Lithium batteries stored together indoors

10 min. read, Jan. 2025

How to store lithium-ion batteries in cold weather

Keeping your tools in good working order is key to maintaining productivity on the job site. As a new generation of superior battery powered tools become commonplace, that means ensuring your lithium-ion batteries are cared for is of the utmost importance.

That’s especially true during the winter months when the cold can make it harder to store and maintain your battery stock effectively.

Get it right and you will have better batteries with an improved runtime – vital for ensuring maximum productivity on site. Get it wrong and along with reduced efficiency, you could cause health and safety issues if your batteries fail unexpectedly.

Our guide to storing lithium batteries in cold weather is designed to help you make sure your batteries operate at their full potential even when it’s cold.

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How to store and maintain lithium ion batteries when it’s cold

Keep them partially charged

You should try to avoid fully discharging lithium-ion batteries in cold conditions in order to protect them and lengthen their life.

Instead, partially charge them to approximately 80% before the onset of the cold weather and then disconnect them.

Store and charge them indoors

Avoid storing lithium batteries in cold weather overnight. Keep them indoors or inside a building on site rather than leaving them outside or in the back of a van that’s parked outdoors.

Likewise, it is best to charge them inside, in a warmer environment rather than charge them outside where it is cold.

Keep them warm where possible

Avoid storing lithium batteries in cold weather overnight. Keep them indoors or inside a building on site rather than leaving them outside or in the back of a van that’s parked outdoors.

Likewise, it is best to charge them inside, in a warmer environment rather than charge them outside where it is cold.

Use genuine products from the tool manufacturer

It is always best to get batteries from the same provider which supplied your tools. They will be designed to work most effectively with the equipment and are also likely to withstand colder temperatures better.

The Hilti Nuron battery solution that optimises lithium-ion batteries in all temperatures

Hilti’s advanced lithium-ion batteries in our 12V, 22V and 36V cordless battery portfolios deliver more run time and compatibility than ever for all your jobs in all temperatures and conditions.

In addition to delivering peak performance even in cold weather, the Nuron range offers the following advantages:

More work per charge – Our batteries are designed to give you the performance of a corded or gas tool, but with the weight, balance and ergonomics of a 22V tool.
Single platform convenience – You can perform all your jobs using the same type of battery pack no matter what tool is needed. The batteries are interchangeable and versatile to increase productivity on the job site.
Built-in diagnostics – Our batteries give you an alert when they are running low, allowing you to manage your tool park effectively in the cold weather and avoid your lithium-ion batteries becoming depleted.
Durable design – Fully sealed electronics are protected from water, dust, contaminants and the cold. This provides superior protection and means the batteries will last longer in colder conditions.

For our Fleet Management customers there are even more tools they can access to help them manage their lithium-ion batteries in the cold weather conditions:

Optimised tool park – Data driven services will help you manage your tool park to ensure that your batteries are all charged the right amount for the cold weather and they are swapped out before they are depleted. This will help keep your batteries in optimum condition.
Fast, free repairs – Get low performing batteries replaced and repaired as part of the service so that there is never any downtime or poor tool performance due to lithium-ion batteries underperforming in cold conditions.

For more information about caring for lithium-ion batteries in cold weather, get in touch with the Hilti team today.