Each battery has unique needs that must be met to obtain reliable service and long life. This battery usage table summarizes the proper handling advice of each battery type.


- Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Lead-acid
Used in Power tools, medical equipment
 Two-way radios, health devices, medical equipment Cell phones, laptops, video cameras Motorcycles, wheelchairs, scooters
Charging Do run the battery fully down once per month; try to use up all energy before charging.

Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days.

Charging Time: 3h-16h depending on charger type and battery specs.		 Do run the battery fully down once every 3 months. Over-cycling is not advised.

Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days.

Charging Time:
1h-5h depending on charger type and battery specs.
 Do charge the battery often. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges.

Li-ion may remain in the charger (no memory). Do not use until battery cools down after charging.

Charging Time: 3h-8h depending on charger type and battery specs.

Do charge the battery immediately after use. Lead-acid must always be kept in a charged condition. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges. Over-cycling is not advised.  Battery must remain cool.

Charging Time: 8h-24h depending on charger and battery specs.
Discharging Full cycle does not harm NiCd.
NiCd is one of the most hardy and durable chemistries. 		Avoid too many full cycles because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge.
NiMH has higher energy density than NiCd at the expense of shorter cycle life.		 Avoid full cycle because of wear. 80% depth-of-discharge recommended. Re- charge more often. Avoid full discharge. Avoid full cycle because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge. Recharge more often or use larger battery.
Low energy density limits lead-acid batteries to use in mobile travel devices
Service needs Discharge every 1 to 2 months to prevent negative memory effect.
Discharge every 3 months to prevent negative memory effect.
 No maintenance needed. Loses capacity due to aging whether used or not. Apply topping charge every 6 months. Occasional discharge / charge may improve performance.
Storage Best to store at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge. With proper use and storage, a 5 year life cycle is possible. Store at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge. Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months.  With proper use and storage, a 6+ year life cycle is possible. Store at 40% charge in a cool place.  Do not store at full charge and at warm temperatures because of accelerated aging. Store always at a full state-of-charge. Do not store below 2.10V/cell; apply topping charge very 6 months.
Disposal Do not dispose; contains toxic metals; must be recycled. Should be recycled. Low volume household NiMH may be disposed. Should be recycled. Low volume household Li-ion may be disposed. Do not dispose; must be recycled.