subject: How "Fresh" are new brand Batteries ? [print this page] Now, a new battery (a battery that has never been charged, connected to a device, been opened or chemically active in any way may have a lifespan up to 36 months (under certain conditions). My personal preference is to never buy a new Dell latitude d430 battery that has been sitting on the shelf over 18 months. But then again it's just a personal preference. batteries that are left in extreme temperatures will not last as long and may deteriorate in a few weeks or less if the weather is really extreme brand batteries. news that are less than 12 months are your best choice because they represent the type of charges the battery.