Can Lithium Batteries Be Stored in a Car?
3 Answers
Storing lithium batteries in a car is dangerous. Here are the relevant details: Performance degradation: Both high and low temperatures can cause lithium battery performance to decline. Particularly under high temperatures, significant heat fluctuations can occur internally, leading to safety incidents such as explosions. Lithium batteries typically have a temperature limit set between 40-60 degrees, and they are usually marked with a pressure relief valve. Temperature tolerance: High-temperature-resistant lithium batteries can withstand up to 800 degrees; standard lithium batteries are tested at temperatures like 200, 500, and 800 degrees, but such extreme temperatures are rarely encountered in daily life.
Be extra careful with lithium batteries in cars, especially during the scorching summer months. As a long-time car enthusiast, I've witnessed numerous cases where interior temperatures can soar above 70°C under direct sunlight. Lithium batteries in such environments are prone to thermal runaway, leading to swelling or even fire/explosion risks. Forgetting a phone or power bank under the dashboard might result in bloated devices by the next day. While winter is relatively safer, prolonged storage isn't recommended either, as repeated temperature fluctuations accelerate battery degradation. If storage is necessary, opt for shaded compartments or thermal-protective bags, and minimize storage duration. Safety first – while EV traction batteries have management systems, small lithium batteries lack such protection, so extra vigilance is crucial.
As a regular car owner who frequently goes on road trips, I recommend being mindful of where you store lithium batteries in your car. It's generally fine to leave phone or laptop batteries for short stops, but never forget them in the trunk or under direct sunlight during summer. Once, I left a power bank in my car over the weekend, and when I returned, the casing had deformed. Research revealed that high temperatures can cause electrolyte decomposition, leading to accidents. I've learned my lesson and now always check before leaving. Cold weather is less hazardous, but long-term storage increases failure risks and affects device performance. The key is maintaining ventilation and avoiding extreme temperatures.
