Cold weather impact on Volt Batteries

[Michael]

The Volt is finally being delivered and taking up to several weeks in transit while sitting in below freezing temperatures without the ability to be conditioned. Does anyone have any information on what or how this may impact the batteries?

Although I understand that the directions from GM are to NOT do this, is there a possibility that the battery warranty has already been impacted?

[maynard]

I was told that their charge status is being maintained as they sit in area 51. (I do have good sources).

[ChrisC]

Cold temperature does not affect long term life, only short term performance.

There are several active threads here discussing cold weather issues. Someone here can point you to them, or just start reading the latest activity. Click on the FAQ in my link below and look for the "battery temperature" post for some specifics about temperature thresholds.

[Roy]

Michael, I think you have brought up an interesting point. My first reaction was that "it better not", i.e. what if you leave your Volt at an airport for a week or two. First the warranty makes no mention of this at all, and the battery will be replaced if it falls below spec. However the owner's manual cautions not to leave the car for "extended periods" in temperature extremes, below freezing and above 90 deg F unless it is plugged in. So what is an "extended period"? They do not say, but I think they should. My guess is it depends on state of charge when left parked, and might easily be months if left with a full charge and could be a week or two if parked depleted.