Answer
Temperature affects battery capacity, charging behaviour and lifetime. Cold temperatures reduce available capacity, while high temperatures accelerate chemical ageing. The severity of these effects depends strongly on battery technology: lead-acid batteries are the most temperature-sensitive, lead-carbon batteries offer improved tolerance, and lithium batteries rely on internal battery management systems to manage temperature effects.
General effects of temperature on batteries
Battery capacity and temperature
Most batteries are rated at a standard temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).
- At lower temperatures, chemical reactions slow down → available capacity decreases
- At higher temperatures, capacity may increase slightly → but this often reduces battery lifetime
Typical reference values (lead-acid based):
- 0 °C → ~20% capacity reduction
- –30 °C → ~50% capacity reduction
- 50 °C → up to ~12% higher capacity
These values vary by battery design and application.
Charging behaviour and temperature
Temperature also affects the correct charging voltage and current.
- Lead-acid batteries (like AGM batteries) require temperature-compensated charging
- Lithium batteries rely on a Battery Management System (BMS) to manage this automatically
- Incorrect charging at extreme temperatures can cause:
- accelerated ageing
- capacity loss
- safety issues
Internal battery temperature (thermal mass)
Battery temperature does not instantly follow ambient air temperature.
- Large battery systems change internal temperature slowly
- Internal variation may be limited to ~10 °C over 24 hours
- For accurate charging control, temperature sensors should:
- be attached to a positive terminal
- be lightly insulated
- reflect actual battery temperature rather than ambient air
Battery lifetime and temperature
Higher temperatures generally shorten battery life, even if capacity appears higher.
- Low temperatures:
- reduce usable capacity
- slow down chemical ageing
- High temperatures:
- accelerate chemical degradation
- shorten calendar and cycle life
For lead-acid batteries, lifetime typically halves for every ~8–10 °C above 25 °C.
Do temperature effects differ by battery technology?
Yes. Temperature effects vary significantly by battery type.
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Temperature effects by battery technology
| Battery technology | Low-temperature effects | High-temperature effects | Charging limitations | Design considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooded Lead-Acid | Strong capacity loss | Rapid lifetime reduction | Temperature-compensated charging required | Most temperature-sensitive |
| AGM / Gel | Similar to flooded, slightly improved | Accelerated ageing | Temperature compensation required | Widely used, climate-sensitive |
| Lead-Carbon | Improved cold performance | More tolerant than standard lead-acid | Temperature compensation required | Suitable for partial-state-of-charge use |
| Lithium-ion (LFP, NMC) | Moderate capacity loss during discharge | Faster calendar ageing | Charging below 0 °C often restricted by BMS | Temperature managed electronically |
Compared to AGM batteries, lead-carbon batteries perform better at low temperatures and partial state of charge.
Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not use temperature-compensated charging voltages but rely on a battery management system.
Important notes for lithium batteries
Lithium-based batteries behave fundamentally differently from lead-acid:
- Discharging at low temperatures is usually possible
- Charging below 0 °C may be limited or disabled to prevent lithium plating
- No classic voltage compensation is used. The BMS dynamically controls:
- charge current
- voltage limits
- safety cut-offs
Special electrolyte formulations
In extreme climates, lead-acid batteries may use:
- Stronger electrolyte for very cold regions
- Weaker electrolyte for hot climates
This can affect voltage values and specific gravity compared to standard references.
When do temperature effects matter most?
Temperature effects are especially relevant for:
- Outdoor energy storage systems
- Charging infrastructure
- Industrial and mobility applications
- Off-grid or remote installations
In short
- Cold reduces available capacity
- Heat shortens battery lifetime
- The impact depends strongly on battery technology
- Correct sizing, charging strategy and temperature management are essential
Not sure how temperature affects your specific application or battery type?
Our specialists can help you select and configure the right battery system for real-world conditions.