TECH TIP: COLD WEATHER AND LIPO BATTERIES
LiPo batteries and cold temps don’t mix well.
The discharge rating of a LiPo battery is directly affected by the temperature of the battery. When the temperature of the battery is below 50° F (10° C), you’ll start to notice performance drops; significant issues start to occur when the battery gets below 20° F (-7° C). The colder the battery the bigger the drop in C rating and resulting drop in performance. Degraded discharge ratings will diminish run time, decrease top speed and reduce overall power; this is because the battery voltage will sag down more under load due in increased resistance. This strains the battery and will reduce the life expectancy and performance of the battery. It will also add additional stress to the ESC’s capacitors and could lead to potential damage. Charging the batteries when they are cold will result in similar stress to the battery and shorten its life.
Running higher C rated batteries can help somewhat, but even then you’ll want to keep them as warm as possible. When the batteries are being used in the vehicle they will stay warm as you’re pulling amperage out of them; you just don’t want to let them start out cold. Temperatures below 0° F (-20° C) will cut your C rating in half! EEK!
So what can you do? Don’t let your LiPos sit out in the cold before you go out for a run. Use rice heaters, hand warmers or your own body heat to keep the batteries at a cozy temperature before use. Also don’t charge your LiPos when they’re cold as this can result in stress and damage to the cells. Moving to a warm destination is our last tip, and the most expensive.
And there you have it, following these cold weather protocols will ensure your power system remains in peak performance!
Start with a fully charged pack.
Always warm your batteries PRIOR to running them when the temperature of the battery is 50° F (10° C) or lower.
Wrap your batteries in hand warmers, rice heaters, LiPo Battery Warming Bag, or even using your own body heat . Be careful with any heating devices that they do not get too warm and cause potential LiPo damage.
Use higher C rated batteries in colder weather.