How to maintain Li-ion batteries in winter?

XTAR Light

Enlightened
Vendor
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
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705
Location
China
You may find a cold weather drains your Li-ion batteries fast. Because Li-ion batteries rely on chemical reactions to work, the cold can slow and even stop those reactions from occurring. And the very low temperatures affect these batteries to release energy and store.

For example, a Li-ion battery that provides 100 percent capacity at 80°F may typically deliver only 50 percent at 0°F. Put simply, cold weather can negatively affect the Li-ion batteries and will decrease their lifespan. The Li-ion batteries have a certain number of charging cycles before they are no longer usable. Thus, how to maintain these batteries is important. To ensure your Li-ion batteries survive the cold winter, some suggestions listed below.

1. Clean batteries properly: corrosion and dirt can cause the batteries to lose charge faster, also decrease its lifespan. It's important to keep the Li-ion batteries clean. You can use a mix of water and baking soda for a gentle cleaning.
2. Charge batteries regularly: Li-ion batteries shouldn't be completed uncharged. Remember to charge your batteries in the winter months when they are most prone to quick loss of power, with shallow discharge and shallow charging.
3. Charge batteries indoors, avoid charging at low temperatures. Keep the Li-ion batteries in a place that doesn't get colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. For long time storage, charge the battery to around 40% before storing.

If you have other good tips, can also share them freely!
 

richbuff

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Nov 21, 2014
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Location
Prescott Az
... ...
1. Clean batteries properly: corrosion and dirt can cause the batteries to lose charge faster, also decrease its lifespan. It's important to keep the Li-ion batteries clean. You can use a mix of water and baking soda for a gentle cleaning. ... ...
February 11, 2020: Here is an earlier source for the content that was posted on the original post.
Non-live link: panthervision.com/2020/02/11/how-does-cold-weather-affect-lithium-batteries
 

XTAR Light

Enlightened
Vendor
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Apr 26, 2010
Messages
705
Location
China
Thanks for the info. What is the difference between the VC4 plus and the VC4SL?
For the VC4SL and the VC4 Plus, they are the same products with different names for different sales channels. The VC4 Plus charger is for XTAR official retail only.
 
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