Do Li-Ion batteries need 16 hr. initialize ?

[RadioSouth]

Hi all,
Just got a new OEM EX500 Li-Ion battery. Instructions with charger call for a 16-18 initialization of a new battery but don't break down recommendations as to chemsitry. I've always folowed this with NiCd batteries but don't know if the same with Li-Ion types.

[escomm]

No

Li-Ion batteries do not like trickle charging in fact it can hurt the battery although this is not the reason they don't need that overnight charge. Quoth Cadex:

Lithium-ion is a very clean system and does not need formatting when new, nor does it require the level of maintenance that nickel-based batteries do. The first charge is no different than the fifth or the 50th. Formatting makes little difference because the maximum capacity is available right from the beginning. Nor does a full discharge improve the capacity once faded. In most cases, a low capacity signals the end of life. A discharge/charge may be beneficial for calibrating a “smart” battery, but this service only addresses the digital part of the pack and does nothing to improve the electrochemical battery. Instructions to charge a new battery for eight hours are seen as “old school” from the nickel battery days.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arti ... _batteries

[RadioSouth]

Thanks !