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Can Lithium Batteries Freeze? Practices for Storage and Usage in Cold

David Lee
David Lee
—
26/03/2024

Whether you're preparing for an outdoor adventure or living off the grid, having a reliable battery is essential to power your appliances and devices, from refrigerators and stoves to fans, laptops, cameras, and mobile phones.

For millions around the world, ensuring a steady power supply from batteries becomes a challenge in freezing temperatures. After all, batteries and cold weather don't always mix well. But the situation isn't the same for every type of battery.

Can lithium batteries freeze when stored or used in cold environments? If you're looking for answers to this question, keep reading!

Understanding Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are known for their long life and quick charging. They contain multiple cells linked together. The best part? You can track their performance using a Battery Management System (BMS), which can be added inside or outside the battery.

Before we look at freezing, let’s break down how lithium-ion batteries work. These batteries have three key parts: anode, cathode, and electrolyte.

lithium batteries charging and discharging diagram

The anode is the battery’s negative side. It’s usually made from graphite or other carbon materials. The cathode is the positive side, typically made of metal oxides like lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate. The electrolyte is the liquid or gel between the anode and cathode. It holds lithium salts that let ions move between the two electrodes.

Can Lithium Batteries Freeze

Yes, lithium batteries can freeze in freezing temperatures, but it depends on several factors. Let’s explore a few of them.

The freezing point of a lithium battery depends on its electrolyte’s concentration and composition. Different electrolytes freeze at different temperatures. So, there’s no set freezing point for all lithium-ion batteries.

Some lithium-ion batteries freeze in cold weather, while others don’t. However, even if a battery doesn’t freeze, it may still struggle to work properly in extreme cold.

Cold temperatures can hurt lithium batteries in several ways. For one, the electrolyte becomes thicker and less conductive. This raises internal resistance, reducing the current the battery can supply.

Cold also slows down the electrodes, making them less effective. This cuts down on the chemical reactions that generate electricity. Charging a lithium-ion battery when its internal temperature is below 25°F can cause permanent or long-term damage.

How Cold Is Too Cold for Lithium Batteries? 

Lithium-ion batteries generally operate within a wide temperature range, but extreme temperatures can have a significant impact on their performance and lifespan.

For most lithium-ion batteries, including those used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles, the lower limit for safe operation and charging is typically around 0°C (32°F). Below this temperature, the electrolyte inside the battery becomes more viscous, which can impede ion flow and reduce the battery's ability to deliver power. In extreme cold, the battery's capacity and voltage can also drop, leading to reduced performance or even temporary failure.

As the temperature decreases further, especially below -20°C (-4°F), the ability of the battery to provide power diminishes even more. At extremely low temperatures, lithium-ion batteries can experience irreversible damage, such as the formation of lithium plating on the anode, which can reduce battery capacity and potentially lead to safety issues.

To mitigate the effects of cold temperatures on lithium-ion batteries, some devices and electric vehicles incorporate heating systems to keep the batteries within an optimal operating temperature range. This is especially important in cold climates or for applications where the batteries are exposed to extreme cold.

Can Lithium Batteries be Damaged by Freezing Temperatures?  

Yes, freezing temperatures can damage lithium batteries. When exposed to extreme cold, the electrolyte inside the battery can freeze. This causes permanent harm to the battery’s structure, leading to reduced capacity, poor performance, or even total failure.

The damage could be:

  • Reduced Current Delivery: Cold temperatures increase internal resistance, making it harder for the battery to deliver current.
  • Electrode Efficiency: In the cold, the electrodes become sluggish and less effective. This slows down the chemical reactions that generate power.
  • Slow Charging: The battery takes much longer to charge in the cold due to slower chemical reactions.
  • Reduced Performance: Ions struggle to move freely in colder temperatures, lowering the battery’s power output and capacity.
  • Electrolyte Conductivity: In the cold, the electrolyte becomes less conductive, raising internal resistance and affecting performance.
  • Freezing Risk: Though lithium-ion batteries generally underperform in extreme cold, they can still freeze under certain conditions.

Can You Charge Lithium Batteries in Freezing Temperatures?

Charging lithium batteries in freezing temperatures isn’t recommended.

If your battery’s internal temperature falls below freezing, wait until it warms up to room temperature before charging. Charging a frozen battery can cause severe, permanent damage. Once it’s back in a safe temperature range, you can charge it properly.

