Li-Ion conditioning?

[morphix]

This question has probably been asked a zillion times before but I can't remember what the consensus was... a lot of manufacturers state that on receiving devices with Li-Ion batteries in, you're to leave them on charge for a full 24 hours before using the device/battery...

Is there any real basis for that? Do Li-Ion batteries need to be conditioned like the older Ni-Cad used to ensure a long charge cycle, I thought they didn't?

 

[Scimitar]

Still seems to be the case with recent li-ion batteries I've bought. At least, the ones where the makers actually give a stuff about how their item is treated (and possibly to forestall warranty claims).

 

[flecc]

Some advise this, many others advise fully charging on receipt and then using right down to empty. Those batteries with the better integrated battery meters need the latter emptying from a full charge to set the meter zero point and no harm comes from doing this once when new.

On these best types the meter reading can drift over time giving false readings and if that is suspected as a battery ages, the conditioning can be repeated with a full charge and then full discharge by riding until empty or nearly so.