r/toughbook • u/80spizzarat • Aug 01 '25
Are counterfeit Panasonic batteries an issue?
I have a CF-31 used to run a couple of printers at a storage unit. Got it used so I don't know the age of the battery, but it would only hold a charge for about 15 minutes so I decided to replace it with an aftermarket battery about two months ago.
Today I unplugged the computer and it turned off instead of switching to battery power. I opened up the door to find the battery had swelled and was stuck. I had to open the case to get it out.
I still need a battery but this experience soured me on aftermarket so I checked on eBay for an OEM battery and there are a ton of new condition "genuine" Panasonic batteries in the $30-40 range from a bunch of different sellers. They say Panasonic on the label and I get that there's sometimes businesses or government agencies liquidating new old stock but I find it extremely sus that there are so many for such an old laptop.
How can I make sure I'm getting a real one?
1
u/Howden824 Aug 03 '25
A real one isn't necessarily a good thing. Unless Panasonic themselves still officially sell this battery than it's definitely not being made anymore. Often the old stock batteries will be sold as new even though they may be quite degraded or completely broken by the time you get them. Lithium ion batteries wear out even when unused.