Lithium Polymer batteries were the next step from the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) batteries. While these batteries had served their purpose the developments in personal electronics created a need for lighter, longer lasting batteries. In 2002 the first of the Lithium ion Polymer batteries arrived. Though it is a secondary market for these batteries remote control and motorcycle hobbyists also jumped at the chance for a lighter, more advanced battery.

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The old Nickel Cadmium batteries had a flaw in that they developed a 'memory'. Each time a user charged the batteries they took a little bit smaller charge until they eventually don't take a charge at all. Even if the batteries are fully drained after each charge as recommended there best life expectancy was about six months.

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So called 'memory' was not a problem with the Lithium Polymer or ion Polymer batteries. This allowed the batteries to last far longer, even years. Mostly these batteries are used in personal electronics. Your cell phone battery might be a slim rectangle with two contacts at one end, in which case it is one of the most common Lithium ion Polymer cells.

Remote control hobbyists use a different type of the battery that is made up of two or possibly three cells. Hobbyists favor these batteries because they weight one third what and old Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hybrid battery. This lesser mass combined with a superior capacity gave the batter nearly three time the life.

The batteries have also changed things for custom motorcyclists. The batteries take up far less room that a traditional battery on the motorcycle and weight about a quarter of what a lead acid battery would weigh. These batteries are also more environmentally friendly than traditional lead acid batteries when they do reach the end of their lifespan. The batteries superior charge capabilities make it possible to attempt to start the motorcycle enough times that the starter is no longer working before the battery stops working.

When using a battery you must be very aware of the safety hazards to get the best use of your battery. The batteries build up heat while they are charging and should never filled with a turbo charger or left unattended during charging. If using a trickle charger the batteries require a balancer, which is often built into the charger, to ensure that all cells charge equally and that the battery is at its best performance.

It is vital that a damaged battery is never used because there is a risk of explosion. Keeping the battery protected and away from any kind of corrosive or water will help to maintain the life and safety of the battery.

Properly cared for, a Lithium ion Polymer battery will last for years. Lighter and holding more charge that its earlier counter parts, the Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hybrid batteries and more environmentally friendly the lead acid auto batteries, Lithium ion batteries have changed the way we use our personal electronics, motorcycles and radio control models.

Presenting the New Battery - What Exactly Are Lithium Polymer Batteries?

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