Do LiFePO4 batteries lose charge when not in use?

LiFePO4 batteries experience minimal self-discharge, losing 1-3% monthly when idle. For long-term storage, maintain 50% SOC and store below 25°C (77°F). Avoid full discharge to prevent cell degradation. Use a quality BMS to mitigate passive drain from monitoring circuits.

What’s LiFePO4’s self-discharge rate vs. other batteries?

LiFePO4 loses 1-3% monthly—far lower than lead-acid (5-20%) or NiMH (15-30%). Storage conditions and BMS efficiency critically impact long-term charge retention.

LiFePO4’s olivine structure minimizes ion leakage, unlike NMC lithium’s 5% monthly loss. Technical specs: At 25°C, discharge rates halve compared to 40°C. Pro tip: Disconnect the BMS during extended storage—its 50mA standby drain wastes 6Ah annually in a 100Ah pack. Imagine a dripping faucet: LiFePO4’s slow leak vs. lead-acid’s running tap. But why does heat matter? It accelerates electrolyte breakdown, doubling loss every 10°C rise. Premium cells advertise <1% loss, but real-world results vary.

How should LiFePO4 be stored long-term?

Store at 50% SOC (3.2V/cell) in dry, 15-25°C environments. Avoid extremes: full charge ages cells, while empty risks voltage collapse.

Beyond SOC, humidity control is key—corrosion from >60% humidity degrades terminals. Technically, 3.2V/cell balances electrolyte stability and lithium plating risks. Pro tip: Use silica gel packs in storage boxes—it’s like preserving vintage electronics from moisture. But what if you skip recharge cycles? A 100Ah pack at 50% SOC drops to ~40Ah after a year, risking deep discharge. Always label packs with storage dates! For multi-year storage, some advocate annual 80% top-ups, though this debates electrolyte “memory.”

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