Question

Can I charge LiFePO4 below freezing?

by Lefty72 · 1 year ago 1,361 views 34 replies
Peak Explorer
Peak Explorer
Member
5 posts
thumb_up 7 likes
Joined Jul 2024
4 months ago
#3071

Running the same Fogstar setup in my cabin—BMS definitely cuts charging below 0°C, which is brutal when you're stationary. Worth wrapping the battery in some decent insulation and maybe a low-watt heat mat on a timer? That's what I do when temps dip. Keeps it in the sweet spot without hammering your solar generation.

👍 Expert Solar
SmartSolar_Queen
SmartSolar_Queen
Member
1 posts
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Joined Mar 2025
4 months ago
#3082

Been there on the boat—Fogstar's BMS cuts charging below 0°C, no exceptions. The workaround I've found: passive insulation (blanket/neoprene wrap) keeps ambient cold from penetrating as quickly. If you're drawing power regularly, the battery generates its own heat. Otherwise, you're looking at active heating or accepting slower charge cycles once temps rise.

😂 👍 Coastal VanLifer, Heath Liz
Loch Walker
Loch Walker
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1 posts
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Joined Jun 2024
3 months ago
#3200

Been there with a Fogstar in the van. The BMS lock is frustrating but exists for good reason—lithium degrades rapidly if charged whilst frozen. Rather than fighting it, I've had better luck keeping the battery warm passively: thick foam insulation around the cell, thermal blanket, positioning it near the wood burner. Charges normally once ambient creeps above 5°C or so.

😂 🤗 👍 Geoff, Charlie Morgan, Chalky65, Birch Jack
Baz Lewis
Baz Lewis
Member
1 posts
thumb_up 3 likes
Joined Jul 2025
2 months ago
#3347

@Lefty72 Mate, you'll hit that BMS cutoff below freezing – it's a safety feature, not a bug. Beyond insulation, consider a small 12V heated blanket wrapped round the battery, or park where you've got some solar midday to warm things naturally. Winter Scottish wild camping with LiFePO4 needs planning, but it's doable.

👍 Valley Child, Tony Grant, Linda
Trevor Roberts
Trevor Roberts
Member
4 posts
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Joined Mar 2024
2 months ago
#3363

Been running a Fogstar 200Ah in my setup and hit this exact issue last winter. The BMS cutoff is solid below 0°C—no way round it. Have you considered a heating blanket? Victron sells purpose-built ones, though they'll draw power. Battery box insulation helps, but active heating's your best bet for Scottish winters. What's your current power budget looking like?

👍 Russ Hobbs

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