Are there any recommendations regarding lithium (house) battery operating temperatures? Do they perform better when cooler or warmer? Or does it not matter as long as they are operating within specs?
Here's what I found when doing my research:
Lithium RV batteries have a preferred temperature range, and staying within it can make a noticeable difference in both performance and longevity.
Recommended Operating Temperatures
• Optimal range for use and charging:
15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F)
This is the sweet spot where lithium batteries deliver peak efficiency and maintain chemical stability.
• Storage range:
-20°C to 25°C (-4°F to 77°F)
Ideal for preserving battery health when not in use.
Performance at Extremes
• Below 15°C (59°F):
• Chemical reactions slow down
• Reduced capacity and power output
• Charging may be restricted or require a battery heater
• Above 35°C (95°F):
• Accelerated aging
• Risk of overheating or thermal runaway
• Efficiency drops, especially under heavy loads
Does cooler or warmer perform better?
Neither extreme is ideal. Cooler temps slow things down, warmer temps speed up degradation. As long as you're operating within the 15–35°C range, you're in good shape. But if you're planning a desert boondock or a snowy mountain demo, thermal management (like insulation or ventilation) becomes essential.
Lithiums prefered temperature range is simple, they like the same temperatures as we do. Think Goldlocks, not too hot, not too cold.
This is why it is best to install lithium batteries inside the motorhome so they never get too hot or cold.
Larry
Thanks Dave and Larry. Dave, I think the batteries have been operating within the guidelines you mentioned, and certainly within the manufacturer’s specs (US Battery) but the LD has been mostly parked at home since the installation in January so haven’t been truly stressed yet. The two batteries reside in the factory compartment so I’ve been contemplating whether I should cut open the back of the battery box to provide air from the coach interior however, on warm days in storage, interior temps can exceed in excess of 100°.
Greg,
All my lithium batteries are below a dinette seat. On the warmest of days, they stay at a comfortable temperature.
I do have my 3000 watt inverter under the opposite dinette seat and it has gotten warm to the touch. After my power center shut down last month I purchased two 10 x 4” vents to place in the paneling to vent the coach air to that area to possibly cool it down a little.
I also contemplated opening a vent into the OEM battery box which is separated from the inverter by a thin panel. I mentioned this idea to Ron B and he confirmed my suspicions that that would be a bad idea since exhaust fumes from the generator or other forms of toxic fumes could easily enter the interior of the coach.
With this in mind, I would caution against your idea of cooling your exterior battery box with interior coach air.
Just sayin’
Kent
Greg, do your batteries have Bluetooth access to operating data? Most batteries with this feature will let you see the temperature of the battery, and in some cases the maximum and minimum temperatures since last reset. If you can access this information, it'll give you a better idea of what's going on.
Hi Andy. The batteries do have Bluetooth; I can read the current temp but there doesn’t seem to be a way to access historical data. Maybe I will contact the manufacturer and ask them.