LFP26650-40 Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery
Discharge: Down to -40°C
Charge: Down to -20°C*
Size: Ø26 × 65 mm
Best for: Industrial equipment, ESS
-40°C Low Temperature Operation
Delivers stable power at temperatures down to -40°C for equipment used in cold climates and extreme environments.
5+ Lithium Chemistries
Supports rechargeable and primary lithium chemistries to match different temperature, runtime and power needs.
Custom Voltage / Capacity / Structure
Customize voltage, capacity, dimensions, terminals and pack structure to meet specific equipment requirements.
Low Temperature Testing & Validation
Low-temperature testing verifies discharge performance, safety and reliability before the battery enters service.
VTCBATT -40 °C Low Temperature Lithium Battery
A low temperature battery is designed to work reliably in sub-zero environments. Standard lithium batteries often lose usable capacity and show a larger voltage drop as temperature falls.
VTCBATT offers low temperature Li-ion, LiPo, LiFePO₄, Li-SOCl₂ and Li-MnO₂ battery solutions. Selected cells can discharge at -40°C or below. Some specially designed rechargeable cells can also support charging below 0°C.
Low temperature battery performance depends on more than chemistry alone. Operating temperature, discharge current, pulse load, charging temperature and required runtime should all be considered during battery selection.
Low Temperature Battery Models
Explore typical low temperature battery models for sub-zero applications. Available specifications depend on cell chemistry, operating temperature and load requirements.
18650 Low Temperature Li-ion Battery
Discharge: Down to -40°C
Charge: According to cell specification
Size: Ø18 × 65 mm
Best for: IoT devices, handheld equipment
104040LT Low Temp LiPo Battery
Discharge: Down to -40°C
Charge: According to cell specification
Size: 10.0 × 40 × 40 mm
Best for: Portable electronics, IoT devices
ER14505 Low Temp Li-SOCl2 Battery
Discharge: Down to -55°C
Rechargeable: No
Size: Ø14.5 × 50.5 mm
Best for: Smart meters, sensors, remote IoT
CR123A Low Temp Li-MnO2 Battery
Discharge: Down to -40°C
Rechargeable: No
Size: Ø17 × 34.5 mm
Best for: Sensors, metering, backup power
Strict Quality Test of Low-Temperature Battery
To ensure the ultimate safety and reliability performance, low temperature batteries were tested in temperature cycling, impact test, short-circuit test, and nail penetration test.
Advantages
Advantages
Low Temperature Charging Solution
Normal low-temperature charge and discharge are realized by heating board integration. But the heating board is very fragile, which makes it easy to damage. By adopting the VTCBATT specially designed software PCB solution, it is not a challenge to charge below 0℃ anymore. The BQ4050 IC will automatically monitor and adapt the charging conditions continuously to ensure a correct charge process as per our design. Furthermore, the PCB solution is more reliable and stable than the heating board application.
Low Temperature Electrolyte Formulations
Customized electrolyte formulations of low temperature can not only keep the electrolyte fluidity and conductivity to -40℃, but also greatly improve the stability and reliability of the battery. This low-temperature composition is patented.
Enhanced Separator Technology
Nano-ceramic diaphragm is a thermally resistant separator that reduces impedance while preventing thermal shrinkage. With the extraordinary advantages of high temperature resistance, high voltage resistance, high puncture, and high liquid absorption, the separator can greatly improve the heat shrinkage of the diaphragm to realize the safety and reliability of the battery.
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Application
Low Temperature Battery Applications in Cold Environments
Military and Defense SystemsThe military and defense systems are normally deployed under extreme conditions, such as desert, high altitude, and arctic areas, requiring a low temperature operation from -40℃ to 60℃. VTCBATT low temperature battery is tailor-made to ensure reliable, safe, and stable performance under harsh environments.
Industrial & Outdoor EquipmentThe outdoor equipment and vehicles will perform in sub-zero mountain or hot desert conditions, which require good battery chemistry, thermal management, and rugged design.
Featuring high power density, enhanced safety, and long cycle life, VTCBATT wide temperature batteries are suitable for robotics, material handling, remote monitoring, and emergency power systems.
Oil, Gas, and Mining OperationsOil, Gas, and Mining operations are conducted in extreme environments and remote areas, such as the cold arctic regions, scorching deserts, and underground mines, which require an ultimate reliable and long-lasting power supply under a low temperature range from -40℃ to 60℃.
IoT Devices and GPS TrackingThanks to advanced technology, IOT devices and GPS tracking facilitate our daily life in reporting. No matter in freezing or hot climates, the VTCBATT low temperature battery can provide reliable and stable power to maintain position accuracy as a lifeguard.
Which Low Temperature Battery Is Right for Your Application?
Each battery chemistry has different strengths for cold environments. Use this guide to select the right low-temperature battery based on performance requirements and application needs.
