There isn’t a single battery type for trackers. Most portable trackers use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer packs, while ultra-compact models often rely on coin-cell batteries; some devices are powered by a vehicle’s 12V supply with a small backup battery.
Trackers come in a range of sizes and purposes—from personal safety tags to asset trackers and fleet devices—so the battery design is chosen to balance size, weight, cost, and how often the device must report location. This guide reviews the most common battery types you’ll encounter and what they mean for performance and maintenance.
Battery types used in trackers
Rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium-polymer packs
These are the dominant option for portable trackers because they offer high energy density in a compact form and can be recharged repeatedly. Typical characteristics include a nominal 3.7V cell voltage, USB-C or micro-USB charging (and in some cases wireless charging), and capacities ranging from several hundred mAh to multiple thousands of mAh depending on the device’s size and intended runtime.
- Common in wearable, pet, and asset trackers for days-to-weeks of operation between charges.
- Often either replaceable (in some models) or sealed, with charging via a cradle or cable.
- Power management features control GPS ping rate and radio use to extend life.
Rechargeable Li-ion/Li-Po packs are the standard for most modern portable trackers due to their combination of capacity and compact size.
Coin-cell and other small batteries
Ultra-compact trackers may use coin cells such as CR2032 (or CR2025) for basic signaling and low-power functions. These batteries are typically non-rechargeable and must be replaced when depleted, making them suitable for small, low-usage devices but not for constant GPS tracking.
- CR2032/CR2025 and similar cells are common in tiny trackers focused on beacon-style updates or limited motion sensing.
- Runtime is highly dependent on usage patterns and may span weeks to months between replacements.
- Replacement availability is a practical consideration for devices marketed as “plug-and-play” with long field life.
Coin-cell-based designs prioritize extreme small size and long shelf life when not in active use, at the cost of limited continuous tracking capability.
Device-charged from vehicle power
Fleet trackers and some car-security or telematics devices are wired to the vehicle’s 12V to 24V supply, reducing the need for frequent charging. They often include a small internal backup battery to keep data continuity during power interruptions or while the engine is off.
- Usually connected via the vehicle’s electrical system, with power management to preserve battery life during idle periods.
- Backup batteries are typically Li-ion or Li-Po with modest capacities (often around 1000–2000 mAh) to bridge short outages.
- Common in commercial fleets for reliability and reduced maintenance.
Vehicle-powered devices minimize the need for regular charging while relying on the vehicle’s power infrastructure for sustained operation.
Charging and maintenance considerations
Understanding how a tracker charges and ages helps you plan for reliability and cost of ownership.
- Charging options and connectors: USB-C or USB-A are standard for Li-ion/Li-Po packs; some rugged models use custom docks or solar panels to extend life outdoors.
- Battery life expectations: small Li-ion/Li-Po packs may last a few days to a couple of weeks depending on update frequency and GPS usage; larger packs or fleet devices can run months between charges with optimized settings.
- Maintenance tips: avoid deep discharges, use manufacturer-approved chargers, monitor capacity over time, and replace coin-cell or backup batteries as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep firmware updated to optimize power management.
Proper charging habits and staying on top of battery health can significantly extend field reliability, especially for devices deployed in remote or mission-critical scenarios.
Choosing the right tracker for your needs
Key decisions that hinge on battery design
When selecting a tracker, align the battery approach with how you intend to use it. Consider:
- How long you need between charges or replacements based on your setting (pet, asset, or fleet).
- Whether you prefer a replaceable battery or a sealed rechargeable pack, and if solar charging is practical for outdoor use.
- Whether continuous GPS updates are necessary or if a duty-cycled approach will suffice, affecting energy use.
- Whether integration with a vehicle’s power supply is feasible or desirable for your use case.
In practice, the best choice depends on duration between charges, environmental conditions, and how critical uninterrupted tracking is for you.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all battery for trackers. The most common options today are rechargeable Li-ion or Li-Po packs for portable devices, coin-cell batteries for ultra-compact models, and vehicle-powered designs with a small backup battery for fleet or automotive use. When buying a tracker, review the battery type, expected life per charge, replaceability, and available charging methods to ensure the device meets your specific tracking needs.