Thread: lithium 12v car batteries

Hi again Eevo, there is no reason why all "NEW" deep cycle lead acid batteries can not be safely discharged down to 20% SoC. This is one of the myths put forward by those selling Lithium batteries.

The lead acid battery is NOT going to last as long as the lithium but using a Yellowtop, you can use every bit of the alternators capacity to recharge a Yellowtop. This means no special current controlling.

Whereas, most lithium batteries have some form of charge and/or discharger limitation.

This means some special electronic control is needed and that just adds to the cost and complexity of an RV type setup.

One more point, already covered, but I will expand on it, and that is the charging of a lead acid battery is not voltage sensitive in that any voltage between 13.5 to 14.7 will EVENTUALLY fully charge the battery.

Many lithium batteries are voltage sensitive and the lower the charge voltage is, the less capacity you end up charging, and this may be a problem for the longevity of lithium batteries.

Eevo, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to start a ****ing competition, I just like to have both sides of the story before I decide whether something is as good as the hype makes out.

As posted earlier in this thread, IMO, at this time, lithium batteries are still not, in most applications, as viable as the standard lead acid battery and do not perform as favourably as an Optima Yellowtop can, in RV usage.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi again Eevo, there is no reason why all "NEW" deep cycle lead acid batteries can not be safely discharged down to 20% SoC. This is one of the myths put forward by those selling Lithium batteries.

well actually ive heard 50% DOD being a good number for years. way before i heard of LiFePO4. many forums, including this one use 50% as a guide.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Whereas, most lithium batteries have some form of charge and/or discharger limitation.

are you able to expand on this? so far what ive read says very high charge rates. same with discharge, ie, can provide most of its energy in a short time if needed.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

This means some special electronic control is needed and that just adds to the cost and complexity of an RV type setup.

i suspect this too, but i cant find any info on it. and manufactures are advertising the batteries as "drop in" which seems like the opposite of special controls needed.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

One more point, already covered, but I will expand on it, and that is the charging of a lead acid battery is not voltage sensitive in that any voltage between 13.5 to 14.7 will EVENTUALLY fully charge the battery.

no disagreement here

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Many lithium batteries are voltage sensitive and the lower the charge voltage is, the less capacity you end up charging, and this may be a problem for the longevity of lithium batteries.

this is a good point, but as long as your charging system is up to spec, I can't see a problem.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Eevo, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to start a ****ing competition, I just like to have both sides of the story before I decide whether something is as good as the hype makes out.

i dont see this as a ****ing match at all. im quite open to hearing your thoughts & ideas. i too am interested in hearing all the negatives. so far ive got FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) or just plain misinformation.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

As posted earlier in this thread, IMO, at this time, lithium batteries are still not, in most applications, as viable as the standard lead acid battery and do not perform as favourably as an Optima Yellowtop can, in RV usage.

i would call current LiFePO4 batteries a first gen technology. i just like looking at new technology and i can see potential.

Originally Posted by harro

Very interesting topic.
I purchased one of these the other day mainly as a backup start battery but it has lots of other uses.
38000mAh Auto CAR Jump Starter Power Bank Battery Charger Laptop Mobile Phone | eBay

A mate has a smaller version which he can start his 80 series cruiser with (diesel).

I haven't tested it yet but it is rated to start diesels.

Paul.

Interesting product, but those battery leads look small, not sure if they'd handle 500 amps, which is what my Isuzu pulls when cranking.
The specs dont mention how many amps the thing can deliver either.
I suppose if used to jump an existing battery which had some charge it might do the job, depending on how flat the jumped battery was.

Originally Posted by mark2

The specs dont mention how many amps the thing can deliver either.

same device was recently on zazz.com.au


Jump starting capability - 600A peak output!
https://zazz.com.au/daily/thingy/11347

I use a 550cca for 5 seconds rated lithium pack as a backup. I run an ironman fridge off the main battery...it has voltage sensing cut outs but still nice to have a little backup pack. The little pack will run the 40l fridge for 8 hours too so slip it into the side pocket of the fridge bag and run it all day at the park...

Cheers

While lithium look to have potential I can't see why I would pay twice as much as an AGM for a lithium of lower capacity for a deep cycle function such as powering a fridge.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

All Batteries have pro's and con's.....

The main pro for lithium is there smaller size for amp hour output, on the other hand the big con is the initial cost... Lithium battery will also out live most other batteries, thus equaling out the initial cost.

I use a 180AH lithium in my caravan and it does the job of 2 AGMs with a hell of a weight reduction.

Battery shops (in fact any shop) want to sell you what they have in stock so they tell you what you want to hear, do your research and then go buy.