Lithium batteries are also the dynamo of modern energy storage. They are used in the cells of off-grid solar installations, recreational vehicles, and electric cars, among other applications. They are widely appreciated for their long lifespan and high energy density. But as the temperature drops, we all seem to suffer from reduced performance and shorter battery life. It isn’t just the amount of power you get from them that shifts in cold weather — it is also a question of how safely you can charge and store your cells.
In this deep dive, we'll show you how lithium batteries work in the cold and what happens when temperatures drop. We'll also cover the safe environments for charging and using them, along with how to properly maintain your system through winter. You’ll also find forward-looking options, such as lithium battery operating and storage temperature, to help ensure your energy system can do its job on a bitterly cold day.
How Cold Temperatures Affect Lithium Batteries?
A question is how cold can lithium batteries get? At temperatures below freezing, the chemical reactions that drive lithium batteries slow down. Ions travel much more slowly through the electrolyte, leading to a higher internal resistance. That means your battery will have to work harder to attain that performance. The result is lesser capacity, underload, lower voltage and shorter life.
Cold can also inhibit your battery's charging effectiveness. Lithium-ion cells are prone to lithium plating (the deposition of metallic lithium on the anode) when reverse-charged at temperatures below 0°C. This procedure will lower the capacity and could result in an internal short circuit.
Common Cold-Weather Effects
- Reduced energy: Frozen batteries can lose 30-50% of their retrievability on subzero days.
- How a resistor's resistance changes: Power is steered more slowly, and the voltage falls further.
- Charging limits: Charging below 0°C may affect cell quality.
- Voltage swings: It is not uncommon for homes in the bitter cold to be left without power, or for equipment to cycle halfway on.
It's critical to understand the changes here, especially if you want to use lithium batteries in RV, marine systems, off-grid cabins, and even for winter-season camping.
Can Lithium Batteries Freeze?
The answer to "can lithium batteries freeze?" is technically YES, but not in the same way that water turns to ice. Rather, the electrolyte hardens at low temperatures, effectively freezing ion flow in a battery. At this point, it ceases to deliver power, and attempting to recharge the battery can result in permanent damage.
Cool things down sufficiently, and the structure of the electrolyte can change, leading to a loss of capacity, even after you rewarm the battery —a fact that explains why most manufacturers specify 0 °C as a lower charging threshold and –20 °C (–4° F) or higher temperature for safe operation.
It is worth mentioning that lithium batteries can freeze, dry weather will usually be okay. The danger comes when charging while near or below freezing, not just from being cold.
How Cold Can Lithium Batteries Get?
To maximize both the power and lifespan of your lithium batteries, temperature is key. Below we'll break down the recommended temperature ranges for lithium batteries, ensuring you get reliable performance when you need it most.
1. Charging Temperature
Li-ion batteries shall only be charged in the temperature range between 0°C and 45°C (32°F–113°F). If you’re looking to keep your battery healthy for as long as possible, keep your machine between 10°C–30°C (50°F–86°F). It has the risk of lithium plating at low temperatures and electrolyte scorching at high temperatures (above 45°C).
2. Operating (Discharge) Temperature
Most premium LiFePO₄ batteries are designed for safe use from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F–140°F). Capacity, however, drops off precipitously as you slide toward the bottom of that range. At -10°C, for example, you could be losing up to 30% of your rated capacity.
3. Storage Temperature
Cool, dry long-term storage (15–25°C [59–77°F]) for lithium batteries. Store them at a 40-60% state of charge (SoC), not full or empty. This minimized electrode stress and increased calendar life.
How to Use Lithium Batteries Safely in Cold Weather?
Using lithium batteries in cold weather is possible, but it requires you to adjust how you use them. Here are some key tips to ensure a long life and peak performance this winter.
Keep Batteries Insulated
Put your battery bank inside an insulated compartment or a battery box. Wrap a thin foam or rubber around them, and the thermals are even and firm.
Warm the Battery Before Charging
If your battery is cold to the touch, let it warm up before charging. For example, bring the battery to a warmer environment and let it acclimate before plugging it in.
Use Self-Heating Lithium Batteries
For customers who are always in a low-temperature environment, a self-heating lithium battery is an ideal choice. These smart batteries will self-heat, keeping them charged in extreme temperatures! It protects the battery and is safe to charge indoors or outdoors even below 0°C.
For example, let's take the popular Renogy Smart LiFePO₄ Battery with Bluetooth and Self-Heating, which comes in a 12V 100Ah size. A bigger 200Ah type is also available. The built-in sensor detects low temperatures and slightly raises the internal temperature before charging. It's the ideal solution for RVs, boats and other system in a harsh environment.
Renogy now offers Black Friday deals on all bestsellers. Enjoy a big discount right now!
Avoid Over-Discharging
Cold weather reduces a battery's available capacity. To protect it, set a higher low-voltage cutoff in winter. This prevents draining the battery too deeply, which protects its internal health.
Charge During the Warmest Part of the Day
If you have solar-powered electricity, a simple solution is to charge your battery for midday, when temperatures and solar efficiency are highest. Each degree above freezing can lead to significant improvements in charge efficiency.
Keep Batteries Dry
Dampness causes short circuits, corrosion, and, eventually, a reduction in insulating resistance. Always Install batteries in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Storage Tips for Winter Months
If you're storing your lithium batteries for the winter, here's how to do it without causing damage:
- Pre-charge the battery 50% before storing: The ideal state for long-term storage is a partial charge, typically between 40% and 60%. Never store a battery fully charged or completely dead.
- Disconnect all loads: Remove any devices or systems connected to the battery to prevent slow, parasitic drain over the months.
- Store in a climate-controlled location: Store batteries in a place like a garage or basement that stays dry, well-ventilated, and, crucially, will not drop below freezing.
- Perform occasional voltage checks: For long storage, check the voltage monthly. If it drops significantly (e.g., below 13.0V for a 12V battery), give it a brief top-up charge to return it to the 50% level.
Advantages of Self-Heating Lithium Batteries
- Automatic heat protection: The heater starts automatically when charging in cold weather.
- No action on the end user's part: There is nothing for an end user to do. The charger automatically activates the correct charging temperature.
- Safer: Lithium plating is eliminated, and the battery life cycle is extended.
- Bluetooth monitoring: Some models enable you to track temperature, voltage, and heating status in real time via an app.
- Perfect for off-grid systems: Such as RVs, boats, and other applications in northern regions far from home.
Such smarts about keeping things warm could eliminate one of the biggest winter battery maintenance hassles of all, so that your muscles don't atrophy when it's subzero and you're not even sitting in your frigid sedan.
Conclusion
Cold weather poses significant challenges for lithium batteries, from reduced capacity to the inability to charge. However, with the right strategies—such as proper insulation, temperature management systems, and self-heating battery technology—you can ensure reliable performance all year. Key elements like operating temperature guidelines, a smart Battery Management System (BMS), and self-heating batteries can make the difference between a season of frustration and one of seamless operation.
For those in colder climates, maintaining the right environment for your lithium battery is crucial. This isn't just about performance—it's a matter of safety and preserving the long-term health of your investment. By staying mindful of temperature, you can trust your batteries to reliably power your adventures and systems, even through the deepest winter chill.
