Where to charge the battery?

DJH

Pedelecer
Nov 8, 2011
166
1
North Yorkshire
Lithium Manganese polymer battery
If the temperature is forecast to drop to say -4 is it best to bring the battery into the house to charge, where hopefully the temp will be a little warmer, rather than in the garage? Also when charged to leave it in the warmer environment until next used?
I've seen articles where it states it is better to keep the battery cool even to the extent of putting it into the fridge (in the summer I presume).
In other words what is the optimum temperature for charging and storing?
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,601
30,870
Only long term storage benefits from low temperatures, refrigerating to very low temperatures and warming for use repeatedly does more harm than good.

It's best to charge at "normal" temperatures, 20 to 30 degrees C, so bringing the battery in when it's become extremely cold is best. Of course if the battery has just been in use on the bike, it's cells won't be right down at low ambient temperatures since usage has a chemical reaction warming effect, so charging immediately will be ok. Since charging will itself maintain higher internal temperatures, it can be done in the cold if done straight after use.
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