How the cold season affects LiPo, Li-ion and other batteries 23.10.2025 – Posted in: No category

In the cold season, lithium batteries behave completely differently. They lose charge faster, give off current worse and can wear out, if they are stored or charged incorrectly.

  • why is this happening? (process physics);
  • how different types of acum react (LiPo, Grind, Li-ion);
  • what should be done before using or charging in the cold;
  • how a USB heating pad helps, and why it is needed not only in winter.

How cold affects lithium batteries

When the ambient temperature drops below 10°C, changes are occurring in the battery:

  • Internal resistance increases. At high current, the voltage drops more, even on a fully charged akumi.
  • The mobility of ions in the electrolyte decreases. This slows down reactions, which means that power and efficiency decrease.
  • The capacity decreases. The battery can give only 60-70% of the nominal value.
  • Charging becomes dangerous. At temperatures below 0°C, it is possible “lithium coating” (lithium plating), which destroys the battery from the inside.

How cold temperatures affect different types of batteries

LiPo

  • They do not tolerate cold well - the drop in power is noticeable already at +5°C.
  • Low temperature = less current, less traction, more prosads.
  • Charging is strictly not recommended, if the battery is cold (< 5 °C).

Grind

  • Even more sensitive to temperature changes due to the higher full charge voltage.
  • Efficiency drops noticeably in the cold, wear is accelerating.
  • Preheating is necessary.

Li-ion

  • More resistant to cold, but have a higher internal resistance, which increases even more in subzero weather.
  • Especially sensitive to cold charging: charging below 0°C is critically harmful.
  • They can work, but reduction of capacity and voltage is inevitable.

what to do, to avoid problems

Before use

  • Do not use batteries immediately from the cold.
  • Warm up to a temperature no lower than +10–15°C — this will increase yield and extend the resource.

Storage

  • Do not leave Akuma in the cold - in the trunk, on the balcony or in an uninsulated room.
  • Store at a temperature of +10...+25°C in storage mode (voltage 3.7–3.8V per bank).

Charging

  • Do not charge the batteries, if they are cold! Charge only after warming up to room temperature.
  • If charging in low temperatures, use thermal protection or a heating pad.

USB heater for batteries

To simplify the use of batteries in the cold season, we added to the store USB heaters for batteries.
It is a compact and simple accessory, which:

  • warms the battery to a safe temperature before use;
  • connects to a regular powerbank or any 5V source;
  • easily fits in a bag or suitcase;
  • reduces the risk of prolapse, increases the efficiency and prolongs the life of the battery.

An indispensable thing for everyone, who uses batteries outside in cold weather - be it FPV, models, powering devices or electronics.

Visnovok

  • Cold weather seriously affects any lithium battery: the voltage drops, the capacity decreases, wear and tear increases.
  • This is most visible at the moment of current return — voltage sag, power loss, power outage.
  • Entrance - proper storage, warming up before use, refusal to charge a cold battery.
  • And the most convenient solution — heating pad with USB. It's simple, available and really works.