What type of batteries can be safely stored in my car?

[z_Outdoorsman5]

I carry flashlights in my cars with alkaline batteries in them. Have never had a problem with alkalines leaking/exploding in the heat or cold. Over the last few years I have been buying quarks, fenix lights, zebralights, olights, nitecores, the sort. All these take lithium primaries, Li-ion rechargeables, and NiMh rechargeables. Can any of these batteries be safely stored in a car in the middle of the summer or the middle of the winter? I believe the lithiums Li-ions are surely out, but am unsure of the NiMh batteries. Also, am I risking anything with the alkaline batteries being in the car?

[PhotonWrangler]

Bumping this thread as I have the same question. We're having a particularly hot summer and I'm worried about storing flashlights with CR123 batteries in the car, which is probably reaching temperatures above 120 F in the middle of the day.

**Edit** The Surefire site states that their batteries have "usable output" up to 176 F, but they only have a generic warning about storing batteries in high temperatures.

[llmercll]

I believe lithium primaries (non rechargeable) are best for long term storage. They have a shelf life of many years and don't leak.

I'm not sure, though, so take my advice with a grain of salt =p

[chazmr]

I'm curious about the same thing. I had actually pulled my lights out of my truck because of the heat.
Any thoughts?

[PhotonWrangler]

I believe lithium primaries (non rechargeable) are best for long term storage. They have a shelf life of many years and don't leak.

I'm not sure, though, so take my advice with a grain of salt =p

Yes, they have a very low self discharge rate. I'm still wondering about heat though. Lithiums have a reputation for failing violently.

[TyJo]

Yes, they have a very low self discharge rate. I'm still wondering about heat though. Lithiums have a reputation for failing violently.

I was under the impression that the violent lithium failures were problems with lower quality cells, and were mostly a thing of the past (I doubt this would happen with any surefire cell). I think NiMH cells are the best for car usage, here is a thread I found a while ago. Is it a bad for li ion cells to be stored etc in hot and cold temperatures like what a car would experience (lets say 0 F and 130 F)?

[Norman]

Yes, they have a very low self discharge rate. I'm still wondering about heat though. Lithiums have a reputation for failing violently.

Looking at the Energizer EA91 datasheet (from somewhere on the energizer.com site I think), the Storage/Operating temps are -40C-60C (-40-140F). Same for the L91. Did you know their 10/15 year shelf life is rated at 21C?

Since I also have the data sheet for AX91 Zn/MnO2 Advanced Alkaline, it's operating temp is -18C-55C. Seven year shelf life @ 21C.

So that's what Energizer says. How often a car's glove box would exceed 60C on a sunny summer day would be an interesting question to ask.

[Poppy]

http://www.injuryprevention.org/stat...rs/hotcars.htm

Within 20 minutes, readings in both cars exceeded 125°F and reached
approximately 140°F in 40 minutes

The above study was performed on a 93F degree overcast day. I'd suspect that it may be hotter inside the vehicle on a clear day.

[Yamabushi]

Looking at the Energizer EA91 datasheet (from somewhere on the energizer.com site I think), the Storage/Operating temps are -40C-60C (-40-140F). Same for the L91. Did you know their 10/15 year shelf life is rated at 21C?

The Energizer L91/L92 Application Manual gives more information:

"Each L91 battery contains two safety devices, which are progressive as temperature increases. Thermal Switch (PTC) - Limits the current when the temperature reaches 85 - 95°C. On very high rates of discharge in devices where internal cell heat is not allowed to dissipate, the PTC will temporarily increase in resistance to reduce the flow of current. After cooling, it will automatically revert back to normal condition. Pressure Relief Vent - Operates at 130° - 160°C.

L91 batteries can be stored satisfactorily at room temperature and are stable at high temperatures. The maximum storage and operating temperatures are limited by jacket shrinkage. There are no problems at 60°C (140°F), and the batteries can tolerate 71°C (160°F) for at least 1 week."