Originally Posted by
drivesafe
Hi John and first off, your Traxide isolator is NOT the limiting factor when trying to charge lithium batteries directly from a D4 alternator.
The D4 comes with a SMART alternator operation and will stop charging a lithium battery and the BMS in a D4 will actually cause the D4 to run its electric off the lithium battery while your are driving.
In D3s and the original defenders, you can charge lithium batteries directly off the alternator through a Traxide isolator.
Next, your idea of an aluminium battery box is far superior to a thermal blanket, because any heat that will get to the battery, particularly on long drives, will keep in battery hot, long after the motor has stopped.
An aluminium box, fitted no closer to the battery than 10mm, will reflect the radiated heat coming from the motor but will allow any heat in the battery to quickly vent off once the motor stops.