How Long Does a Robot Battery Last? （2025）

In the age of automation and smart manufacturing, robots have become indispensable tools across industries. From warehouse AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) to delivery robots and service bots, batteries keep them all moving. The battery is the heart of every robot’s operation.

But one of the most common questions engineers, business owners, and even consumers ask is:

👉 How long does a robot battery last?

The answer is not simple. Battery life depends on many factors. These include battery chemistry, design, energy capacity, and operating conditions.

The robot’s workload also plays a role. In this article, we will look at what affects how long a robot battery lasts. We will also discuss how to improve its performance and extend its lifespan.

1. Understanding the Basics: What Is a Robot Battery?

A robot battery is a rechargeable power source. It gives steady electrical energy to robots. This helps motors, sensors, processors, and communication modules work well.

Modern robots mainly use lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. These batteries are popular because they have high energy density, are lightweight, and last a long time.

Common types of batteries used in robotics include:

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion): High energy density, widely used in industrial and service robots.
• Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄): Excellent thermal stability and long cycle life.
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH): Durable but heavier; used in older or low-cost designs.
• Lead-acid: Still used in some AGVs or warehouse robots because of low cost but shorter lifespan.

Each battery type lasts for different amounts of time and has unique performance features. This affects how long your robot can run before it needs recharging or a new battery pack.

2. How Long Does a Robot Battery Last Per Charge?

The runtime per charge, or operating time, can vary a lot. The battery capacity, measured in Ah or Wh, and the amount of energy the robot uses determine this.

Here’s a general breakdown by robot type:

Robot Type | Typical Battery Capacity | Average Runtime per Charge

Service Robot | 24V 20Ah–40Ah | 6–12 hours

Warehouse AGV | 48V 50Ah–100Ah | 8–16 hours

Delivery Robot | 36V 30Ah–60Ah | 6–10 hours

Cleaning Robot | 24V 10Ah–20Ah | 2–5 hours

Educational| Consumer Robot | 12V 2Ah–5Ah | 1–3 hours

Industrial robots and AGVs usually work for a full shift of 8 to 12 hours on one charge. Smaller consumer robots run for less time but recharge faster.

3. Battery Lifespan: How Many Years Does a Robot Battery Last?

Battery runtime shows how long it lasts each day. Battery lifespan tells us how many charge and discharge cycles it can go through. This is before its capacity falls below 80% of the original.

Here’s a typical comparison:

Battery Type | Average Cycle Life | Approximate Lifespan (Years)

Li-ion | 800–1,200 cycles | 2–4 years

LiFePO₄ | 2,000–3,500 cycles | 5–8 years

NiMH | 500–800 cycles | 1–2 years

Lead-acid | 300–500 cycles | 1–1.5 years

A LiFePO₄ robot battery can last up to eight years with good care. In contrast, a Li-ion battery usually lasts three to five years, depending on how users utilize it.

4. Key Factors That Affect Robot Battery Life

Several variables influence how long a robot battery lasts, both per charge and over its total lifetime.

(1) Battery Chemistry

Different chemistries have distinct properties. People know LiFePO₄ batteries for their long life and safety. In contrast, Li-ion batteries have higher energy density but do not last as long.

(2) Depth of Discharge (DoD)

Deeper discharges shorten lifespan. For example, if you fully discharge a Li-ion battery each time, it may last only 800 cycles. However, if users operate it at 70% depth of discharge, they could achieve up to 1,500 cycles.

(3) Temperature

High temperatures accelerate internal chemical reactions and degrade electrodes. Ideally, keep robot batteries within 10°C–40°C during operation.

(4) Charging Practices

Overcharging or fast-charging at excessive rates can increase heat and stress the cells. Using a smart BMS (Battery Management System) prevents this by balancing voltage and protecting against overvoltage or short circuits.

(5) Workload and Environment

A robot carrying heavier loads or operating on uneven terrain consumes more power, shortening each runtime. Similarly, dusty or humid environments can affect thermal performance.

