Low temperature aging tests for lithium-ion batteries

This paper presents the aging test results of a 100Ah prismatic LiFeMnPO₄ battery cell at low temperatures. Accelerated aging tests have been carried out on 4 cells to address the effect of cold temperatures on Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Three of them were aged through a normalized driving cycle at three temperature tests (-20°C, 0°C and 25°C). The calendar test was carried out on one single battery at -20°C and mid-range of SOC (50%). Their capacities were continuously measured every two or three days. From the analysis, this paper shows that it is mandatory to consider the impact of cold temperatures on a battery pack lifespan. Therefore, there is a need for having a proper thermal strategy in order to keep the battery cell in the most appropriate operating condition and thus reduce the cold effect on the battery performances.