10.8v v/s 11.1v laptop batteries

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Searching for a replacement battery for my laptop and I am finding the same part# from different aftermarket distributors with different voltages - 10.8v and 11.1v. The original was 10.8v.
Apparently this is more common than you'd think. The popular belief is that they work fine and are interchangeble.

But whats the reason for this voltage difference ? And what are the implications(charge cycle, life, etc..) for using one v/s the other ?
 
Different chemistry? That would do it. Charging to10.8 on an 11.1V battery would undercharge and likely have poorer performance (less energy).

It could also be that the same batteries are rated as a nominal vs max voltage.
 
about charging - the original manufacturer itself makes a 6 cell that is 10.8v and a 9 cell that is 11.1v for this laptop(Lenovo SL410) so I would imagine the laptop and charger they are expected to work with are designed to handle these different voltages.
 
11.1v = 3 x 3.7v LiIon cells. You can have 3,6, or 9 cells in parallel.

10.8v = 3 x 3.6v LiIon cells.

When Lithium bats first appeared they were rated at 3.6v and were charged all the up to 4.1v. Later as the chemistry became more stable they were rated at 3.7v and charged to 4.2v. So you're fine with either. Even if you get 3.6v cells and your laptop overcharges them by 0.1v you won't notice any difference in their lifespan. And if you get 3.7 you will undercharge them by 0.1v. Besides, these days you cant even find 3.6v cells since they have been discontinued, even if they label them at 10.8 they should have 3.7v cells.
 
Even better, if you want, you can pry open your old battery case and replace the cells inside. Most laptops come with 18650 sized cells that are 1500 - 2000mah range. You can easily find 3000+mah cells for about $10 each.
 
Originally Posted By: Dave424
11.1v = 3 x 3.7v LiIon cells. You can have 3,6, or 9 cells in parallel.

10.8v = 3 x 3.6v LiIon cells.

When Lithium bats first appeared they were rated at 3.6v and were charged all the up to 4.1v. Later as the chemistry became more stable they were rated at 3.7v and charged to 4.2v. So you're fine with either. Even if you get 3.6v cells and your laptop overcharges them by 0.1v you won't notice any difference in their lifespan. And if you get 3.7 you will undercharge them by 0.1v. Besides, these days you cant even find 3.6v cells since they have been discontinued, even if they label them at 10.8 they should have 3.7v cells.


Different chemistries have slightly different voltages. NCA will differ from CoO2, etc. Need to be a little careful.

FePO4 while "safer", wont tolerate that voltage.
 
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