Why does the charging battery get hot?
4 Answers
It may be due to a short circuit in one of the battery cells or a mismatch between the battery and the charger. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Mismatch between the battery and charger. Many households have electric vehicles of different brands, and during use, chargers are often mixed. 2. Issues caused by the charger. Ordinary chargers without pulse function, let alone negative pulse depolarization function, usually cannot maintain a constant voltage in the later stages of charging. This can cause the battery voltage to exceed the allowable value, leading to excessive gas generation, water loss, and heating. 3. The battery might have a short circuit. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage of each battery. If one has a very low voltage, it indicates a short circuit. 4. Problems with the battery itself. Aging batteries, increased internal resistance, dried-up electrolyte, or internal short circuits can cause heating.
I have encountered the issue of battery overheating when using electronic devices, usually caused by excessive heat generation during charging. The main reasons include internal resistance generating heat, excessively high charging current, or overcharging conditions, such as when the battery ages or the charger is incompatible, leading to decreased efficiency of chemical reactions and energy conversion into heat. Additionally, a hot temperature environment or poor ventilation, like charging the device in a stuffy car trunk, can exacerbate overheating. Generally, mild heating is normal, but if it becomes too hot to touch, usage should be stopped to avoid damaging battery life or even causing safety hazards. It is recommended to first check if the charger specifications match the original one, avoid prolonged fast charging, and ensure good ventilation. For automotive-related devices, such as charging a power bank in the car, parking in a shaded area is better. Regularly replacing old batteries can also reduce such issues—safety first.
As someone who frequently uses rechargeable batteries, I've noticed that overheating is quite common, with various reasons behind it. High internal resistance is a primary factor, especially as the battery ages and its internal chemical components degrade, causing electrical energy to convert into heat instead of being fully utilized during charging. Another cause is using a charger with too high power output or one that's incompatible, forcing excessive current input and leading to overload. Additionally, ambient temperature plays a significant role; charging directly in a car during summer makes overheating more likely. Mild warmth is normal, but if the battery becomes too hot to touch, immediately stop charging and unplug it to prevent potential fire or explosion hazards. For daily use, I recommend using original accessories and avoiding using the device while charging. Always charge in a cool, well-ventilated area. For vehicle-mounted devices like dashcam batteries, ensure the car's air conditioning is on to improve heat dissipation, which helps maintain battery lifespan longer.
In my daily experience, a charging battery getting hot is a warning sign. The heat mainly comes from excessive charging current or increased internal resistance due to battery aging, and the accumulated heat makes it hot. High ambient temperature also contributes, such as charging a car parked in direct sunlight, where poor ventilation accelerates heating. If it's slightly warm, it's normal to continue charging, but if it gets too hot, immediately cut off the power and remove the battery to prevent safety risks. Simple maintenance advice is to check if the charger plug and battery contacts are dirty or damaged, as keeping them clean can reduce malfunctions. Develop good usage habits, such as avoiding overnight charging or placing it near flammable materials—these small practices can prevent major issues.
