[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/longtimelabel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-place-des-batteries-dans-lobsolescence-programmee-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dCapacitors and obsolescence\u201d title_text=\u201dLa place des batteries dans l\u2019obsolescence programm\u00e9e (1)\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d|||14px||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||-2px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
What is the role and impact of batteries on the lifespan of electrical appliances?<\/span><\/p>\n Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common in our equipment, but their limited lifespan and sometimes complex replacement can make them a major factor in premature obsolescence.<\/span><\/p>\n Too often impossible to dismantle or costly to replace, they raise major issues of reparability and sustainability. This article looks at the role of batteries in product durability, and how we can move away from the disposable model. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||1px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d37px||14px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n A battery is a device that stores energy in chemical form and releases it in electrical form to power a device. It is made up of interconnected electrochemical cells, each comprising two electrodes and an electrolyte. <\/span><\/p>\n Essential in our electronic equipment, modern batteries must combine performance, durability and safety. Their sustainable design and proper end-of-life management are crucial to reducing their environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. <\/span><\/p>\n Present in a multitude of everyday devices, batteries fulfill several essential functions. They don\u2019t just power a device: their design, capacity and sturdiness are adapted to specific uses, whether it\u2019s a simple remote control or an electric bike. Understanding their main functions enables us to measure their importance in the durability of our equipment. <\/span><\/p>\n The primary function of a battery is to store the energy produced during charging, and then release it in a controlled manner. This energy is used to operate various electronic components according to the user\u2019s needs, without the need for a cable connection to the mains. <\/span><\/p>\n In a lithium-ion battery, this operation is based on the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode through the electrolyte. This mechanism enables high energy efficiency, but also requires precise management, provided by the BMS. <\/span><\/p>\n Whether for a smartphone, a drill or an electric bike, the battery enables cordless operation, independent of the electrical grid. This implies high energy density, optimized design (mass, weight, etc.), and mechanical and thermal integration designed for safety and durability. <\/span><\/p>\n The technical requirements for a battery differ depending on whether it is intended for :<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=\u201dcondensateur\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d min_height=\u201d856.1px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||-513px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries dominate the market for electronic and portable electrical equipment, thanks to their excellent energy density, low weight and high efficiency. They have become the standard for smartphones, computers, bicycles, DIY tools and even electric vehicles. <\/span><\/p>\n Key technologies include :<\/span><\/p>\n The LONGTIME\u00ae standard only covers removable rechargeable Li-ion batteries for hand-held power tools, and excludes other types, such as those used in the automotive industry.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||3px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/longtimelabel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Batterie-image-site-3.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dObsolescence & LONGTIME Capacitors\u201d title_text=\u201dBatterie image site 3\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d70px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 min_height=\u201d135.4px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n A Li-ion battery is based on a reversible electrochemical reaction between a graphite anode and a lithium oxide cathode, via a liquid or gel electrolyte and a microporous separator. This system enables lithium ions to be transferred during charge\/discharge cycles, generating a current by charge transfer. It is therefore based on electrochemical principles, where reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte generate a flow of lithium ions. <\/span><\/p>\n This technology is supported by an electronic management system \u2013 the BMS (Battery Management System) \u2013 which ensures safety, performance, battery life and data traceability. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||4px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d58px||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Three essential indicators define a battery\u2019s performance:<\/span><\/p>\n For example, in the LONGTIME\u00ae quality standards for hand-held power tools, a battery must retain 80% of its capacity after 1,300 cycles to qualify for certification. This performance is verified by endurance tests (type IEC 61960-3, EN 45552), reflecting a higher resistance than the market average. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||1px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 min_height=\u201d929.9px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n A battery\u2019s lifespan does not depend solely on its use by the user. Right from the design stage, several factors come into play: the quality of materials, the care taken in manufacturing, the complexity of electronic protection and the optimization of management algorithms. All these factors influence a battery\u2019s ability to maintain its performance over time and avoid premature obsolescence. <\/span><\/p>\n The quality of the materials used in a lithium-ion battery is a determining factor in its longevity. This applies to : <\/span><\/p>\n Low-quality materials can accelerate the formation of internal defects, cause parasitic reactions, and even reduce effective capacity in the first few months of use.<\/span><\/p>\n The final price of a battery rarely reflects the full complexity of its design. All too often, upstream economic trade-offs dictate technical choices that are detrimental to the battery\u2019s longevity. This can manifest itself in various ways: <\/span><\/p>\n While these strategies reduce the initial cost, they also increase the failure rate, rendering the battery irreparable or non-reusable at the first failure.<\/span><\/p>\n The longevity of a battery also depends on its electronic management, provided by the BMS. This system balances the cells, regulates temperature, limits extreme voltages and monitors the state of health (SoH\/SoC). <\/span><\/p>\n A BMS that is too basic can lead to premature wear and tear, or even block any attempt at replacement through software restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d3px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.22.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Over time, all batteries undergo progressive degradation, even when used in optimal conditions. This wear is the result of multiple mechanical, chemical and environmental factors. Understanding these mechanisms enables us to identify good usage practices and encourage more sustainable design, so as to really extend the life of our equipment. <\/span><\/p>\n Each lithium-ion battery is designed to undergo a certain number of complete charge and discharge cycles, i.e. from 0% to 100% capacity and back. It has been found that most users perform partial cycles, but these add up to complete cycles. <\/span><\/p>\n Over time, these cycles generate :<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a battery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Main battery functions<\/span><\/h3>\n
Energy storage and distribution<\/span><\/h4>\n
Power supply for portable devices<\/span><\/h4>\n
Differences between technologies and applications<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Different battery types and compositions (lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, NiMH, etc.).<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Chemical composition and operating principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Technical data (capacity, voltage, service life)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Criteria that can influence battery life<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The quality of materials<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Build quality and price<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Battery management algorithms<\/span><\/h4>\n
Battery wear and ageing factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Charging and discharging cycles<\/span><\/h3>\n