China's lithium battery defies deep freeze with 85% capacity at –29°F

Chinese researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a novel liquid-solid-state lithium battery that retains over 85% of its capacity after eight hours at –29°F, a temperature at which conventional lithium-ion batteries typically experience severe performance degradation. This innovative battery combines specially formulated low-temperature electrolytes with a liquid-solid architecture, enabling stable energy output and preventing the sharp capacity drops and start-up failures common below –4°F. The design maintains electrochemical activity and reduces the risk of complete power loss in extreme cold, making it suitable for harsh environments without requiring additional thermal insulation or heating systems. The technology has been successfully demonstrated in drones and robots operating in cold climates and high altitudes, highlighting its practical applications beyond laboratory settings. Importantly, the battery’s plug-and-play compatibility allows integration into existing systems, potentially benefiting electric vehicles (EVs) in cold regions where standard batteries can lose 50% to 80% of their usable capacity. While this represents a significant advancement for cold-weather energy