Yes, you can charge VML overnight safely - it does have over charge protection. But it always wise to keep it away from flammable surfaces in case something should fail. Out of the 30,000+ VML™s we have shipped, we have seen about four incidents of overheating and even flaming during charging. This is usually due to trying to charge a battery that has been damaged, exposed to salt spray, or simply depleted.
As for storage, you don't need to use it and recharge it, though not a bad idea to make sure it's OK. The main concern is do not store it for months fully discharged. It's not nearly as critical in this regard as SLA batteries, but damage can eventually occur.
The manufacturer recommendations are for long term storage at 70% charge at room temperature. But if you're using it regularly - say once a week, storing at full charge is acceptable.
BTW, the same conditions apply to cell phone and laptop batteries, as they are the same design and chemistry. Our supplier is said to be the chief supplier to the Chinese Military and have an excellent reputation.
Safety and storage concerns are much fewer with the LiFePO4 batteries in the new VLX™.
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