Over the years, research developers have been hard at work developing accessory batteries for all hand held electronic devices. For cell phone and two way radio users the need was all the more urgent, as people began to become more dependent on these increasingly useful communication devices. What has finally been arrived at is what is called lithium ion batteries and they hold about twice the charge of nickel cadmium batteries.

A Spare to Keep for Charging

They do have several drawbacks that you have to weigh out before you decide if you really need them though, because they are considerably more expensive to purchase. However; most likely you will find that you do need accessory batteries so you can use one while the other is charging.

Store in a Cool Place

While holding a much longer charge, lithium ion batteries have to be kept at a fairly cool temperature around 80 degrees. Many people are unaware of this and will leave theirs in their car or truck, which will quickly degrade them. Under normal circumstances lithium ion batteries will lose approximately 5% of their capacity annually. However; if they are stored improperly that number jumps up to 20-25% annually.

Keep in a Refrigerator

If lithium ion batteries are allowed to become accessivly hot they can be completely ruined in a very short time. The temperature that manufacturers recommend that this type of battery be stored at is 59 degrees. However they can be safely stored in a refrigerator but they must be allowed to warm up before they will begin to function optimally.

Not the Best Option for Warm Sunny Climates

Your best bet if you are going to be using your two way radios in a warm climate is to consider purchasing multiple sets of nickel cadmium batteries instead. This is because all it takes is leaving your lithium ion batteries in the sun a few times for a few minutes and they will be functioning on the level of nickel cadmium batteries anyway.