Will Lithium Batteries Freeze? Cold Weather Impact Explained

Whether you are planning an outdoor trip or live in an environment with no supply from the grid, having the right Battery is necessary to run or charge all essential appliances or devices, like refrigerators, stoves, fans, laptops, cameras, and mobile phones.

Getting a consistent power supply from batteries becomes a concern for millions around the world when the weather is freezing, as batteries and colder temperatures do not go well together. But this is not the case with all batteries.

Can lithium batteries freeze when stored or used in colder environments? Are you exploring an answer to this query? If so, don't miss this read.

What is a lithium battery?

Lithium batteries are known for their long-lasting nature and offer one of the fastest-charging features. They are formed with multiple cells connected to each other. The best thing about lithium batteries is that users can monitor their performance and stats by adding a Battery Management System (BMS) internally or externally.

If we talk about lithium-ion batteries, lithium ions move between the two terminals and through the electrolyte during the charging and discharging processes. Similarly, unique chemistry of deep cycle Li-ion batteries make them suitable for use as backup power sources in homes and offices. Moreover, the highest storage capacities and safest operations make lithium batteries stand out in today's market.

Can lithium batteries freeze?

The answer to this question is YES, lithium batteries can freeze in freezing temperatures, but it depends on certain factors. Let's take a look at a few of them.

The freezing point of lithium batteries largely depends on the concentration and composition of an electrolyte. Different electrolytes may have different freezing points. Therefore, there is no fixed freezing point for lithium-ion batteries.

Some Li-ion batteries may freeze in colder environments, while others may not. Lithium-ion batteries that do not freeze in below-zero atmospheric conditions may still have issues working properly in too cold.

There are different reasons behind lithium batteries not performing well in cold temperatures. For example, the electrolyte becomes less conductive and more viscous. As a result, the internal resistance is increased and battery delivers low current.

Moreover, low temperatures make electrodes less efficient and less active, decreasing chemical reactions that produce electric current. If you charge a lithium-ion battery with its internal temperature below 25°F, it may result in permanent or long-term damage.

What happens when lithium batteries get too cold?

Many people ask about what happens if a lithium battery freezes? Are you the one with the same question in mind?

Well, when lithium batteries get too cold, they cause various negative outcomes, including but not limited to reduced current delivery, less active electrodes, reduced performance, less conductive electrolytes, and freezing risks. Let's look at them one by one.

• Reduced current delivery: The ability of a battery to deliver current reduces with the increasing internal resistance, as discussed earlier.
• Electrode activity/efficiency: When the environment is too cold, the electrodes become inefficient and less active. As a result, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down.
• Slow charging: Slow chemical reactions at lower temperatures make lithium batteries take much longer than normal to charge fully.
• Reduced performance: Colder temperatures make it difficult for ions to move freely, reducing the battery's overall power output and capacity.
• Electrolyte conductivity: The electrolyte within the lithium batteries becomes less conductive in colder places, increasing the internal resistance.
• Freezing risk: Usually, lithium-ion batteries underperform in extremely cold temperatures, but there is a chance that they may freeze.

How cold is too cold for lithium batteries?

Generally, lithium batteries can operate in different temperature ranges. However, extremely low or high temperatures can negatively impact the battery's lifecycle and overall performance. The lower temperature limit for most lithium-ion batteries to function safely is 32°F or 0°C.

If the temperature drops below the lower limit, the viscosity of the electrolyte increases, which restricts the free flow of ions and reduces the amount of power the battery can supply. In addition, lower temperatures can also drop the battery's voltage and capacity, leading to a temporary failure or reduced performance.

The ability of lithium batteries to deliver the desired amount of power further reduces at temperatures below -4°F or -20°C. If the temperature drops further, it can cause irreversible damage to the battery. A potential example of irreversible damage is the formation of lithium plating on the battery's negative electrode (anode). Lithium plating can cause various safety issues and capacity reduction.

Electric vehicles and some devices introduce heating systems to maintain the performance of lithium batteries in freezing conditions. These systems are used if the batteries have to operate in extremely cold temperatures or if you live in a cold climate.

Can lithium batteries be damaged by freezing temperatures?

Are you searching for "Is cold bad for lithium batteries?" Yes, freezing temperatures can damage lithium batteries. When you expose a lithium battery to an extremely cold environment, the electrolyte can freeze, resulting in a badly damaged internal structure. The damage can be in terms of reduced performance and battery capacity reduction. In the worst cases, it may also cause complete failure.

