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If you live in a climate where temperatures dip to zero or below, knowing which types of batteries perform best in the cold is essential to ensuring they provide the power you need.
Batteries don’t perform optimally in colder temperatures. Internal resistance increases, making batteries less capable of retaining and releasing their charge. Subzero temperatures can reduce output and efficiency, and batteries require more frequent charging.
But some batteries can stand the test of frigid winter conditions.
Let’s look at the best batteries for cold weather in 2024!
Battery Chemistry: Which Type Is Best for Cold Weather?
It’s essential to understand the basics of battery chemistry to choose the best cold-weather battery.
Here are three of the most commonly used.
LiFePO4 Batteries
Lithium iron phosphate batteries — also known as LFP or LiFePO4 — offer numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.
With more stable phosphate bonds, oxygen atoms in LFP batteries are released more slowly during short circuits, over-charging, and other things that cause thermal runaway and ignition of older lithium-ion batteries.
The unique LiFePO4 chemistry is stable and acid-free and warms up during use, reducing resistance and increasing voltage. Therefore, LiFePO4 has little power loss below 32°F(0°C), still delivering 95–98% of its output and storage capacity.
Lead Acid Batteries
Traditional lead acid batteries utilize lead soaked in sulfuric acid to generate electricity.
While inexpensive, lead acid batteries also have the worst depth of discharge and shortest lifespan. They should never be discharged below about 50%.
Furthermore, since they contain liquid acid, in cold weather, their output is reduced to about 70-80% of their total capacity below 32°F, which drops to 50% at -22°F(-30C).
Lead acid batteries won’t last long and require frequent charging, further reducing longevity.
AGM Batteries
AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat battery is a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery that uses a fiberglass mat to protect and contain the electrolytes and keep them separate from the lead plates.
They offer more starting wattage than unsealed lead-acid batteries and retain their charge longer because they contain valves that control how much hydrogen and oxygen gas can escape.
AGM — and other VRLA batteries like Gel Cell — start more quickly in cold temperatures, have a lower self-discharge rate, and lose less storage capacity than traditional lead-acid. However, they don’t nearly perform as well as LiFePO4.
EcoFlow’s Top Batteries for Cold Weather
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- Best for Whole-Home Backup Power In a Blizzard: EcoFlow DELTA Pro
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- Best Entry-Level Backup Power for Winter Blackouts: EcoFlow DELTA 2
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- Best for Maintaining Communications During a Severe Winter Storm: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
Best for Whole-Home Backup Power In a Blizzard: EcoFlow DELTA Pro
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is the best option for whole-home backup power in the event of a power outage during a blizzard.
DELTA Pro integrates with your household electrical circuits using the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel or transfer switch.
The built-in outputs can power 15 devices simultaneously and operate almost any heavy-duty household appliance, including full-size refrigerators and freezers. You don’t have to worry about your food going bad, even in an extended blackout.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro features industry-leading LiFePO4 battery chemistry. With a low self-discharge rate, you can store power for months without hassle or maintenance.
When a blackout hits during a blizzard, you can rest assured that your DELTA Pro has held its charge between uses.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro also offers 1600W of solar charging capacity. Connect rigid or portable solar panels — which continue to generate power in winter — and you can keep your appliances running even if the power outage lasts days.
Having energy security gives you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy your hot chocolate while you wait out the storm.
Specifications
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- Storage Capacity (Minimum): 3.6kWh
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- Storage Capacity (Maximum): 25kWh
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- AC Output: 3.6kW continuous output (7.2kW Surge). Expandable to 7.2kW (14.4 kW surge) with 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
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- Temperature Range: 14° to 113°F(-10° to 45°C)
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- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 1600W (11-150V⎓15A Max) per unit or 3600W with Double Voltage Hub + 2 × DELTA Pro (Max)
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- Weight: 99 lbs (45kg)
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- Dimensions: 25 x 11.2” x 16.4” inches (63.5 x 28.4x 42cm)
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- Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
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- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger/Smart Home Panel/EV Charge Station
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- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
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- Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
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- Depth of Discharge: 100%
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- Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
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- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
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- Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: Yes
Pros
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- Runs 99.99% of your home appliances
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- Expandable to 25 kWh; allows full home back-up for larger homes with many appliances
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- Low self-discharge and ability to connect to solar panels, AC, or DC so you can keep your home running no matter how long the blackout lasts
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- Average 10-year lifespan with a 5-year warranty
Cons
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- Heavy-duty capacity and construction make it less portable
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- Robust design makes it more expensive than other models, but it qualifies for Residential Clean Energy credits that can significantly reduce costs
Best Entry-Level Backup Power for Winter Blackouts: EcoFlow DELTA 2
If you’re looking for an entry-level but still powerful backup power system to run your essential home appliances during winter blackouts, EcoFlow DELTA 2 is the perfect choice. It offers many of the same benefits as EcoFlow DELTA Pro but in a smaller, more affordable size.
