How long does an Inogen battery last?
Axis Batteries technical team — Li-ion battery rebuilding since 2009 · Updated:
In general, an Inogen One battery starts losing noticeable capacity after roughly 2–3 years or a few hundred full charge cycles, depending on how it is used and stored. On a single charge, Inogen quotes maximum runtimes from 2.7 hours (G4 4-cell) to 13 hours (G5 16-cell) at setting 1, and real runtime is lower at higher settings.
Two meanings of battery life
When people ask how long an Inogen battery lasts, they usually mean one of two things:
- Runtime per charge: how many hours the concentrator runs on one full battery.
- Service life: how many months or years the battery keeps a useful capacity before it needs replacing or rebuilding.
Both depend on the battery model, the flow setting you use and how the battery is treated.
Inogen maximum runtimes per charge
The table below shows the maximum runtimes published by Inogen, measured at setting 1. These are best-case figures for a healthy battery. At higher settings the runtime is lower, and an older battery will deliver less.
| Concentrator | Battery | Maximum runtime (setting 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Inogen One G3 | 8-cell (BA-300) | up to 4.7 h |
| Inogen One G3 | 16-cell (BA-316) | up to 10 h |
| Inogen One G4 | 4-cell | up to 2.7 h |
| Inogen One G4 | 8-cell | up to 5 h |
| Inogen One G5 | 8-cell | up to 6.5 h |
| Inogen One G5 | 16-cell | up to 13 h |
To know exactly which battery you have, check the part number on the battery label.
How many years does an Inogen battery last?
Inogen batteries use lithium-ion cells. Like all Li-ion batteries, they lose capacity in two ways: with every charge cycle, and simply with calendar age, even when they are not used much. In general, noticeable capacity fade is common after roughly 2–3 years or a few hundred full cycles. A battery used daily for long outings will usually wear faster than one used occasionally.
Heat speeds up aging. A battery that is regularly left in a hot car, near a heater or charged in a warm place typically loses capacity sooner. Storing it fully charged in warm conditions, or leaving it completely empty for long periods, also shortens its life. Practical tips are in our guide on how to extend Inogen battery life.
Signs your Inogen battery is worn
A worn battery rarely fails all at once. Watch for these signs:
- Shorter runtime: the concentrator runs noticeably fewer hours than it used to at the same setting.
- Charge indicator drops quickly: the indicator shows full, then falls fast after a short time of use.
- Battery not holding charge: it loses charge while stored, even when it is not in use.
- Early shutdown: the concentrator switches off or warns about low battery while the indicator still shows some charge left.
If you notice these symptoms, first rule out simple causes such as dirty contacts or a faulty power supply. Our guide Inogen battery not charging or short runtime explains what to check.
When to stop using a battery
Capacity loss is normal aging. Physical damage is a different matter. Never use a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, smells burnt or gets very hot. Stop using it, do not open it, and contact us or dispose of it at a battery collection point.
Replace or rebuild?
When the cells are worn, the housing and electronics are often still fine. A rebuild replaces all cells with new 18650 Li-ion cells from Samsung, LG or Sanyo inside the original housing, keeps the original BMS and connectors, resets the cycle counter and recalibrates the charge indicator. It costs €60 for a standard 8-cell pack (G2, G3, G4) and €130 for an extended 16-cell pack (G2, G3, G5), with a 12-month written warranty.
A rebuilt battery is not an original Inogen product and the manufacturer's battery warranty does not apply to it. If your concentrator is rented or supplied by an oxygen provider or insurer, ask them first.
If you depend on continuous oxygen, keep a backup source (a spare battery, a stationary concentrator or a cylinder) while your battery is away. For any questions about your therapy, ask your doctor or oxygen supplier.
FAQ
- How many years does an Inogen One battery last?
- It depends on use and storage. In general, Li-ion batteries show noticeable capacity loss after roughly 2–3 years or a few hundred full charge cycles, and heat speeds this up.
- How long does an Inogen G3 battery last on one charge?
- Inogen quotes up to 4.7 hours for the 8-cell BA-300 and up to 10 hours for the 16-cell BA-316 at setting 1. Runtime is lower at higher settings and with an older battery.
- How do I know my Inogen battery needs replacing?
- Typical signs are clearly shorter runtime, a charge indicator that drops quickly, a battery that does not hold its charge and a concentrator that shuts off early.
- Is it normal that my battery runs fewer hours than the manufacturer figure?
- Yes. The published figures are maximum values at setting 1 for a healthy battery. Higher settings and normal aging both reduce real runtime.
This article contains technical information about batteries, not medical advice. For questions about your oxygen therapy, contact your doctor or oxygen supplier. Axis Batteries is an independent service, not affiliated with Inogen, Inc. Inogen and Inogen One are trademarks of Inogen, Inc.