Lead-acid batteries are widely used in energy storage, telecom base stations, and UPS systems. However, their performance is significantly affected by ambient temperature—especially under high-temperature conditions, which can lead to rapid degradation and potential safety risks. Below are six key impacts of high temperature on lead-acid batteries and how to address them:

1. Short-Term Capacity Gain vs. Long-Term Capacity Loss

Positive (Short-Term): Elevated temperatures increase ion mobility and electrode activity, which can temporarily enhance battery capacity (typically 2%-5% increase per 10°C rise).
Negative (Long-Term): Prolonged heat exposure softens and dislodges active material (e.g., PbO₂), reducing effective surface area and causing irreversible capacity decline.

2. Accelerated Self-Discharge

High temperatures intensify the activity of impurities in the electrolyte, leading to increased side reactions (e.g., grid corrosion, gas generation). Even during standby, batteries lose charge more rapidly, increasing the risk of sulfation and permanent damage if not recharged promptly.

3. Increased Grid Corrosion and Shortened Service Life

Elevated temperatures speed up oxidation of the positive grid, forming loose PbSO₄ corrosion layers that compromise conductivity and structural integrity.
At the negative plate, larger and irreversible sulfate crystals may form, reducing reaction efficiency and significantly shortening battery lifespan (by 30%-50%).

4. Electrolyte Water Loss and Seal Failure

High temperatures accelerate water evaporation:

• Flooded batteries can be refilled, but frequent maintenance increases risks of acid concentration and internal corrosion.

• VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries are sealed and non-refillable. Water loss will hinder ion transport, often resulting in bulging, electrolyte leakage, and performance failure.

5. Elevated Risk of Thermal Runaway

Under high temperatures, internal heat buildup during charging may exceed 60°C, leading to uncontrolled positive feedback reactions (thermal runaway). This can result in case deformation, gas leakage, or even explosion due to accumulated hydrogen gas.

6. Shortened Cycle Life

Battery cycle life decreases by approximately 20% for every 10°C rise in ambient temperature.
For example, at 40°C, typical lead-acid batteries may drop to under 200 cycles. At 50°C+, the cycle life could fall below 100, severely impacting system reliability and uptime.

How to Choose Lead-Acid Batteries for High-Temperature Environments?

To ensure system stability and safety in harsh heat conditions, it is crucial to choose batteries with excellent high-temperature resilience and long-term reliability.

Recommended Brand: EverExceed High-Performance Lead-Acid Battery Series

As a globally recognized industrial power solution provider, EverExceed offers a full range of lead-acid batteries optimized for high-temperature and heavy-duty applications, featuring:

• ✅ Enhanced Thermal Stability: Special Pb-Ca alloy grids and optimized electrolyte composition improve corrosion resistance under heat stress;

• ✅ Low Self-Discharge Rate: Advanced purification processes suppress side reactions and maintain long standby performance;

• ✅ Long Service Life: Cycle life up to 500+ cycles, ensuring long-term performance for telecom, UPS, and power systems;

• ✅ Multiple Options: Available in VRLA, OPzV gel, and GFM series to meet various application scenarios, from deep cycle to standby use.

In high-load, high-temperature operating environments, EverExceed batteries deliver not only reliable power backup, but also reduced maintenance costs and downtime.