It uses high-quality LFP batteries with excellent cold-temperature performance. It can also be charged with solar panels, AC, or DC outlets so you can keep your essential appliances running no matter how long your blackout lasts, allowing you to cook, run your fridge, and keep the lights on so you can work or play.
Its lighter weight and more compact size also means you can move it to your shop or anywhere else you may need power.
Specifications
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- Storage Capacity (Minimum): 1024Wh
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- Storage Capacity (Maximum): 3kWh
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- AC Output: 1.8kW continuous output (2.7kW Surge)
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- Temperature Range: 14° to 113°F(-10° to 45°C)
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- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V, 15A, 500W max
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- Weight: 27 lbs (12 kg)
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- Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 11.1 in (40 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm)
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- Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
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- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger
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- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
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- Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
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- Depth of Discharge: 100%
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- Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
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- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
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- Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: No
Pros
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- Plug-and-play home backup with 15 output ports
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- 1800W AC output powers over 90% of home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves
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- With optional solar panels, you can keep your home running during extended blackouts
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- Average 10-year lifespan with a 5-year warranty
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- Lighter weight and smaller size make for greater portability
Cons
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- Won’t power multiple heavy-duty home appliances simultaneously
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- Not suitable for whole-home backup power
Best for Maintaining Communications During a Severe Winter Storm: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro is a compact and affordable option to help you maintain essential communications during a winter blackout.
This lightweight model offers the advantage of easy portability, so you can move it wherever it’s needed.
Portability can be critical in the event of an emergency during a winter storm if you need to reach help.
While leaving your solar generator outside in the snow isn’t recommended, its LiFePO4 battery will handle freezing temperatures much better than lead acid or traditional Li-ion batteries without significantly decreasing performance if it needs to be outside.
A wide operating and storage temperature range is one of the many reasons LFP batteries are becoming so popular in portable power stations.
Even though EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro is compact, it’s still powerful enough to run 80% of home appliances.
Specifications
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- Storage Capacity: 768Wh
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- AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
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- Operating/StorageTemperature Range: 14° to 113°F(-10° to 45°C)
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- Charging Temperature Range: 32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C)
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- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
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- Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg )
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- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
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- Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
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- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
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- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
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- Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
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- Depth of Discharge: 100%
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- Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
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- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
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- Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: No
Pros
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- Lightweight and portable at only 17.2lbs(7.8kg)
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- Four 800W AC outlets will run 80% of home appliances
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- LFP battery has high efficiency in cold temperatures
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- Safe LFP battery provides 10+ years of use with a 5-year warranty
Cons
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- Will not operate high-wattage appliances
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- Can withstand freezing temperatures but cannot be left outside in the snow
What Else To Consider Before Buying Batteries for Cold Weather Use
Cycle Life (Number of Charging Cycles)
The number of charging cycles is significant since batteries need more frequent charging in cold temperatures, reducing their lifespan. LiFePO4 batteries have a charging cycle of 2500 – 5000 cycles compared to lead-acid’s 300 – 500 cycles or AGM’s 500 – 1300 cycles.
Operating and Charging Temperature
The minimum operating and charging temperatures of cold-weather batteries are essential for winter use assessment.
Select a battery with the broadest operating temperature to use in various conditions. For instance, EcoFlow’s LFP batteries perform well from 14 to 113°F(-10 to 45°C).
Storage Capacity
Battery storage capacity determines the maximum amount of electricity a unit can store when fully charged. For portable power stations, capacity is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For rechargeable portable electronic devices like laptops and smartphones, milli-amp hours (mAh) are typically used.
The greater the storage capacity, the more electricity a battery provides between charges.
Depth of Discharge
Depth of discharge (DoD) measures the percentage of a battery’s total storage capacity that can safely be consumed.
DoD is an essential consideration. Traditional lead-acid batteries shouldn’t be discharged below 50% capacity as it leads to permanent damage and a shorter lifespan.
LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged from 80% – 100%.
Storage Discharge Rate
If you only use your battery occasionally, factoring in the storage discharge rate is critical to ensure it remains charged when needed.
LFP (LiFePO4) batteries self-discharge at about 2% per month, compared to lead-acid batteries at about 30% per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Batteries Last Longest in Cold Weather?
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) batteries last the longest in cold weather. With greater depth of discharge and a lower self-discharge rate, LiFePO4 batteries only lose about 2% of storage capacity below 32°F(0°C). Lead acid batteries that lose about 20-30% at the same temperature and typically have a depth of discharge of around 50%.
Final Thoughts
If you work or go off-grid in cold weather or live in an area prone to winter blackouts, having a reliable backup battery is critical to keep your devices running, even in frigid temperatures.
Fortunately, LiFePO4 batteries offer exceptionally high performance and efficiency in extreme temperatures, with the added benefit of increased safety thanks to their stable acid-free chemistry.
When you purchase an industry-leading EcoFlow portable power station that utilizes LFP battery technology, you won’t be left out in the cold without electricity ever again!