Moreover, if you discharge or charge a frozen lithium battery, the contraction and expansion of materials within the battery's structure can result in further damage, such as internal shorts. Storing and using lithium batteries within the recommended temperature range (32-113°F or 0-45°C) is always preferred. It helps you prevent them from freezing.

If your lithium battery is intentionally or unintentionally exposed to extremely low or freezing temperatures, it is recommended not to charge or use it before it returns to room temperature. To avoid facing similar situations, buying a lithium battery with built-in protection for low-temperature charging is always a great option.

Is it possible to charge lithium batteries in freezing temperatures?

Batteries have become an integral part of most electronic devices. Plus, it requires a decent investment to buy batteries. Therefore, taking good care of their health should be your top priority if you want your devices to run with a consistent and uninterruptible power supply. Charging lithium batteries at freezing temperatures is not a good practice.

If the internal temperature of your lithium battery drops below freezing, you should wait until it reaches room temperature before you charge it. If you try to charge the battery at extremely low temperatures, the result will be permanent and severe damage. Once the battery reaches the safe temperature range, you can charge it effectively and efficiently.

If you want to keep your lithium batteries away from the effects of cold temperatures, try storing them in a heated compartment. In addition, the use of external heating pads may also do the same job. Moreover, keeping your batteries fully charged (or at least 50% of the total capacity) will also help them resist freezing temperatures.

What are the benefits of using a self-heating lithium battery?

If you want to use lithium batteries as a power source in freezing conditions, internally heated batteries are an ideal option. They are perfect for various winter activities, such as skiing and ice fishing, and their heating function helps batteries maintain their internal temperature above 25°F. Moreover, this function keeps batteries away from the negative impacts of extremely cold weather.

The Renogy Pro Smart Self-Heating Lithium Battery is the ultimate backup power solution for winter sports enthusiasts. This 12V 100Ah battery has the ability to heat up automatically with a charging current above 4A. It supports safe charging even in freezing temperatures (below 41°F) and assists fish finders incredibly. This battery offers 20% faster heating and needs no extra installation.

If you want to use or store lithium batteries in winter, considering the temperature level, time, and location is crucial to prevent them from freezing risks. These factors will help you choose the right lithium battery that perfectly matches your power requirements.

How to store lithium-ion batteries for the winter?

Before going into the details and practices of how to store lithium batteries for the winter, you must first understand why to do so. Well, storing a lithium-ion battery in an appropriate place extends its life cycle and boosts overall performance.

• Temperature range: Avoid storing your lithium-ion batteries in extreme cold, as it may reduce its power output and capacity.
• Insulate the battery: Don't forget to wrap your Li-ion battery in an insulating material while storing it in cold weather to keep it warm.
• Proper charging: Store fully charged batteries (with 14.4 volts) or at least 50% of the total charge to avoid over-discharge.
• Avoid charging in extreme cold: If the battery's internal temperature is too cold, avoid charging it until it reaches a safe zone (room temperature).
• Disconnect power draws: Make sure no load is connected to the battery to avoid unnecessary power draws.

Conclusion

The answer to the question "Do lithium batteries freeze" is yes. But it does not happen in all cases. Lithium batteries can usually perform reasonably well in cold climates, but their overall performance decreases compared to warm conditions. The reason behind this is that chemical reactions slow down, resulting in low power output.

If you are wondering what happens if a lithium battery freezes, the electrodes become less conductive and electrolyte becomes more viscous. As a result, the battery's performance reduces greatly. If you want to store these batteries for an extended period, ensure to place them in a cool, dry place and make sure they are at least 50% charged.

Frequently asked questions

Is lithium battery worth using in cold weather?

Yes, preferring lithium batteries over lead-acid batteries in cold temperatures will be worth it. The reason behind this fact is that lithium batteries perform better in cold weather. However, you should manage them properly to avoid facing any sort of damage. Store them in a mild temperature and avoid charging them when their internal temperature is below freezing.

How do I know when my lithium-ion battery gets frozen?

When the capacity or performance of a lithium-ion battery is reduced significantly, it is an indication that the battery is frozen. Slow charging and noticeable drop in the output are also symptoms of a frozen battery. In the worst cases, the battery swells or shows visible damage.

Can putting lithium batteries in the freezer increases their lifespan?

It is an old myth to store batteries in the freezer to enhance the life cycle. It is true that the freezer slows down the chemical reactions occurring within the battery, but it does not produce any valuable outcome that can contribute to the increased battery's lifespan.