Chinese Scientists Develop Cold-Resistant Lithium Battery for Extreme Environments

By Sabeeh Zanair :

Chinese scientists have introduced a next-generation lithium battery designed to function efficiently in extremely cold climates, offering a major step forward for powering drones, robots, and electronic systems in harsh environments.

Field trials conducted in Mohe, located in Heilongjiang Province — one of China’s coldest areas — demonstrated that the battery retained over 85 percent of its energy capacity after operating for eight hours at temperatures as low as minus 34 degrees Celsius, without the need for any thermal protection.

The innovation was developed by a research group led by Academician Chen Zhongwei at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. According to Zhang Meng, an associate research fellow and the project’s technical lead, the battery is paired with an advanced AI-driven energy management system that helps overcome a major limitation of conventional lithium batteries, which typically suffer from severe performance drops or complete failure in freezing conditions.

During performance tests, the battery successfully powered an industrial drone through extended flight sessions and multiple operational simulations, proving its stability and reliability under real-world conditions.

Researchers say the technology could play a crucial role in applications such as wildfire surveillance, inspection of high-altitude power infrastructure, emergency response systems, and operations in polar or mountainous regions.

In addition to aerial systems, the cold-resistant battery and its intelligent control platform are expected to benefit consumer electronics, logistics drones, specialized robots, and other outdoor equipment, enabling year-round operation regardless of climate.

Experts believe this development will significantly enhance the durability of scientific and industrial tools while also contributing to stronger energy self-reliance. Its global adoption could provide practical solutions for countries struggling to maintain power systems in extreme cold environments.