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• Depending on the charge state, lithium batteries have a free-
zing point of approx. -20°C to -25°C. If a battery cell freezes
it will be irreparably destroyed and the whole battery will need
to be replaced. As with conventional batteries, a lithium battery
loses up to 40% of its capacity from approx. 0°C.
• At approx. 20°C and 100% charge, a lithium battery loses
about 30% of capacity per month (poor storage).
• However, at approx. 7°C and 70% charge, a lithium battery
loses only about 5% of capacity per month (optimal storage).
• If a BMS (Battery Management System) is installed in a
lithium battery pack, then the self-discharge is comparable to
a conventional battery in storage (caution: intermediate char-
ge). The BMS system reduces battery capacity but is neces-
sary and mandatory for cell balancing (uniform cell dischar-
ge).
Handling the battery