How cold is too cold for lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are famous for powering electronic devices including laptops, smartphones, electric vehicles, and other such devices. These batteries offer exceptional performance but they are quite sensitive to changes in temperature. The temperature sensitivity aspect makes people wonder how cold is too cold for lithium-ion batteries.

Well, in general when the temperature inside the battery drops down from -4oF (-20oC) or rises above 140oF (60oC) then the lithium cells are not able to accept any more current (which they easily do otherwise). This is why it is safe to say that when the temperature falls off below -4oF (-20oC) then it gets too cold for lithium-ion batteries to function properly. Below this temperature, both the capacity and efficiency of these batteries is compromised and they are unable to work as normal.

Lithium-ion battery in cold temperatures

Cold temperature is not a great friend of lithium-ion batteries. In cold temperatures, the chemical reaction inside a lithium-ion battery slows down and affects the power delivery ability of the battery. In simple words, it means the battery won't be able to supply power to its 100% capacity and can even stop functioning altogether. 

When you try to charge your battery at a cold temperature (below freezing) it ends up in lithium plating whereby the lithium ions coat up the surface of the anode instead of being captured. It means that lithium won't be able to carry the electric flow thus lowering the capacity of the battery to provide an electric supply. This way the battery is subject to failure and mechanical instability. 

Even charging at freezing temperatures can lead to lithium plating affecting the capacity of the battery. If the plating is enough, it can even damage the separator and result in a threatening short in the battery. 

To tackle the impact of cold temperatures, you need to store and use lithium-ion batteries efficiently. These few tips come in handy to take care of lithium-ion batteries during cold temperatures. 

Store the battery in a relatively warm place to ensure that it won't get too cold. The purpose is to keep the battery warm and efficient. 

Never charge your lithium-ion battery in cold temperatures as it can lead to irreversible damage. Instead, warm up the battery before charging it. 

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Try to use lithium-ion batteries on regular basis. If you store the battery for a considerable time that it will lose its capability to hold charge effectively. Regular use keeps the battery warm and working.

Always refer to the user manual that comes with the battery as every lithium-ion battery is designed differently. Also, religiously follow the guidelines to treat the battery during the cold to make sure that you don’t compromise on the efficiency and capacity of the battery. 

At what temperature do lithium-ion batteries freeze?

Though lithium-ion batteries work well in cold temperatures in comparison to lead-acid batteries they still don’t give their 100%. Lithium-ion batteries can also freeze like lead-acid batteries, though the freezing aspect is a bit different. Unlike lead-acid batteries that when discharged in a frozen state burst out, lithium-ion batteries respond differently. Let's start with the freezing point and then go into the reaction details.

For lithium-ion batteries, the freezing point may differ for batteries of different manufacturers and electrolyte types used in the battery. Usually, the lithium-ion battery freezes at a temperature below -4oF (-20oC) but for some manufacturers, the freezing doesn’t start until -15oF. At the freezing temperature (which is -4oF for the majority of lithium-ion batteries), the electrolyte freezes inside the batter and can result in damaging the cells of the battery affecting the performance and output of the battery.

It is important to keep these batteries above the freezing temperature to protect them from potential damage. Never recharge your battery at freezing temperatures. Even if you have to use a lithium-ion battery during freezing temperatures then make sure to warm it up before using it. You can do this by keeping the battery near a hand warmer or any other place where it can feel the warmth. 

One other tip to remember while using these batteries during freezing temperature is to warm up the battery gradually and slowly. It is so because huge temperature shifts can cause rapid expansion or contraction inside the battery damaging its cells and lowering the performance or output of the battery. 

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Can lithium-ion batteries be stored at low temperatures?

Yes, you can surely store a lithium-ion battery at low temperatures, but you need to be cautious and keep some important aspects in mind while doing so. 

While storing your lithium-ion batteries, it is essential to keep an eye on the state of charge (SOC) of your battery, Ideally, to store at low temperatures, the SOC should be between 40 percent to 60 percent to enhance its durability or useful life. This is why you should change your battery to this level (40% - 60%) before keeping it in storage at a low temperature.  

If you intend to store the lithium-ion battery for a while then you should find a dry, cool place where no direct sunlight can reach. The ideal temperature for storage ranges between 59oF to 77oF (15oC to 25oC). If you wish to store the battery for a long time then the acceptable temperature range lies between -4oF to 59oF (or -20oC to 15oC). The key is to maintain a stable temperature free from rapid fluctuations to prevent the battery from the harm of sudden temperature surges. 

You should be aware then that no matter how you store the lithium-ion battery in cool or low temperatures, its performance will be compromised to some extent. This is because the low temperature decelerates the chemical reaction in the battery that is responsible for providing power. This is why if you wish to store the lithium-ion battery for an extended period at a low temperature and then use it afterward, then you should warm it up to match the room temperature before using it.