Time-dependent elementary polarizations of a lithium-ion battery are quantitatively investigated below room temperature in an attempt to determine the critical factors affecting low temperature power decline. From three-electrode impedance measurements and the theoretical analysis of the phenomenological equivalent circuit, the proportional contribution of the internal resistances to the total polarization is satisfactorily analyzed as a function of the pulse discharging time. The results prove that the interfacial charge-transfer resistances of the anode (graphite) and the cathode (lithium cobalt dioxide) make the highest contributions to the low temperature power decline. On this basis, a strategy for the material design to enhance the low temperature performance is suggested with two examples of surface modification and hybridization with an electrochemical capacitor. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.