Battery type for long term storage

[arnstein]

I need some bright, floody flashlights that can be stored in cars, parked outdoors, for a long time. As in, one year minimum. As a first step, I would like to choose the battery type.

I don't want to use alkalines. I have owned too many leakers. It's personal.

I don't want to use Eneloops. I have many Eneloops, but they have too much self-discharge for this application.

I like lithium disposables. I think they are ideal for this application, although not every flashlight can accept them.

I am not sure about lithium-ion rechargables. Will they hold a charge for a year or two?

That's the limit of my knowledge/opinion. What do you think?

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Lithium primaries are the way to go here. Li-Ions have self-discharge that accelerates when fully charged or overly warm. Also they lose capacity when left uncharged. Use Energizer Lithium AAs for AAs and quality CR123s for other things.

 

[cave dave]

.. and make sure the lights you pick have no parasitic drain (or can be locked out) while you are at it.

Now having said that I keep a HDS twisty in the car and the parasitic drain on that is low enough that it hasn't been a problem.

Buy made in the USA Lithium primaries, they have the best long term shelf life.

 

[Illum]

.. and make sure the lights you pick have no parasitic drain (or can be locked out) while you are at it.

arnstein, if you are unsure where to look, see if the light has an electronic switch. :)
Eneloops are actually pretty good being rechargeables, I'd store them for about a year max before taking them out and cycling them a bit.

 

[Gregozedobe]

Another vote for primary lithiums. They also have good performance in cold weather.

I'll also add in a strong preference for single cell lights (in multi-cell lights a "bad" cell can drain a "good" cell prematurely), and also lights that can't drain the battery even if the switch gets bumped (eg anodised threads and a lock out tailcap).

Would headlamps be better for your purposes ? (eg leaves both hands free while changing a tyre, working under the bonnet etc).

Regardless of what you get, it is a good idea to test them at least once a year so that you can be confident they will work when you need them.

 

[Kestrel]

Eneloops are actually pretty good being rechargeables, I'd store them for about a year max before taking them out and cycling them a bit.

Another vote for taking a second look at Eneloops. The 3-year old 'Shnoopaloops' that made the rounds ~ a year ago tested out at 75% of remaining capacity prior to charging, which was also my experience as well via some informal runtime tests before & after charging. 75% after 3 years is pretty good in my book, plus they have the added advantage of being able to be tested prior to storage - I know my Eneloops are all good, since I've given them a cycle prior to putting them away for long-term storage. I can't say this about my Energizer L91/L92's - they definitely have a better shelf-life over a period of many years, but it's difficult to be sure there won't be a defective cell in there. My two lumens, :shrug:

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I say if you find yourself using a set of batteries up in a car once a year or less then I recommend several lights the most used with eneloops and the least used with lithiums in them and both (or more) use the same battery type. I do this in my EDC have a duraloop in my LD01 and a pair of L92s in a UK2AAA I converted to LED use. If I am caught with my LD01 battery depleted I have two spare lithiums to keep it going. I have yet to use the lithiums in my LD01 but it is comforting to know that they have over 95% capacity left in them after about 3 years (I try the light every once in awhile to make sure the batteries are still good).

 

[Aquanaut]

I need some bright, floody flashlights that can be stored in cars, parked outdoors, for a long time. As in, one year minimum.

I don't know what requirements you have, but I have a suggestion for a light that can be stored in your car for many years and you don't have to worry about any batteries. How about a 12V handheld boat spotlight? I have had a low powered one in my car(s) for over 20 years. Just plug it into your cigarette lighter. You can easily go up to a million candle power for under $20. Just go to any marine supplier.

 

[NeonLights]

Another vote here for lithium primaries. All five of our cars get lithium primary powered lights, generally a mix of AA, AAA, and 123-cell lights. Several of the lights have even gone well past the expiration date on the batteries and the lights/still worked fine after being kept in the cars for 5+ years on the same set of batteries.

 

[JML]

Lithium primaries, but in one size. I decided to use only CR123A batteries for my 3 in-car flashlights, and got a police-grade battery-powered hazard flasher that uses the same batteries. I then bought a waterproof Pelican case for spares, and stored it in the toolbox in the trunk. No problems with heat or cold, no leakage issues, no need to recharge, and the stored batteries will be good for as long as I own the car.

The problem with a 12V corded light is that it won't be of much use if your car battery dies.

Here's the CR123A-powered PowerFlare:

 

[Aquanaut]

The problem with a 12V corded light is that it won't be of much use if your car battery dies.

I agree. However, on the practical side, how many times in your lifetime have you needed a flashlight when your car battery was dead? :D

 

[JML]

Twice. But once should be enough for anyone. We're talking about emergencies here, not everyday events.

Let's see what could cause it: alternator dies at night when you're driving a rental car in a rural area, and the battery drains and then dies. Second: battery clamp corrodes and snaps off.

And if you or a passenger need to LEAVE the car, that 12v-light's cord isn't going to be of much help.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I agree that a corded only light for a car is of limited use constrained by the length of the cord. I have a fluorescent light that runs on 6D cells and has a 12vdc input also that I have used corded many times but when I went to change a flat tire or fix a broken muffler bracket in the dark the cord was not long enough and chasing down a lost hubcap in the ditch was out of the question. I still have a corded light but never use it except for a long range spotlight about once every 15 years. With the more powerful longer running LED lights these days corded lights are basically all but obsolete for emergency car use.

 

[Aquanaut]

Twice. But once should be enough for anyone. We're talking about emergencies here, not everyday events.

Two for you, none for me in more than 50 years of driving. I have had an AA maglite in my present car since 1999, powered by 2 AA alkalines, which I replace about every 5 years. I don't care if the batteries leak and destroy my maglite, since it can be replaced for $10 at Amazon. The maglite is in addition to the 12V corded light.

I carry a Fenix E01 as my EDC in my pocket for minor lighting needs. I also carry a cell phone for personal emergencies.

I agree that a corded only light for a car is of limited use constrained by the length of the cord.

Fair enough. But I can buy a 12 ft extension for $8 from Amazon.

Gentlemen, it all boils down to personal preferences. All of us can come up with scenarios to support our choices. Amen.

 

[Kestrel]

Please note that nowhere in the OP's first post is there an inquiry about corded lights and whatnot. Furthermore, please note the thread title. Thank you,

I need some bright, floody flashlights that can be stored in cars, parked outdoors, for a long time. As in, one year minimum. As a first step, I would like to choose the battery type.

I don't want to use alkalines. I have owned too many leakers. It's personal.

I don't want to use Eneloops. I have many Eneloops, but they have too much self-discharge for this application.

I like lithium disposables. I think they are ideal for this application, although not every flashlight can accept them.

I am not sure about lithium-ion rechargables. Will they hold a charge for a year or two?

That's the limit of my knowledge/opinion. What do you think?