The ThinkPad T480 uses Lenovo’s Power Bridge design: a built-in internal battery plus a hot-swappable external battery. Windows and Lenovo Vantage show two batteries to reflect this. In short: Battery 1 = internal pack, Battery 2 = external pack (the removable one). Below is a practical guide with the exact options, capacities, and purchase links.
Battery 1 vs Battery 2 on the T480
- Battery 1 = Internal battery (non-removable from the outside). On T480 this is a 24Wh pack, reference 01AV421.
- Battery 2 = External battery (removable). You can choose 24Wh, 48Wh, or 72Wh capacities depending on weight and runtime needs.
Note: Very rarely, software may list them in reverse order after certain BIOS/firmware updates. Functionally it’s the same idea—one internal, one external.
Battery options for Lenovo ThinkPad T480
Battery 1 — Internal 24Wh (01AV421)
The built-in pack inside the chassis. Replacing it restores baseline health and ensures the Power Bridge system works as intended.
Battery 2 — External 24Wh (01AV423) — “61”
Slim and light. Keeps the T480’s profile flat while still enabling hot-swap. Great for everyday mobility.
Battery 2 — External 48Wh (01AV425) — “61+”
Long-life option. Slightly thicker “wedge” at the back; in return you get meaningfully longer runtime.
Battery 2 — External 72Wh (61++) — FRU 01AV427 / 01AV492
Maximum endurance. Largest pack in the 61-family. Expect a noticeable “bump” on the back—perfect for travel days far from outlets.
Quick comparison
| Role | Lenovo name | FRU / Part | Capacity | Best for | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery 1 (internal) | — | 01AV421 | 24Wh | Restore baseline health; required for hot-swap | 01AV421 |
| Battery 2 (external) | 61 | 01AV423 | 24Wh | Slim profile; everyday carry | 01AV423 |
| Battery 2 (external) | 61+ | 01AV425 | 48Wh | Longer runtime; light travel | 01AV425 |
| Battery 2 (external) | 61++ | 01AV427 / 01AV492 | 72Wh | Maximum endurance; long days away from outlets | 61++ (72Wh) |
Total capacity examples: Internal 24Wh + External 24Wh ≈ 48Wh; Internal 24Wh + External 48Wh ≈ 72Wh; Internal 24Wh + External 72Wh ≈ 96Wh (real-world runtime depends on workload and settings).
How Power Bridge works (why two batteries?)
- Hot-swap: the internal battery keeps your T480 on while you replace the external pack—no need to shut down.
- Modularity: choose a slim external (24Wh) for light days or a higher-capacity pack (48/72Wh) for long trips.
- Longevity: frequently replacing the external pack is easier and can reduce wear on the internal cell.
Replacement & care tips
Checking health
- Open Lenovo Vantage → Device → Power to view the condition of both batteries.
- Or run
powercfg /batteryreportin Windows (Command Prompt as admin) and open the generated HTML report.
Replacing the external battery (Battery 2)
- Shut down apps; keep the laptop on AC power (optional but safe).
- Slide the latch and remove the external pack; insert the new one until it clicks.
- That’s it—Power Bridge makes it trivial.
Replacing the internal battery (Battery 1)
- Power off and unplug the adapter.
- Remove the external battery.
- Unscrew and lift the bottom cover carefully.
- Disconnect the internal battery cable; swap in the new 01AV421 (24Wh).
- Reconnect, close up, and boot. Calibrate once (charge to 100% → discharge to ~10–15%).
Best practices
- Avoid heat build-up (blocked vents, car dashboards in summer).
- If you dock often, consider using a higher-capacity external as your “daily” pack—easy to swap when worn.
- Occasional partial cycles (e.g., 20–80%) can help long-term health.
FAQ
Does the T480 work without the external battery?
Yes. The internal 24Wh pack (01AV421) powers the laptop on its own; the external battery extends runtime and enables hot-swap.
Which external pack is right for me?
24Wh (61 / 01AV423) for a flat, light profile; 48Wh (61+ / 01AV425) for longer days; 72Wh (61++ / 01AV427 or 01AV492) for maximum endurance.
Will the 72Wh battery make the laptop thicker?
Yes—it creates a noticeable “wedge” at the rear. In return, you get significantly longer runtime, popular for travel and fieldwork.
Buy the correct batteries for T480
- Battery 1 — Internal 24Wh 01AV421:
Product page - Battery 2 — External 24Wh 01AV423 (Lenovo 61):
Product page - Battery 2 — External 48Wh 01AV425 (Lenovo 61+):
Product page - Battery 2 — External 72Wh 61++ (FRU 01AV427 / 01AV492):
Product page
Tip: Combine internal 24Wh with the external of your choice to tailor total capacity to your day.