Temperature effects on fast charging large format prismatic lithium iron phosphate cells

Attempts to fast charge 160 A-h lithium iron phosphate cells at various temperatures are presented in this paper. The tests were done at a charging rate of 2C. The tests were done at three ambient temperatures: 0.0°C, +20°C and +40°C. The current, voltage, and temperature were recorded during the test. It was found that the battery accepts high current for fast charging with little difficulty. The battery charged well at all temperatures. These findings indicate that minimal heating or cooling will be required to compensate for weather conditions in electric vehicles in most climates. The data was obtained at the Battery Evaluation Lab at the University of Massachusetts Lowell which is also briefly described.