AED Batteries: Cost and Replacement Guide
AED batteries are one of the most important components for any Automated External Defibrillator (AED). After all, without a charged and functioning battery, an AED can’t deliver a shock to save a life.
If you are looking to buy an AED, definitely learn a little about the different batteries and their cost (they can be expensive!)
Here we’ll address all the key questions — What kind of batteries does an AED use? Can you recharge an AED battery? If not, how often do I need to replace my AED battery? How much does an AED battery cost?
AED Battery Basics
- Most AEDs use lithium batteries, which generally have a longer lifespan than other battery chemistries.
- Nearly all AED devices have NON-rechargeable batteries, and therefore require their batteries to be replaced at regular intervals (yes, this can become expensive!).
- AEDs that offer a rechargeable battery option must be taken out-of-service between charges and they’re typically more expensive because special chargers must be purchased.
How Often Should AED Batteries be Replaced?
The lifespan and cost of an AED battery are some of the most important things to know if you are looking to purchase an AED.
In general, to ensure your device is properly maintained, an AED’s battery needs to be replaced every 2-5 years, but the specific lifespan of the battery varies across different AED models. Definitely check with the AED manufacturers for their standards prior to purchase.
Tip: If cost is an important factor in your AED purchasing decision, then you should consider AED models that have embedded rechargeable batteries with a long battery life or batteries with a longer lifespan! That’s because the shorter an AED battery’s lifespan, the more frequently it will need to be replaced, and thus the more expensive your device is to maintain across several years of ownership.
Cost of AED Batteries
Now that you know the lifespan of each AED battery varies depending on the unit, you may be wondering “how much it will actually cost to replace the batteries during AED ownership.”
To help you evaluate how long your AED battery will last and how often each model’s battery needs to be replaced, let’s take a look at the breakdown of the battery lifespan and price for each AED model.
| AED Make/Model | Battery Lifespan (Years)* | AED Battery Price | AED Battery Price per Year of Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avive Connect AED | N/A (No replacement needed) | N/A (Rechargeable) | $0 |
| Cardiac Science G3 Plus | 4 | $398 | $99.50 |
| Cardiac Science G3 Pro | 4 | $398 | $99.50 |
| Cardiac Science G5 | 4 | $395 | $98.75 |
| Defibtech Lifeline | 5 | $172 | $34.40 |
| Defibtech View | 4 | $183 | $45.75 |
| Defibtech View ECG | 4 | $183 | $45.75 |
| HeartSine PAD 350P | 4 | $199 | $49.75 |
| HeartSine PAD 450P | 4 | $199 | $49.75 |
| HeartSine Connected AED | 4 | $186 | $46.50 |
| Philips Onsite | 4 | $175 | $43.75 |
| Philips FRx | 4 | $175 | $43.75 |
| Philips FR3 | 3 | $289 | $96.33 |
| Physio Control Express | 2 | $118 | $59.00 |
| Physio Control CR Plus | 2 | $118 | $59.00 |
| Physio Control LifePak 1000 | 4 | $416 | $104 |
| Physio Control CR2 | 4 | $268 | $67 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | 5 | $398 | $79.60 |
| ZOLL AED Pro | 4 | $398 | $99.50 |
| ZOLL AED 3 | 4 | $395 | $98.75 |
Note: Always refer to the manufacturer’s user manual for specific information about an AED model’s battery lifespan
Source: Manufacturer pricing lists, January 2023
Here’s an example of how you might interpret your AED battery costs:
Assume you’re considering purchasing a Cardiac Science G5 AED, and plan to own the device for 10 years.
How much will it cost to replace your AED batteries when required?
(remember, there are other expenses you will incur over time aside from just battery costs. Learn more about AED prices and costs here.)
- Battery Lifespan: 4 years
- This means, if you own the device for 10 years, you will need to replace the battery twice. One time at the end of the 4th year and a second time at the end of the 8th year.
- Battery Price: $395
- Total Cost: 2 battery replacements X $395 = $790 in additional expense just to keep up with your AED’s battery replacement requirements!
To summarize, as you're deciding which AED model is right for you, be sure to consider the cost and hassle of replacing the device’s battery, as it’s necessary to understand the TOTAL cost of owning the device.
Interested to learn more about how much AED’s cost, read our guide on AED Price and Total Cost of Ownership!