When Li-Ion batteries first hit the 2-way radio market, I

Posted on: February 7, 2019 at 15:48:38 CT

was at a new product presentation and they were bragging up the memory-free Li-Ion batteries which were replacing the older Nicad technology. I asked about how they planned on overcoming the freezing issue for first responders working incidents in inclement weather and the presenter looked at me as if I grew 3 heads.

I was well aware that Nicad batteries worked clear down to 0 degrees while Li-Ion froze at around 20 degrees. The Li-Ion still had a charge--they just won't produce any current at that temp or below. I'd experienced that firsthand with a Li-Ion battery in a camcorder while pheasant hunting. Battery froze in no time (Li-Ion batteries also have no mass and so the cold penetrates quickly) and the camcorder quit working. I'd put it on the defroster in my truck and had full power in no time. Take it back outside and it would freeze in under 10 minutes.

So the presenter's answer was "first responders are going to have to keep their portable radios under their coats next to their bodies to keep the battery warm". Having that antenna radiating 3-5 watts of energy right next to your body doesn't do much for range.