Cold Weather Batteries - Which Type is Best?

If you live in other regions with long, harsh winters, it can be difficult to find the right lithium battery for your boat, RV or trailer. Cold temperatures have a significant impact on battery performance, so it's important to choose a battery that can handle these conditions.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the best battery options, including lead-acid, LiFePO4 and AGM batteries, to help you find the best solution for reliable power in extreme cold.

Table of contents

• 1. What happens to batteries in cold weather
• 2. Understanding battery types: lead-acid, AGM and lithium
• 2.1 Lead-acid batteries
• 2.2 AGM batteries
• 2.3 Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
• 2.4 The final decision: Which option prevails?
• 3. Prepare lithium batteries for winter
• 4. High-quality lithium batteries for cold climates

1. What happens to batteries in cold weather

In cold weather, batteries can undergo several changes that affect their performance, longevity and reliability. Below is an overview of what happens to the different types of batteries in cold temperatures:

1.1 Lower capacity and performance

• Chemical reactions slow down: Batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce electrical current. As temperatures drop, these reactions slow down, reducing the battery's ability to deliver power efficiently.
• capacity loss: Batteries can lose a significant percentage of their capacity in sub-zero temperatures. lithium battery In cold weather, a battery can lose up to 20-30% of its capacity, and a lead-acid battery can lose even more.

1.2 Longer loading times

• Increased internal resistance: Cold weather increases the internal resistance of batteries, making it harder for current to flow. This results in longer charging times and lower charging acceptance, especially for lead-acid batteries.
• Potential damage to lithium batteries: Lithium ion and LiFePO4 batteries in particular can be damaged if they are charged at or below freezing. Charging at these temperatures without a battery management system (BMS), which has protection against low temperatures, can lead to irreversible damage to the cells.
  

Timeusb 12V 140Ah LiFePO4 battery with low temperature protection

1.3 Shorter running times and lower efficiency

• Higher energy requirements: Devices that run on batteries may require more power in cold weather, further draining the battery's limited capacity.
• Lower voltage output: Cold weather can cause voltage drops that can cause appliances to shut down sooner than in warmer temperatures.

1.4 Increased risk of freezing

• Lead-acid batteries: If a lead-acid battery is not fully charged, the electrolyte can freeze in sub-zero temperatures, which can damage the battery case or cause internal components to fail.
• Lithium batteries: Lithium batteries are less susceptible to freezing than lead-acid batteries, but still require insulation and occasionally heating systems to prevent loss of performance in extreme cold.

1.5 Potential safety hazards

• Cracking or leaking of batteries: In extreme cases, batteries can crack or leak if the electrolyte freezes, causing safety hazards or permanent battery damage.
• Required thermal management: In applications where batteries are exposed to sub-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time, the use of insulation or a built-in heating system can help maintain performance and prevent damage.

2. Understanding battery types: lead-acid, AGM and lithium

To make an informed decision for cold weather performance, it's important to understand the strengths and limitations of common battery types: lead-acid, AGM, and lithium (LiFePO4). Each has unique characteristics that affect its reliability and effectiveness in cold conditions.

2.1 Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are a type of battery found in vehicles and are used as emergency power generators and for marine use due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability in mild weather conditions.

The advantages of lead-acid batteries include their ability to deliver cold cranking amps (CCA), making them reliable for starting engines in inclement weather, as well as their ability to deliver the quick bursts of current required for starting purposes.

Disadvantages include the fact that lead-acid batteries can lose capacity in sub-freezing temperatures and that they may freeze if not fully charged. This can cause permanent damage to the battery itself. Additionally, they have a self-discharge rate, meaning they can be drained quite quickly when stored in cold conditions.

Lead-acid batteries are well suited for short-term applications where high starting power is required, but are not necessarily the best choice for continuous power consumption in extreme cold.

2.2 AGM batteries

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, also known as AGM batteries, are a type of battery technology that uses glass fiber mats to absorb and hold the solution, providing a maintenance-friendly power source for various applications.

AGM batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat batteries) are a type of sealed lead acid batteries that offer higher performance and durability compared to standard lead acid batteries commonly used in vehicles and emergency power systems in various industries such as automotive and marine.

The advantages of AGM batteries include cold weather performance compared to lead-acid batteries due to their sealed construction and lower internal resistance, which increases efficiency in cold conditions, as well as slow self-discharge for longer energy retention during periods of non-use.

Disadvantages include the fact that, although AGM batteries are more powerful than lead-acid batteries to a certain extent, they have lower capacity under certain conditions and are cumbersome and heavy, which limits their practicality for use on the road.

AGM batteries are perfect for environments where reliability and maintaining performance are critical - especially for cars and boats or as emergency power solutions.

2.3 Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are a special type of lithium battery known for their high energy density, long cycle life and thermal stability. They are increasingly becoming the first choice for recreational vehicles, boats, golf carts and off-grid power systems.

