Why temperature rules everything
The narrow window where a lithium cell is happy.
You'll learn
- Explain why temperature rules everything at engineering level
- Read the numbers that define the behaviour
- Apply the idea to a real pack
Overview
Cells want roughly 15–35 °C. Below that, resistance climbs and lithium plates. Above it, side reactions accelerate and ageing doubles for every 8–10 °C.
In depth
| Cell temperature | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Below 0 °C | Charge severely limited; plating risk; preconditioning required |
| 0–15 °C | Reduced power and charge rate, higher resistance |
| 15–35 °C | Optimal — full power, full charge rate, slowest ageing |
| 35–45 °C | Cooling active, some charge tapering |
| Above 45 °C | Hard power limits, accelerated calendar ageing |
Heat moving out of a pack
1
Battery
2
Pump
3
Radiator
4
Cabin
Key takeaways
Remember this
- 15–35 °C is the sweet spot.
- Cold limits power; heat accelerates ageing.
- Ageing roughly doubles per 8–10 °C.
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