinrazor]

Interesting, so your advice would be to switch off the charge at 4.0v and not let the charger complete to full charge.

 

[NemesisVaper]

Not really, just that if you do under charge you'll get better life. My MVP3.0 charges to 4.1 and discharges to 3.4 to prolong cell life.

In my opinion, batteries are so cheap it's not worth worrying too much. Just be safe and sensible, and you'll be fine.

 

[Stepinrazor]

Thank you for the advice

 

[Jon@LiionWholesale]

Any high drain cell can take 1A easily. 2A is starting to be a little fast but if you're in a hurry doing that a few times over the life of the cell either won't affect it or might make it wear out just a tad quicker but nothing to worry about. I personally do 1A if not in a hurry, 2A if in a hurry.

 

[UncleRJ]

For batteries over a 2,000 Mah rating, I charge at 1.0 amp.

Half the mAh rating.

If I had a 4,000 mAh battery, from what I have been taught, I would charge at 2.0 amp.

Same token, under a 1,000 mAh rating, at 0.5 amp.

If you have a lot of time to kill, 0.25 would be fantastic!

And please let me know when someone comes out with a 4,000 mAh, 20 amp continiuse rating or better battery!

Sadly, I am not holding my breath.