Battery cycle is defined as the process of a battery being discharged and then charged. Every time a battery is used to power a device and is drained, a charge cycle is performed on the battery; the battery was charged prior to usage or purchase. The number of cycles a battery can handle before its capacity starts to degrade is an important factor in determining the battery’s lifespan.
The recognized method of measurement for rating rechargeable charge cycles is the number of charge cycles a battery can sustain before performance decreases. Battery life (milliamp hours), voltage, and the quantity of charge cycles are all crucial performance metrics for rechargeable batteries.
Generally, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in smartphones and laptops, are designed to handle around 500-1000 cycles, while lead-acid batteries, used in automobiles, can handle around 200-300 cycles. As the number of cycles increases, the battery’s capacity to hold a charge gradually decreases, resulting in shorter battery life.
Depending on the battery’s capacity, a charge cycle may consist of a full charge followed by a full discharge or a succession of partial drains. The quantity of charge cycles and battery life vary significantly depending on the type of rechargeable battery.
Additionally, if some rechargeable battery types, such as nickel cadmium, are not fully drained before recharging, they have a memory effect that shortens the life of subsequent charges.
Also Read: What is Deep Cycle Battery?
