Battery Smarts: Assessing Public Knowledge and Habits of Charging Lithium-Ion Cells

Abstract

This work assesses the knowledge and practices that consumers have about the optimum usage of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To do so, a survey was conducted with questions that targeted user perceptions and habits about the duration and frequency of charging. From 453 valid responses, the results indicated that the majority of consumers lack knowledge about proper battery charging practices. A key result from the survey was the misconception that waiting to charge LIBs until they are nearly empty promotes long-term battery health. This notion to “charge only when empty” goes against best-practices for LIBs, yet about half (51%) held this misconception. While survey participants were asked about battery charging in relation to mobile devices, consumer knowledge about LIBs carries over to other critical applications, such as electric vehicles (EVs). The results of the survey, combined with battery fundamentals and best practices, point to opportunities for manufacturers to provide better charging features and more visible guidance about how to charge LIBs properly. Ultimately, this increase in “battery smarts” will enhance the lifespan of batteries in EVs and other key application areas, delivering economic and environmental benefits by alleviating production demands for new cells.

BibTeX

@article{2025_isbell_battery_smarts,
  title     = {Battery Smarts: Assessing Public Knowledge and Habits of Charging Lithium-Ion Cells},
  author    = {Isbell E and LePage W},
  journal   = {IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society},
  volume    = {7},
  pages     = {101-106},
  year      = {2026},
  doi       = {10.1109/TTS.2025.3546937},
}

Vancouver

Isbell E, LePage W. Battery Smarts: Assessing Public Knowledge and Habits of Charging Lithium-Ion Cells. IEEE Trans. Technol. Soc. 2026;7:101-106. doi:10.1109/TTS.2025.3546937

Version and rights

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