With a single charge you can play around the 24 - when the battery should be empty but once you can connect to the controller via USB to the PS3 and play on.
Contrary to the opinion expressed here partly I recommend to all users of the battery before the first use charge, because lithium ion batteries have a memory effect - although many device manufacturers that like to deny.
The only criticism is that the expensive controller 52 not accompanied by a USB cable. Ie you can only recharge a controller at the time (the PS3 is indeed a USB cable included), or you can buy here at Amazon for 1.63 yet another USB cable (A male to B Mini Plug) - here Sony has unfortunately saved at the expense of the customer.