There's no guesswork here — the recommended lithium-ion battery operating temperature range is -20°C to 60°C for discharge and 0°C to 45°C for charging, depending on the battery chemistry and quality.
Proper storage of lithium batteries is crucial for preserving their performance and extending their lifespan. When not in use, experts recommend storing lithium batteries within a temperature range of -20°C to 25°C (-4°F to 77°F). Storing batteries within this range helps maintain their capacity and minimizes self-discharge rates.
What happens if you charge a lithium battery at high temperatures?
Charging lithium batteries at extreme temperatures can harm their health and performance. At low temperatures, charging efficiency decreases, leading to slower charging times and reduced capacity. High temperatures during charging can cause the battery to overheat, leading to thermal runaway and safety hazards.
Similarly, high temperature is a life killer and safety hazard for lithium batteries. High temperature will sharply accelerate battery aging and capacity decay, and is also the main cause of battery bulging and even fire. The energy storage and release of lithium batteries rely on chemical reactions at the positive and negative electrodes.
How does temperature affect the stability of a lithium-ion battery?
The temperature of the environment in which the battery is located, as well as the charging and discharging methods of lithium-ion batteries, can all affect the stability of the battery cell. We will discuss these factors in detail later, but first let's understand the ideal temperature for the use and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
Never charge below freezing temperature (0°C). Low-temperature charging will cause permanent and irreversible damage to the battery, greatly increasing the risk of short circuit and fire in the later stage. Similarly, high temperature is a life killer and safety hazard for lithium batteries.
Li-ion batteries charging below 0°C (32°F) must undergo regulatory issue to certify that no lithium plating will occur. In addition, a specially designed charger will keep the allotted current and voltage within a safe limit throughout the temperature bandwidth.