5. How to Extend the Lifespan of Robot Batteries

Proper maintenance and charging habits can significantly prolong a robot battery’s life. Here are five practical tips:

✅ 1. Avoid Deep Discharge

Try not to let the battery drain below 20%. Regular shallow discharges (30–80%) keep the battery healthy.

✅ 2. Maintain Moderate Temperatures

Operate and store batteries between 10°C and 30°C whenever possible. Avoid direct sunlight or cold storage.

✅ 3. Use Smart BMS Systems

Modern lithium batteries often include BMS protection to monitor cell voltage, temperature, and current. It ensures balanced charging and prevents overheating or overcharging.

✅ 4. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Check the battery terminals, wiring, and voltage regularly. Recalibrate the system if the robot’s battery indicator becomes inaccurate.

✅ 5. Choose Quality Cells

Use branded battery cells from trusted manufacturers like Panasonic, Samsung, LG, or EVE. High-quality cells ensure consistent output and longer cycle life.

6. Typical Battery Technologies Used in Robots

Let’s look deeper at the most popular lithium battery chemistries used in robotic applications today:

(1) Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)

• High energy density
• Balanced power and safety
• Widely used in AGVs and industrial robots

(2) Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄)

• Excellent thermal stability
• Over 3,000 charge cycles
• Safe and durable — ideal for warehouse or delivery robots

(3) Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA)

• High energy density, lighter weight
• Used in high-performance or mobility robots

(4) LTO (Lithium Titanate)

• Extremely long cycle life (5,000–10,000 cycles)
• Fast charging
• High cost but great for high-frequency operation

7. Real-World Example: Industrial AGV Battery Life

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) robots are widely used in smart factories, warehouses, and logistics centers.

A standard 48V 100Ah LiFePO₄ AGV battery can run for 8 to 10 hours. It can complete around 2,000 charge cycles before it reaches 80% capacity.

That means if charged once daily, it could last up to 6 years. With moderate use and proper temperature control, it might even last beyond 8 years before replacement.

8. Charging Time for Robot Batteries

Charging time depends on capacity and charger specifications:

Battery CapacityCharger OutputApprox. Charging Time24V 20Ah5A charger4–5 hours36V 40Ah10A charger4–6 hours48V 60Ah15A charger5–7 hours

Fast-charging systems can reduce charging time by half. However, using rapid charging often may slightly shorten the battery’s lifespan because of heat.

9. Signs That a Robot Battery Needs Replacement

Even the best batteries eventually wear out. Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to replace a robot battery:

• Noticeably shorter operating time
• Overheating during normal operation
• Swelling or deformation of the battery pack
• Inaccurate voltage readings or BMS warnings
• Frequent shutdowns or recharge errors

If these symptoms show up, using the battery may hurt robot performance or damage the internal electronics.

10. Choosing the Right Robot Battery Manufacturer

To ensure safety, reliability, and performance, always select a certified lithium battery manufacturer.

Leading companies such as Dongguan Yizhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.specialize in custom robot battery solutions, including:

• 36V / 48V / 60V robot battery packs
• Smart BMS systems for real-time monitoring
• High-discharge lithium-ion or LiFePO₄ options
• Customized casing and waterproof design (IP67/IP68)

FirstPower has over 12 years of experience in the lithium battery industry. They offer OEM and ODM solutions for AGVs, delivery robots, cleaning robots, and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots).

Their battery packs go through strict aging tests, vibration tests, and safety certifications. These include CE, UL, UN38.3, and EN50604. This process ensures high reliability for robotics applications.

11. Conclusion

So, how long does a robot battery last?

👉 Per charge: typically 6 to 12 hours, depending on the robot type and workload.

👉 Overall lifespan: 3 to 8 years, depending on the battery chemistry and maintenance.

To make your robots last for years, choose the right battery technology. Also, manage the temperature and charge cycles properly. Working with reliable manufacturers like Dongguan Yizhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.is also important.

As battery technology improves, we can expect more capacity, faster charging, and better power management. This will help the next generation of smart robots work all day and night.