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Giving common lithium-ion batteries a break could be key to extending their lifespans, according to a team of South Korean experts.
The researchers have found that prolonged use without a recharge causes degradation. As a result, the group from Pohang University of Science and Technology has a simple tip: “Don’t use your battery until it runs out.”
The researchers worked with experts from Sungkyunkwan University to explore why the packs, which power electric vehicles and other everyday tech, degrade. And the evidence led to an unlikely source that’s contrary to the notion that the wear-and-tear happened during overcharging.
“The impact of discharge — the actual process of using a battery — has been largely overlooked until now,” professor Jihyun Hong said in the report.
The problem is centered on the…
