Don’t be Left Out in the Cold

Understanding the real draw and charging benefits of lithium-ion batteries for winter RVing.

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Courtesy RELiON Batteries

RVing in the winter isn’t limited to snowbirds visiting southern destinations. Many enthusiasts north of the border embrace the snow and cold temperatures, using their rigs to set up camp at local ski resorts or select parks to partake in seasonal cheer and enjoy outdoor recreation. 

These activities lead to the use of lithium-ion batteries - as well as other types of batteries - and how they are affected by cold temperatures. Knowing how the winter weather impacts portable power can help smooth out the purchasing process - from understanding longevity and cost savings to daily performance.

How Cold Weather Impacts Your Battery

When temperatures dip below 0℃ (32℉), the battery’s efficiency and usable capacity are reduced by as much as 20 to 30 percent compared to when the temperatures are above 0℃ (32℉). This is not unique to lithium-ion phosphate batteries (LiFePO4). As with all batteries, including AGM and lead-acid, they are impacted by freezing temperatures. Chemical reactions are increasingly slow in colder temperatures, which is what causes a weaker output.

If all batteries are affected in cold weather, then you have to wonder if lithium-ion phosphate batteries have an edge over their lead-acid or AGM counterparts. However, some of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries is they are far better at charging and lasting longer with greater power, giving them an ‘upper hand’ compared to other battery options.

Charging lithium batteries below freezing can be a challenge but RELiON's low-temperature lithium batteries, which are cold-weather performance batteries that can charge at temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F). The system features proprietary technology that draws power from the charger itself, requiring no additional components. The entire process of heating and charging is completely seamless. Some of the benefits include: 

  • Optimal Charging Times 

Charging times are a major advantage. They can charge at a speed that allows them to power back up in a timelier manner. While a lead-acid battery can take upwards of 10 hours to charge, lithium-ions can charge in as little as 30 minutes to three hours.

  • Power that Last 

Lithium-ion batteries remain charged for longer periods. This means you’ll worry less about recharging or replacement. In fact, the charge lasts an average of two to five times longer compared to lead-acid batteries. Additionally, lithium-ions can last as long as 10 to 20 years compared to the average lifespan of lead-acid batteries, which is only two to five years. 

  • More Cycles

All batteries have restricted charging cycles but lithium-ions have more available cycles, ranging from as high as ten times of the many cycles that are available. For example, a lithium-ion battery has an average of 5,000 charge cycles compared to the average 400 to 1,000 cycles of lead-acid batteries.

  • Easy Maintenance

Lithium-ion batteries also require less maintenance. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which often need to be cleaned of dirt and corrosion, lithium-ions commonly don’t require this maintenance.

The Do’s and Don'ts of Using Lithium-ion Batteries in Cold Weather

Maximizing power with lithium-ion batteries can be as easy as following some simple best practises: 

  • Charge your battery often.
  • Avoid charging the battery in freezing conditions. 
  • Don’t leave lithium-ion batteries in cold weather when not in use. 
  • Bring your batteries in from the cold at the end of the day, if possible.
  • Some lithium-ion batteries are better than others for cold weather so it’s best to do proper research. 

There are many types of lithium-ion batteries available and they are not all created equal. Some perform better than others in colder weather since they are specifically designed to maintain performance in temperatures below freezing. Batteries designed for colder weather are specifically engineered to safely be charged in conditions as low as -20°C (-4°F) with a standard charger.

The internal heating and monitoring systems of lithium-ion batteries like the RB100-LT (Low Temperature) 12V 100Ah from ReLiON allow power to draw from the charger without additional components. For instance, the RELiON LT Series charges in cold weather at a continuous rate without a reduction in current.

This is not something all batteries can do. Many become irreparably damaged if they are charged in temperatures below freezing. However, RELiON’s battery management system (BMS) enables the lithium-ion series to be heated before the battery needs to be charged without any specialized heating elements.

Looking for more information about the best battery for your cold weather needs? Not sure which lithium-ion battery is right for you when RVing this winter? Choosing the right battery for cold weather use can be overwhelming, but professionals with vast amounts of lithium-ion battery experience are available to assist with your choice and needs. For more information visit www.relionbattery.com.