Does the rate of charge matter when charging Li-ions?

[smg]

I have read a lot about different charging rates having different effects on NiMH batteries but I have not read the same discussions on Li-ion batteries. Does the charge rate matter for Li-ion? I am asking specifically for info about 14500 and 10440, but I'm guessing the answer is the same for all others too (RCR123, 18650, etc.)?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Smg,

Li-Ion cell manufacturers generally recommend charging at around 0.7C, with a maximum charge rate of 1C. The charge is usually terminated when the current drops to around 0.02 - 0.05C, so you should probably charge at a rate higher than that. However some people have charged at lower rates and, as long as the voltage is limited to 4.2 volts, have had success doing so.

The RC people have not been able to find any benefit to slow charging, and they have pushed out the upper limit to 2C. Their standard slow charge is 1C, and a rapid charge is 2C. Keep in mind that the charge rate may be limited by the ability of the balancer to keep everything in balance when using multi cell packs.

Li-Ion cells don't have the same "issues" that the Nickel cells do, so charge rates are not all that important.

Tom

 

[Fallingwater]

Fast charge can be as much as 4C with the best RC packs. The batteries don't *like* that treatment, but don't burst into flames. Well, they usually don't.