Defined term
Battery cycle life
Battery cycle life is the number of defined charge-discharge cycles completed before a specified performance endpoint is reached under stated test conditions.
Also known as storage cycle life
measurement · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-050 · Last verified August 20, 2026
Definition and boundaries
Definition
Battery cycle life is the number of defined charge-discharge cycles completed before a specified performance endpoint is reached under stated test conditions.
Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
In plain language
When comparing Battery cycle life, keep the unit, time period, measurement boundary, and underlying assumptions the same on both sides.
What it is not
It is not a calendar-life guarantee and one partial cycle is not automatically equivalent to one full test cycle.
Decision context
Why it matters
Cycle definition, depth of discharge, rate, temperature, calendar time, operating limits, and endpoint criterion all affect the reported result.
Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
Information boundary
This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.
Concept relationships
Affects
- Solar battery storagePublished conceptBattery cycle life can affect how Solar battery storage is evaluated
- Payback periodPublished conceptBattery cycle life can affect how Payback period is evaluated
Primary sources
- U.S. Department of Energy: Battery Energy Storage System Evaluation Method
Revision DOE/GO-102023-6083 · December 2023 · Source event as of December 1, 2023 · Ontology accessed August 20, 2026 · Ontology verified August 20, 2026
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