Primary or Rechargeable Lithium Battery?
A primary lithium battery is used once and replaced. A rechargeable lithium battery is charged again and again. Choose by how often the device is used, how long it must run unattended and whether charging is practical. Jetray supplies both.
- Engineer reply within 24 h
- UN38.3, IEC 62133, MSDS
- Ships worldwide from Shenzhen
The short answer
Choose primary when
- The device runs for years on one battery, such as a meter, tracker or sensor.
- The device is used rarely or sits unused for long periods.
- The device is hard to reach, so changing a battery is costly.
- Charging is not practical or the user will not charge it.
- The load is low and steady, or has short pulses.
Choose rechargeable when
- The device is used daily or draws more current.
- A charger or charging point is part of the design.
- The cost of replacing primary cells would add up over time.
- The device can show charge level and prompt the user to charge.
Questions to ask
Tick what you already have. It goes into the quote form at the end of the page.
Choosing a battery type?
Tell us about the device. We reply within 24 hours.
Shipping and documents
Both kinds are lithium batteries and are regulated for transport. The rules, labels and documents differ by type and size. UN38.3 and MSDS documents are available. Tell us the model, and we confirm what covers it.
Safety
Never charge a primary cell. Check the label before you charge. Keep primary and rechargeable cells apart in storage and in the product, to avoid mixing them up.
Not sure which to pick?
Send the device, run-time target and charging situation. We recommend primary, rechargeable or a custom pack.
Examples
Looking at total cost
Primary cells cost less to put in a product and nothing to charge, but each change costs the battery and the visit. A rechargeable pack costs more at the start, and needs a charger, a BMS and a port. For a device that is used often, rechargeable can cost less over time. For a device that runs for years untouched, primary is often simpler. Count the cost of service visits as well as the cell.
Using both
Some products use a primary cell for backup and a rechargeable pack as the main supply. Tell us the design, and we suggest the right combination.
Frequently asked questions
No. Lithium metal (primary) cells cannot be recharged. Lithium-ion cells can.
Primary cells are usually chosen for long idle periods. Check the datasheet for storage figures.
Only if the voltage, size and device design allow it. A rechargeable cell often has a different voltage. Check before swapping.
The rules depend on the type and size. We prepare the documents for the model.
Not without checking. Voltage and discharge curves differ, and the device may not work or may be unsafe.
Primary lithium cells typically self-discharge very slowly. Check the datasheet.
Yes. Send the device, usage and run-time target.
Choosing a battery type?
Tell us about the device. We reply within 24 hours.
Your primary vs rechargeable lithium request
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Your message to an engineer
Fill what you know. Blank lines are fine.Goes straight to our sales engineers, the same as the quote form. Need to attach a drawing? Use the quote form or email it.
Choosing a battery type? Tell us about the device. We reply within 24 hours.
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