The Bottom Line: A well-charged LiFePO4 battery in winter can survive storage in freezing temperatures with no extra attention. In other words, charge it, disconnect it, and forget it.
Do lithium iron phosphate batteries need to be stored in winter?
As winter approaches, proper storage of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries becomes crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity. These batteries are known for their safety, efficiency, and long cycle life, but they still require specific care during colder months.
Can LiFePO4 batteries be charged in freezing weather?
Extreme caution must be taken when charging LiFePO4 batteries while the batteries are below 32°F/0°C to avoid damaging the batteries. Some manufactures claim that their LiFePO4 batteries are easy to charge in freezing weather. Just charge them at very low rate. But most all battery experts recommend against it.
For example, LiFePO4 batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate, the most common lithium RV battery chemistry) shouldn't be charged when the cells are below freezing (32F/0C), as that can seriously damage them.
What temperature should a lithium RV battery be stored?
Most lithium RV battery manufacturers will give you ideal temperature ranges. For instance, Battle Born notes that their batteries can be stored in temperatures down to -10°F.
While outside the scope of this article, if you do need to charge your LiFePO4 batteries when they are below 32°F/0°C, you need to warm them up first. Let's explain how. Just heat the RV if you store them inside a cold camper. Or, rely on a BMS (battery management system). Here's how both ways work:
Are LiFePO4 batteries good for winter?
LiFePO4 batteries have a low self-discharge rate, typically around 3-5% per month. This characteristic makes them suitable for long-term storage. However, even with low self-discharge, monitoring is essential to prevent deep discharges. Before storing your LiFePO4 batteries for winter, charge them to approximately 50% capacity.