Low temperature (<0*C) Alkaline, NiMH or NiCD?

looking for something to keep in car that will work well if needed even around –20*C, in a compact flashlight, up to SkyRayKing size.

Which chemistry would you choose from above listed?

For battery chemistry, you want lithium primaries.

They are pricey however. In each of my vehicles I have one light with Energizer Lithiums and a spare set of batteries for emergencies only, and one other light with either Alkalines or rechargeables for normal usage. I think whatever chemistry eneloops are is supposed to be decent with the cold as well.

+1,000,000

Category : Primary Lithium Cells / Batteries

Primary Lithium batteries feature with high energy density and long shelf life. They are excellent for smoke alarm, LED lighting and outdoor devices. However they are not rechargeable and totally different with Li-Ion batteries. There are three types of chemistry in Lithium primary battery, which result in different voltage as the follows:

Li-Fe-S 1.5V AA 2900mAh, AAA 1100mAh
Li-MnO2 3.0V CR123A, Button cells
Lithium thionyl chloride 3.6V AA, 1/2AA, 2/3AA, C, D, DD size

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Eneloops work down to –20c although with shorter run time, but that could be helped by putting them in your pants pockets for a few minutes, and then the holding of a flashlight in your hands.

Regardless though, even in a full worse case, totally cold, –20c battery needed immediately, at least you can get some use.

“· Superior performance at 0 ℃ and works in temperatures as low as –20 ℃ (*2)

(*2) Operation time is shorter than that at room temperature regardless of appliance used.”