To protect your lithium batteries from the cold, store them in a heated area. You can also use external heating pads to keep them warm. Additionally, keeping your batteries at least 50% charged can help them resist freezing temperatures.

What are the Benefits of Using a Self-Heating Lithium Battery?

Utilizing internally heated lithium batteries offers numerous advantages, particularly for applications in freezing conditions such as ice fishing, skiing, and other winter activities. These batteries provide a straightforward solution to maintain an internal temperature above 25°F, safeguarding them from the detrimental effects of extreme cold.

The LiTime self-heating LiFePO4 batteries utilize an exclusive low-draw technology to regulate their internal temperature. Our heated battery kits are equipped with an enable switch and essential wires to activate or deactivate the heat function.

litime slef-heating batteries

Conversely, if you anticipate avoiding subfreezing temperatures or intend to store your batteries during the winter, a heated lithium battery may not be a prerequisite. It is crucial to consider the specific locations and times when you plan to use your batteries. This thoughtful consideration will aid in selecting the appropriate battery and system to meet your distinct power requirements.

Best Practices for Storing and Using Lithium Batteries in Cold Environments

Storing and using lithium batteries in cold environments requires careful consideration to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here are some best practices to follow:

Temperature Consideration: Lithium batteries perform best within a specific temperature range. Extreme cold can reduce their capacity and ability to deliver power. It's crucial to check the manufacturer's specifications for the recommended operating and storage temperatures. Here's a temperature range for reference.

lifepo4 lithium battery temperature range

Preheating: If possible, preheat the batteries before use in extremely cold conditions. This can be done using specialized battery heaters or by storing the batteries in a warmer environment before use.

Insulation: Insulate the batteries to maintain a stable temperature. This can be achieved through the use of thermal wraps or insulating materials designed for this purpose.

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes: Sudden temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to lithium batteries. Try to minimize rapid changes in temperature to prevent stress on the battery cells.

Use Battery Management Systems (BMS): BMS systems can help monitor and regulate the temperature of lithium batteries, ensuring they operate within safe limits.

Proper Charging: When charging lithium batteries in cold environments, use a charger specifically designed for cold conditions. This will help prevent damage to the batteries and ensure a complete charge.

Regular Maintenance: Inspect the batteries regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration. This is especially important after exposure to cold temperatures, as extreme cold can affect the integrity of the battery.

Selecting the Right Battery: Consider using internally heated lithium batteries or those designed for cold weather applications if you anticipate frequent use in freezing conditions.

Are Lithium Batteries Worth Using in Cold Weather? 

 Yes, lithium batteries can be worth using in cold weather compared to lead-acid batteries.

While it’s important to note that lithium batteries may still experience reduced performance in very cold conditions, their advantages often make them a superior choice for applications in cold weather. Proper management and monitoring can help mitigate any potential issues, ensuring that you get the most out of your lithium battery.

Frequently asked questions

1. At what temperature do lithium-ion batteries fail?

In general, the lower temperature limit for a lithium battery to operate is approximately -20°C (-4°F). When temperatures drop below this threshold, the electrolyte within the battery may freeze, potentially damaging the battery and resulting in reduced capacity or complete failure.

2. How Do I Know When My Lithium-Ion Battery Is Frozen?

If the capacity or performance of your lithium-ion battery decreases significantly, it may be frozen. Symptoms of a frozen battery include slow charging and a noticeable drop in output. In severe cases, the battery may swell or show visible damage.

3. Can Putting Lithium Batteries in the Freezer Increase Their Lifespan?

Storing batteries in the freezer is an old myth that does not actually enhance their lifespan. While it’s true that a freezer slows down the chemical reactions within the battery, this does not lead to any beneficial outcomes that improve the battery's longevity.

Conclusion

The answer to the question "Do lithium batteries freeze?" is yes, but it doesn't happen in every situation. While lithium batteries can generally operate well in cold environments, their performance does diminish compared to warmer conditions. This decrease is due to the slowing of chemical reactions, which leads to reduced power output.

If a lithium battery does freeze, the electrodes become less conductive and the electrolyte thickens, significantly impacting the battery's performance. To store lithium batteries for an extended period, it's best to keep them in a cool, dry place and ensure they are at least 50% charged.

David Lee
David Lee
David Lee is a renewable energy consultant with global experience in off-grid systems and battery applications, especially in golf carts. A graduate of the University of Sydney, he shares insights on sustainability through his writing.

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