Low Temperature Battery Chemistry Comparison Guide
| Battery Chemistry | Rechargeable | Energy Density (Typical) | Self-Discharge (Typical) | Best Suited For | Recommended When You Need |
| LiFePO₄ | Yes | 90–160 Wh/kg | <3% per month | ESS, RV, Golf Cart, Solar Storage, Industrial Equipment | Long cycle life, high safety, high power output |
| Li-ion | Yes | 150–260 Wh/kg | <3% per month | Robotics, Drones, Portable Equipment, Medical Devices | High energy density and compact design |
| LiPo | Yes | 150–250 Wh/kg | 3% per month | Wearables, IoT Devices, Smart Electronics, Compact Devices | Flexible shape, lightweight and custom design |
| Li-SOCl₂ | No | 400–700 Wh/kg | <1% per year | Smart Meters, Remote Sensors, Tracking Devices | 10+ year operation and remote applications |
| Li-MnO₂ | No | 200–300 Wh/kg | <2% per year | Security Systems, Backup Power, IoT Devices | Stable voltage and long shelf life |
Energy density and self-discharge values are typical ranges. The values may vary depending on cell design, temperature conditions, and manufacturer specifications.
Low Temperature Battery Discharge Test at -40°C
VTCBATT conducts low-temperature discharge and performance tests to verify battery capacity, voltage stability and reliability in cold environments.
Low Temperature LiFePO₄ Battery Discharge Test Curve at -40°C
Charging at high and low temperatures
| Metric | 0.01C -45°C | 0.1C -30°C | 0.2C -20°C | 0.3C -10°C | 0.5C 0°C | 1C 45°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity Ah | 81.75 | 65.64 | 88.33 | 96.99 | 100.98 | 101.64 |
| Capacity retention rate | 80.3% | 64.5% | 86.8% | 94.1% | 97.9% | 99.9% |
| Platform V | 3.582 | 3.598 | 3.548 | 3.493 | 3.456 | 3.365 |
| Constant-current charging ratio | 62.7% | 70.1% | 82.2% | 89.3% | 92.8% | 99.7% |
| Temperature rise (°C) | 3.0 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
High- and Low-Temperature Discharge
| Metric | 1C -40°C | 1C -30°C | 1C -20°C | 1C 0°C | 1C 25°C | 1C 45°C | 1C 60°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity Ah | 91.31 | 96.35 | 96.38 | 98.78 | 101.16 | 101.77 | 100.32 |
| Capacity retention rate% | 89.2% | 96.6% | 95.3% | 97.6% | 100.0% | 100.6% | 98.0% |
| PlatformV | 2.519 | 2.660 | 2.770 | 3.002 | 3.183 | 3.194 | 3.213 |
| Energy retention rate% | 70.7% | 80.9% | 82.9% | 92.1% | 100.0% | 101.0% | 99.0% |
| Temperature rise°C | 35.4 | 35.2 | 27.9 | 15.3 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 5.0 |
Why Do Batteries Lose Performance at Low Temperatures?
Low temperatures slow electrochemical reactions and increase battery internal resistance. This can reduce usable capacity, cause voltage drop and limit charging performance.
| Low-Temperature Challenge | What Happens | Design Consideration |
| Higher internal resistance | Greater voltage drop and reduced power output | Select low-resistance cells and verify discharge performance |
| Slower ion movement | Lower usable capacity and weaker rate capability | Use optimized chemistry and electrolyte formulation |
| Reduced charge acceptance | Charging becomes slower and less efficient | Limit charge current at low temperature |
| Risk during cold charging | Improper charging may damage the cell | Use low-temperature charge protection or heating |
| Lower pulse performance | Startup or peak loads may cause deeper voltage sag | Verify pulse current under actual cold conditions |
| BMS temperature protection | Battery may stop charging or discharging | Set suitable temperature thresholds for the application |
| Temperature recovery effect | Available capacity can increase again after warming | Evaluate performance at both cold and recovery conditions |
| Long-term cold exposure | Runtime and service life may be affected | Validate the complete battery pack under expected conditions |
Custom Low Temperature Battery Engineering
A custom low temperature battery is engineered by matching the right cell chemistry, BMS, pack structure and testing conditions to the application’s temperature, voltage, capacity and load requirements.
| Cell Selection | Pack Design | BMS & Heating | Testing & Validation |
| Chemistry & cell matching | Voltage, capacity & structure | Temperature protection | Cold discharge test |
| Temperature & current | Connector & enclosure | Optional heating | Capacity & voltage |
| Lifetime requirement | Custom dimensions | Current protection | Load validation |
1. What is the best battery for sub-zero temperatures?
The best battery for sub-zero temperatures depends on the application. LiFePO₄ batteries are suitable for high-power and energy storage systems; Li-ion/LiPo batteries are suitable for compact devices, while Li-SOCl₂ and Li-MnO₂ are ideal for long-life remote equipment.