The advantages of LiFePO4 batteries include their ability to maintain voltage and deliver power even in cold temperatures, as they have a lower self-discharge rate compared to lead-acid batteries, thus maintaining power even when stored. Most high-quality LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with a battery management system (BMS) that protects them from charging problems at high temperatures.

One disadvantage is that LiFePO4 batteries should not be charged in sub-freezing temperatures as this may cause damage unless they are equipped with a built-in heating mechanism, which highlights the importance of thermal control in cold conditions.

LiFePO4 batteries are great for situations where the emphasis is on weight-saving features and sustained performance and effectiveness. When combined with a battery monitoring system (BMS) and either low temperature cut-off or heating elements, they perform well in high temperatures, making them a smart option for winter power, RVs and marine applications that are not connected to the grid.

2.4 The final decision: Which option prevails?

LiFePO4 batteries are highly effective during the winter months as they can discharge efficiently under certain conditions and maintain a level of performance with minimal capacity loss compared to traditional lead acid and AGM batteries. Their ability to recharge quickly increases their suitability for use in cold climates in various applications such as RVs and off-grid solar systems.

Improved performance in cold temperatures

LiFePO4 batteries are more temperature resistant than lead-acid and AGM batteries because they maintain a higher usable capacity in colder conditions. They are able to discharge at temperatures of ⁴°F (20°C) without experiencing a significant drop in performance; in contrast, lead-acid batteries experience a significant drop in capacity below 32°F (⁰°C).

Fast charging in cold conditions (with integrated heating element)

Some LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with heating mechanisms that warm the cells before charging begins to ensure effective charging in extremely cold conditions. In contrast, charging lead-acid batteries in cold temperatures can lead to a loss of capacity over time due to sulfate formation.

Longer battery life in changing temperatures

In weather conditions that affect all battery types, the LiFePO4 battery is characterized by a long service life because it maintains its performance even in the winter months, while lead-acid batteries and AGM batteries degrade more quickly, mainly due to problems such as sulfation.

Available storage capacity when the battery is low

LiFePO4 batteries allow discharges without loss of performance even in cold conditions, while lead-acid and AGM batteries can experience a reduction in capacity of about 50% in cold climates, making LiFePO4 more suitable for high-demand applications in the winter months.

High loading speed The charging speed of LiFePO4 offers an advantage in situations where there is little sunlight or the generator cannot be used during the winter months - especially in solar or off-grid installations where resources may be scarce at this time of year, compared to lead acid which requires a slower charging speed.

3. Prepare lithium batteries for winter

Winter conditions are not always consistent, but there are steps you can take to ensure your batteries stay in good condition even in these temperatures. Below are some key steps you can take to help maintain the durability of your lithium batteries during the weather.

Keep your battery clean

It's important to keep your battery clean throughout the year to ensure it stays in shape. This is especially important for lead-acid batteries as they tend to accumulate dirt and corrosion which can speed up the discharge rate. Before storing a lead battery for a while, you should clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are much easier to deal with as they don't require any maintenance before storage. Just plug them in and you're good to go!

Prepare the battery before use by warming it up

If you're planning a trip down south, RVing, or preparing for the upcoming hunting season, you'll want to give your batteries time to warm up before you hit the road - much like you warm up your car before you hit the road. A little warmth can extend the life of your batteries significantly!

Store your battery at the right temperatures

It is best to store batteries in temperatures between 32°F and 80°F to ensure performance and longevity. Although lithium batteries can function outside of this temperature range, their capacity can decrease significantly in the environment without causing any problems. They may still work fine, but you may experience a drop in performance. If you keep your battery in one place, you should take it out as often as possible so it can better hold its charge.

Be sure to charge your battery

Lithium batteries are characterized by their ability to withstand temperatures without being harmed by use or discharge. However, it is important not to charge them in environments below 32°F. If charging is necessary, it is advisable to move the battery to another location. Solar cells also serve as a method of maintaining the charge of lithium batteries, especially in climates where you are off the grid!

4thHigh-quality lithium batteries for cold climates

At Timeusb we are proud to offer our customers a battery with low temperature protection, our 12V 140Ah model! In cold environments, proper operation of equipment is crucial. The low temperature protection feature ensures that the battery continues to charge after the temperature returns to a safe range, ensuring the stability and reliability of the device. There is a 5-year warranty, so you can be confident in the longevity of the battery.

Just like our other batteries, they also have voltage and protection functions as well as integrated circuits as a safety feature to prevent accidents during charging.

In addition, these batteries will not charge when the temperature is not safe, which ensures their longevity and safety. Timeusb lithium batteries are equipped with BMS technology to ensure their safety and longevity.

This feature makes them very reliable for long-term use. By following these winter battery precautions, you can extend the life of your battery.

Information about protecting batteries in cold weather conditions. Read our article “Why is low temperature protection important for LiFePO4?“.