rechargable batteries?

[Chads93GT]

I think he meant that they still perform well when cold, not better when cold.

[jsniffin]

yes. batteries don't like cold very much. He meant they still preform.

Why did people always tell me to put batteries in the freezer to make them last longer..?

[Jon]

The freezer isn't always the best bet. Some types freezing is ok others it's bad for them. Lith Ion according to what came with mine like to be stored for long times at about 1/2 charge in the fridge but freezing them might damage them. Chemical reactions almost always happen faster at higher temps (there are limits however). Batteries create electricity from a chemical reaction. Often by storing at a lower temperature a disposable battery will have a longer shelf life and rechargeable a longer life. There always seems to be a bit of the reaction going on and you can slow it down by cooling it down. Before freezing I would check with the manufacturer, especially if it's a pricy rechargeable . I would say that in most instances the fridge would be ok and not much different in real life circumstances than if the freezer is a little better. Keep in mind if it's going in out of the freezer be sure and allow time to thaw before using as a heavy draw on a frozen battery might cause damage.

[Tenzin Beck]

I think he meant that they still perform well when cold, not better when cold.

I meant preform better when cold than other NiMH cells. I know they won't preform as well when cold as when warm.

[Marduke]

Yes, I meant they perform better in cold vs traditional NiMH cells.

Why did people always tell me to put batteries in the freezer to make them last longer..?

In an ideal world, batteries would be STORED at around 40F for maximum charge retention (minimum self discharge), and USED at about 100F for optimal performance.

Freezing is BAD, as the ice crystals formed can damage the internal structure of the cells. Refrigerated storage can also be bad if they are allowed to form condensation which can corrode the cell case.

[jsniffin]

In an ideal world, batteries would be STORED at around 40F for maximum charge retention (minimum self discharge), and USED at about 100F for optimal performance.

Charge and Refrigerate at 40 degrees until needed?

[Marduke]

In an ideal world, batteries would be STORED at around 40F for maximum charge retention (minimum self discharge), and USED at about 100F for optimal performance.

Charge and Refrigerate at 40 degrees until needed?

That depends on the chemistry. Li-Ion cells need discharged to ~40%, NiMH to ~1V and cycled monthly.

This is all from memory, so +\- a few % either way...