What Are the Best Rechargeable Batteries for Cold Weather?

Cold and hot temperatures have a knack for ruining electronics, including batteries. When you’re trying to use a flashlight or operate a remote, but the outside weather keeps ruining the charge, it’s time to reach for a new set of cold-weather batteries. Low temperatures shouldn’t inhibit your ability to use your emergency gear. So, what are the best rechargeable batteries for cold weather?

Rechargeable Batteries are the best for temperatures over 0 degrees F. However, when alkaline falls below 0 degrees, you should use Lithium Batteries. Lithium can work all the way down to -40°F.

Here are the types I recommend from Amazon:

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details:

• Info about both batteries mentioned above
• How long they last
• Different tips to get the most out of your batteries

The Best Batteries for Cold Temperatures

Energizer makes some of the best batteries on the market in every category. If you want a long-lasting charge, then Energizer Rechargeable Batteries (Amazon Link) are the only product to reach for in my opinion. They can be recharged with a portable battery charger that you rarely have to use, all for a low, budget-friendly price.

These impressive batteries hold a charge for up to 12 months, even through cold temperatures. If you’re looking for a set to store in an emergency kit, then this should be your new go-to choice. What makes them even better is the fact that they’re made with 4% recycled batteries, making them eco-friendly and effective.

Most other competitors on the market only last for about 300 to 400 charges before they start losing their capacity. The Energizer set mentioned above can push all the way up to 700 charges per battery, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. They’re also compatible with the vast majority of cameras.

Hands-on customer reviews point to the fact that it only takes between 1 to 2 hours to recharge each battery. If you’re using a charging port, then you can charge four batteries at one time. You’ll be able to get back in action without barely missing any time at all. Buy a second set of these AAA batteries to never run out.

Rechargeable batteries are taking over the market since they provide hundreds of uses for nearly the same price as traditional batteries. The time to get a new set is now, especially if you need a set that can withstand the low temperatures of a cold fall, winter, or spring. Stay ahead of the curve by always being prepared. Also, I highly recommend getting a solar charging kit if you spend a lot of time in the wilderness.

Pros

• Comes with four high-quality rechargeable batteries from a well-known brand
• Each battery charges in 1 to 2 hours
• Holds a charge for 12 months before depleting itself
• Can be used for up to 700 charges

Related Hand Crank Power Charger vs. Solar: Which is Better?

The Best Batteries for Below-Freezing Weather

Unfortunately, most batteries can’t work below freezing temperatures—the contents freeze, causing the cells to be useless. However, lithium batteries are designed to dip 40 degrees F (4.4°C) below freezing. Lithium Batteries aren’t rechargeable, but they’re the best that you can get below freezing.

These impressive AA batteries have a 10-year shelf life, eclipsing the competition by almost half of a decade. Rather than having to throw out old batteries that haven’t even seen a single use, you can store these high-quality batteries in a drawer or prepper kit that lasts for plenty of years to come. It’s the ultimate set for longevity in cold weather.

Despite the fact that these batteries can’t be charged over and over, they last much longer than any alkaline battery ever could. Aside from the low-temperature rating, lithium batteries are so popular because of their long lifespan. These batteries, in particular, can be used for up to a couple of years before you have to replace them.

The entire pack comes with 16 batteries, so you won’t have to worry about buying new ones any time soon. If you think you’ll need more than that, they’re also available in a 24-pack. Feel free to choose from AA or AAA, depending on what you need. Nothing’s better than being prepared for the worst, and that’s exactly what these lithium batteries provide.

Perhaps the most overlooked feature of these batteries is the built-in protection barriers. Batteries are known to explode or leak acid when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures, or when they’re well past their expiration date. The explosion-proof barrier on these batteries prevents such hazards from occurring.

Pros

• Comes in a 16-pack and a 24-pack
• Designed to last down to 40 degrees F (4.4°C)
• Lasts up to 10 years in storage or 2 years of use
• No trickling effect as occurs with alkaline batteries

Related Why Do Batteries Leak? (And How to Keep Them From Leaking).

FAQ

Batteries are a tricky business because they all look the same, but they’re all entirely different from one another. Some batteries are cheap and last for years, while others are expensive and can barely make it through the season. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s time to examine some common concerns.

Here are the most frequently asked questions when buying cold-weather batteries:

1. How long do they last? This question is asked time and time again when people are buying a new set of batteries. It can be broken down into two categories: Shelf life and active usage. Aim for batteries that have at least a 5-year shelf life and an active usage time of 1 year if they’re non-rechargeable and 24 hours if they are.
2. What size do I need? The best way to find out what size batteries you need is to check the products that you’re powering. Almost everything that requires batteries will have an indicator that says “AAA,” “AA,” and so on. Once you find out which ones you need, get the high-quality batteries from above.
3. Should I get alkaline or lithium? Alkaline batteries can be recharged, but lithium batteries can’t. However, alkaline batteries stop working around 0 degrees, which may or may not be a problem for you. Lithium batteries can dip all the way down to -40 degrees F (-4.4°C) before they start having problems.
4. How do I make my household batteries last longer? Some of us have heard the suggestion to put them in the refrigerator to keep them from losing their charge. The truth is that household batteries last longer if they’re stored in temperature-controlled areas. It doesn’t have to be in the fridge; even a room-temperature drawer will do.
5. How long do rechargeable batteries take to recharge? It all depends on the batteries that you purchased and the charger that’s doing the work. In most cases, it should take longer than two hours to recharge the batteries to 100%. If yours are taking longer, then either the batteries are old, or the charger is low-quality.

As you can see, there are plenty of questions and answers to consider before making a purchase. Once you’ve gone through all of them and you’re ready to buy new cold-weather batteries, you’ll be well-educated and prepared for the purchase.

Conclusion

Getting new batteries is necessary if you want to keep your gear going, but you shouldn’t settle for low-quality, inexpensive generic brand batteries. They’re never going to last long enough, and they’ll be more of a problem than a solution when you’re dealing with an emergency.

Consider the pros of long-lasting, low-temperature lithium batteries vs. the rechargeable, budget-friendly price of Energizer alkaline batteries to find the best set for you. Both options are excellent, but personal preference is the best way to make the final decision.

Recommended Helpful Products

For your convenience, here is a summary of the products recommended in this article as well as some you may be interested in.

• Alkaline Rechargeable Batteries
• Lithium Batteries
• Portable Battery Charger
• Battery Bank
• Solar Recharging Kit
• Survival Emergency Blanket

For more, check out What Is the Shelf Life of a Lithium-Ion Battery?