Extending the life span of lithium batteries

"Aging of lithium-ion is an issue that is often ignored. A lithium-ion battery in use typically lasts between 2-3 years. The capacity loss manifests itself in increased internal resistance caused by oxidation. Eventually, the cell resistance reaches a point where the pack can no longer deliver the stored energy although the battery may still have ample charge. For this reason, an aged battery can be kept longer in applications that draw low current as opposed to a function that demands heavy loads. Increasing internal resistance with cycle life and age is typical for cobalt-based lithium-ion, a system that is used for cell phones, cameras and laptops because of high energy density. The lower energy dense manganese-based lithium-ion, also known as spinel, maintains the internal resistance through its life but loses capacity due to chemical decompositions. Spinel is primarily used for power tools"

A fascinating article, and timely.

There are few things more frustrating than reaching for the cordless power tool, that has had a battery on the charger and being met with a slow hum and 3 turns per second.

On the plus side, apparently Scott Brown's election in MA has stopped Healthcare Socialization in it's tracks, which on the whole is good, but the additional 1.9 Trillion Dollars in debt the Federal Govt is forced to authorize is not so good.

Sooner or later, that will start the inflationary spiral, when jobs are being lost at 400k per month, the US is about to face a double squeeze, rising prices and no jobs to be had to buy anything anyway.