You need to consider operating temperature, current, runtime, charging conditions, and expected service life.
2. Can lithium batteries work below freezing?
Yes. Most lithium batteries can operate down to about -20°C. Below that, specially designed low-temperature cells and battery packs are typically required.
Charging and discharging limits are different. A low-temperature battery may discharge at -20°C or -40°C but requires a higher temperature for safe charging. Always check the specified charge and discharge temperatures separately.
3. Can LiFePO₄ batteries charge below 0°C?
Standard LiFePO₄ batteries generally should not be charged below 0°C. Because low-temperature charging may cause lithium plating and reduce battery life. Special low-temperature LiFePO₄ cells can support charging down to -20°C with suitable cell design and BMS protection.
When charging below 0°C, the charging current is usually reduced (e.g., to 0.1C–0.2C, depending on the cell specification). The actual minimum charging temperature should always follow the battery datasheet and test requirements.
4. How does cold weather affect lithium battery performance?
Cold temperatures slow electrochemical reactions and increase battery internal resistance. This can cause lower usable capacity, greater voltage drop, reduced power output and slower charging.
The effect is usually more noticeable under high-current or pulse loads. Low-temperature performance should therefore be tested under the actual temperature and load conditions.
5. What temperature is too cold for lithium batteries?
There is no single minimum temperature for all lithium batteries. The limit depends on the battery chemistry, cell design, load current, charging or discharging mode and BMS settings.
Some specially designed rechargeable lithium cells can discharge around -40°C, while certain primary lithium chemistries can operate at even lower temperatures. The final limit should be confirmed from the cell datasheet and test results.
6. Should I use a low-temperature battery or a self-heating battery?
A low-temperature battery uses cells designed to operate directly in cold conditions. A self-heating battery uses a heating film or heating element to warm the cells before charging or operation.
| Low-Temperature Cell | Self-Heating Battery | |
| How it works | Cell chemistry is optimized for cold operation | Heater warms the battery |
| Extra energy use | Little or no heating energy | Uses battery or system energy |
| Start-up | Can operate directly within rated range | May require warm-up time |
| Cold charging | Limited by cell specification | Heating can raise cells to a safe charge temperature |
| System design | Simpler | Requires heater, sensors and BMS control |
| Best suited for | IoT, portable and industrial equipment | RV, ESS, solar storage and vehicles |
For equipment that must charge frequently below freezing, a self-heating solution may be more practical. For low-power, compact or continuously operating devices, a true low-temperature cell is often simpler and more economical.
7. What is the difference between a low temperature battery and a wide temperature battery?
A low temperature battery is mainly optimized to maintain performance in cold environments. A wide temperature battery is designed to operate across both low and high temperature conditions.
If the equipment mainly experiences severe winter temperatures, a low-temperature design may be sufficient. Applications exposed to large seasonal or environmental temperature changes may require a wide-temperature battery.
8. Can Li-SOCl₂ batteries work at -40°C or -55°C?
Yes, some Li-SOCl₂ cells are designed for operation at temperatures around -40°C to -55°C, depending on the specific model.
However, low-temperature operation can increase internal resistance and affect voltage response, especially during pulse loads. Engineers should confirm standby current, pulse current, minimum operating voltage and temperature range before selecting the cell.
9. Which battery chemistry is best for extreme cold applications?
There is no universal best chemistry. The correct choice depends on the device requirements.
- LiFePO₄: long cycle life, safety and high-power rechargeable systems
- Li-ion: high energy density and compact rechargeable equipment
- LiPo: lightweight and custom-shaped portable devices
- Li-SOCl₂: long-life, low-current remote applications
- Li-MnO₂: primary applications requiring stable voltage and pulse capability
For extreme cold applications, the actual discharge curve and load performance at the required temperature are more useful than the chemistry alone.
10. Do low temperature batteries always need heating?
No. Many low-temperature batteries do not require heating. Special cell chemistry and materials allow reliable charging and discharging in cold environments.
Heating is mainly used for normal temperature battery in cold charging, high-power applications, or extreme temperature conditions.
11. How do I choose a low temperature battery for my application?
Start with the equipment’s real operating conditions. Battery engineers normally need:
- Minimum and maximum operating temperature
- Required voltage and capacity
- Continuous and peak current
- Minimum charging temperature
- Expected runtime or service life
- Battery size limitations
- Connector and enclosure requirements
- BMS or communication requirements
For low-temperature projects, providing the actual load profile and minimum acceptable device voltage helps engineers select the correct chemistry and verify performance more accurately.
Need reliable performance in both cold and heat? Explore our Wide Temperature Battery Solutions.
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