Lithium-ion leisure batteries

I think I prefer to follow the advice of Allan of aandncaravans , they don’t sell batteries but repair control units and chargers, so their experience carries a lot of weight with me.

http://www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk/lithium-batteries.php

Here is an interesting thread about the advertising claims of transporterenergy,

https://forums.outandaboutlive…-18/50382/

There are of course people who swear by Lithium, such as Phil who owns wildcamping and Motorhomer forums and has fitted and raves about lithium. He is fond of his toys though and has somewhere in the region of 800 watts on his roof and at least 2 large capacity batteries.

Luckily the cost means I don’t have to give it much consideration and I will stick to my Varta 95AH or possibly Exide G80s which seem to last for ever!

Davy

No idea what I'm talking about here but could something be made up from a scrapped Prius battery bank????

There's a lot of info on YouTube about using Prius or tesla battery packs for off grid living or for full time motorhome folks who need serious battery capacity.
Others have stacked 18650 lithium batteries to make up their required voltage bundles.

Getting the batteries seems to be the easy part. Safely charging and controlling the DIY packs seems to be a bit more involved. You'd certainly need to know what you're up to.

You'll find plenty of horror stories about runaway lithium fires.

And what, hot wire it to the camper.
Or do you think he would want one in exchange for doing the work.

I note their negative points, expensive and possible product defects, not good

EV's in California, it's regularly hotter than Spain there

One or two of the more knowledgable and trustworthy members on wildcamping are getting quite interested in these lithium batteries from Alpha batteries who are a pretty reputable supplier.

https://www.alpha-batteries.co…4-battery/

A good price, but not into stock yet. However it is still up for debate as to wether they are simple drop in replacements for lead based batteries. I have read that existing wiring in some vans may not be fit for the higher and faster charge rates associated with Lithium. It would also seem to be the case that a decent MPPT controller is required with the ability to be adjusted for the differing charge rates during the recharging process. This current generation of lithium (lifepro4) seem to be safer and unlikely to catch fire.

The number of charging cycles is shown on the alpha link in proportion to the depth of discharge. Even at 100% it seems that 2000 cycles are achievable compared to the approx 400 of a lead based unit. This particular battery does not have the built in protection against charging at low temperatures which can damage the battery.

Definitely a downward trend in prices but still debatable as to wether it is better to use cheaper Lead based and renew at regular intervals but the future seems promising.

Davy

From what I read you can discharge fully, but 20% seems to be the lowest recommended figure to prolong lifespan. However I am not an expert, just like many mulling over the potential as my current 90 amp AGM is nearing the end of its useful life, but I have no space to put a larger battery in place. My current Varta LFD is regarded as a market leader, but at £177 the idea of lithium is attractive . My 90 amp battery has a usable 45 amps whereas a 100 amp lithium discharged to 20% would give me about 80 amps of usable power. Nearly double. I could put 2 Vartas in which would give me 90 amps of usable power but that would cost about £350 and weigh 4 times a single lithium at £500.

I could of course simply put cheap lead acid starter batteries in at £90 for a 90 amp and replace regularly which I dare say many do, but it is more the convenience that makes me consider lithium. Rather like refillable gas cylinders, expensive to install and a long time paying for them selves, but the convenience of not lifting heavy exchange cylinders about etc

I am kind of trying to justify the expense by kidding myself I saved a load of money this year by not getting my two booked French trips. I am stalled by the uncertainty of the next year, but more concerned in getting my head round what changes I need to make in wiring, controller, etc and finding someone who I would have confidence in who has a sound knowledge of the technology to avoid expensive mistakes.

Davy

Davy

Good question!

Davy