How to Care for Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather

How to Care for Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather
Check out this helpful Q&A video with Lithionics!

Most RVers agree that lithium batteries are better than traditional lead-acid batteries due to the ability to store more energy, faster recharging, lower weight, and less maintenance requirements. However, there are some important considerations you need to take into account when using your lithium batteries in cold weather. 

Lithium Battery Cold Weather Usage: Q&A with Lithionics

In the video below, James and Stef (@TheFitRV) interviewed Phil from Lithionics to get direct answers to many concerns RVers have about using lithium batteries when the temperatures drop. Since they have been traveling with Lithionics batteries for nine years (including now in their Winnebago EKKO) and are very active in the RVing community, they had plenty to talk about!

If you have questions for James and Stef about the video, you can join the conversation here.

For additional questions about storing your Lithionics lithium battery for winter, or a specific issue not covered, you can contact the Lithionics support team, here.

Lithium Battery Cold Weather Usage and Storage Tips for RVers

Multiple Winnebago RVs include Lithionics lithium batteries, including Winnebago View/Navion, EKKO, and Revel models. These also include internal heaters that can keep your batteries warm enough to use in most conditions you will be RVing in. The heaters do use a small amount of power, so you’ll just need to recharge slightly more often in winter.

During everyday use in winter, simply keep the battery on and always have a charging source available to charge it back up when it gets low. The internal heating will turn on whenever it is needed, so you don’t have to worry about it. It will even adjust to extreme temperatures; however, you will likely need to recharge more often with the heater needing to be constantly on. There are also self-protection features built into the Lithionics batteries to help avoid damage in extreme cold.

When storing your RV, the recommendations do vary depending on what temperature you will be storing your RV in, how long it will be in storage, and what facilities you have available. (Here is the official Lithionics lithium battery storage guide.)

Below are some of the Q&A topics covered in the video. Be sure to watch the full video above for more detailed information and additional tips from Lithionics!

Q: How Do You Store Your Lithium Battery for Short-Term in Cold Weather?

A: If you are storing your RV for a month or less in under 32°F-degree weather (but above -4°F), it is best to charge your Lithionics batteries to 100%, then turn the battery off (which also turns off your heating system). 

Q: What are the Recommendations for Long-Term Winter Storage of Your Lithium Battery?

A: If storing more than one month below freezing (but above -4°F), charge your lithium battery to 50-80%, then power off, and you can leave it that way for up to six months. When ready to usage it again, simply turn it on three to four hours before use.

Q: What Temperature Is Too Cold for Storing Your Lithium Battery In?

A: You shouldn’t be storing a lithium battery under -4°F for long periods of time. You could remove it and keep it in a warmer location if needed. However, Lithionics also has a charger you can use that can keep it topped off and heated appropriately.

Always refer to your operator's manual and the official Lithionics resources to be sure you are following the best practices.

New to lithium-powered RVing? Read why owners love it here!

In general, caring for your Lithionics lithium batteries in winter isn’t a complicated task if you are in a Winnebago with the internal heating included. For the most part, the batteries will prevent themselves from experiencing any damage, but just make sure you are informed of situations where they will need a bit more care.

For more winter RVing tips, read these articles with more helpful insights from Winnebago staff and fellow owners!