Whether you’re eyeing a fresh 12V leisure battery for your motorhome, campervan, caravan, or boat, or simply aiming to tap into solar panel energy, this article is a must-read. The performance contrast between a cutting-edge Lithium 12V LiFePO4 battery and the conventional lead-acid counterpart is nothing short of remarkable. For those venturing ‘off-grid’ in their leisure vehicle, opting for a Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 battery becomes a compelling choice. With a multitude of advantages, you’ll find yourself wondering why you hadn’t made this switch years ago.
Leisure Batteries play a pivotal role in offering eco-friendly power solutions for a range of ‘Off-Grid’ applications, including Motorhomes, Campervans, Caravans, Yachts, Boats, and even properties utilising Solar Panels to harness and store electricity.
12V LiFePO4 BATTERY technology is more accessible now for the Leisure market, thanks to its widespread integration in electric vehicles. This surge in mass production is gradually making prices more affordable for everyday users. Historically, ‘Off-Grid’ power setups commonly relied on 12V lead-acid deep cycle batteries due to their affordability and availability.
Lead-Acid batteries have dutifully fulfilled their role for over a century. Their affordability has cemented them as the preferred choice in the leisure sector. Yet, these batteries have fallen behind modern alternatives in terms of efficiency. The contents of lead-acid batteries, comprises lead dioxide and sulphuric acid both of which are highly toxic components. Both lead dioxide and sulphuric acid pose significant health and environmental risks. Moreover, deep cycle leisure batteries have the potential to emit dangerous gases during the charging and discharging cycles. The gases emitted be lethal if not properly managed, emphasising the importance of handling and appropriate ventilation. Consequently, Lead-Acid batteries are less than ideal for installation within sleeping quarters of your leisure vehicle.
Sulphation occurs when the electrolyte decomposes into Sulphuric Acid, forming crystals on the lead plates. This process leads to a decrease in the battery’s energy storage capacity. In contrast, 12V LiFePO4 batteries have a remarkable ability: they can be discharged to their full Amp hour (Ah) capacity rating repeatedly, extending over 5000 cycles. This stark difference in performance showcases the exceptional endurance and longevity of LiFePO4 technology.
The introduction of onboard Bluetooth for battery monitoring has revolutionised the use of lithium batteries in off-grid applications like motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. With just a smartphone, users can now access real-time data on battery health, charge levels, and power usage, providing unmatched transparency and control. This innovation eliminates the anxiety and guesswork of wondering whether your battery will last through your trip. By empowering users with instant insights, Bluetooth monitoring ensures confident decision-making, allowing you to focus on your adventures instead of worrying about power supply. It’s a game-changer for off-grid living, bringing convenience and peace of mind to every journey.
LithiumPro batteries all have the SMARTIQ Battery Management software built into the battery enabling you to monitor the state of charge of your battery from the palm of your hand.
It can be downloaded from the Google playstore for Android or the Applestore
Using the latest SMARTIQ technology you can pair your device to the battery to monitor live data. See how many watts you are using or how quickly your solar is charging the battery
Whether your system is connected in SERIES or PARALLEL with our APP you can now monitor all your battery data on a single screen
The BMS Battery Management System controls all battery parameters, and intervenes when required keeping you and your battery safe at all times.
No more guessing - Get live data showing the % State of Charge SOC of your battery. Monitor you solar or alternator charge on the move.
When 12V Lead-Acid leisure batteries are subjected to high loads, they face challenges in maintaining a stable voltage output to power your appliances. These appliances require a regulated 12V supply to operate correctly. As the load on the battery increases, its efficiency decreases, resulting in a significant voltage drop that can go below the 12V threshold. This voltage drop can lead to issues when running modern sensitive electronics. These problems may manifest as appliance shutdowns, intermittent flickering, or abrupt power-offs, affecting the proper operation of your devices.
Inverters are essential for powering 240V devices by drawing energy from your battery. However, they are designed to shut down if there’s significant voltage ripple or a sudden drop in voltage. This is where 12V LiFePO4 batteries excel—they maintain a stable voltage even under heavy loads, right up until 90% of their capacity is used. Only in the final 10% does the voltage gradually drop below 12.8V, offering reliable and consistent performance.
The cycle life of a leisure battery is a critical factor to consider. Lead-Acid and AGM batteries typically offer only 200-400 cycles under ideal lab conditions, and even fewer in real-world use. To avoid permanent cell damage, only half their rated capacity—such as 50Ah from a 100Ah battery—is usable per cycle. This limitation significantly reduces their actual lifespan.
In contrast, 12V LiFePO4 LithiumPro batteries offer exceptional performance. They can be fully discharged without compromising longevity, delivering up to 5,000 cycles. When discharged to just 50% of their capacity, such as 50Ah from a 100Ah battery, they can achieve over 8,000 cycles. This equates to more than 20 years of daily use, even in year-round applications.
BOTH LOOK THE SAME SHAPE AND SIZE. I CONNECT THEM IN THE SAME WAY. SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES....?
Lithium iron phosphate (lifepo4) batteries can produce 5000cycles @ 90% depth of discharge. whilst still retaining up to 80% of their original capacity thereafter. compare this to 200-400 cycles of conventional 12v lead-acid deep cycle batteries.
A 12v lithium leisure battery can discharge 100% using all its stored energy. conventional deep cycle, lead acid batteries discharging below 50% causes permanent cell damage.
Our batteries have undergone rigorous sign-off tests to pass UN38.3 for transportation. They have been subject to Vibration tests, Shock tests, Short Circuit tests, Crushing, Thermal tests, even undergone Altitude training,
All lithium lifepo4 batteries can be recycled and do not contain any gases or sulphuric acid.
If you discharged a 12v lifepo4 battery to 50% every day for 365 days it would give you over 10 years of continuous power.
Unlike with lead acid, a lithium leisure battery does not need maintenance. no more topping up with distilled water
Our 12v lithium plus battery can be charged from flat to full in as little as 1 hours
Our advanced on-board Battery Management System (BMS) Safeguards the battery in case of exceeding usage parameters. When necessary, the BMS automatically shuts down the battery to protect itself.
At 9 kgs our COMPACT Lite battery is the lightest on the market. Weighs less than half the equivalent 12v lead acid, AGM or GEL battery.
Lithium leisure batteries exhibit a low self-discharge rate of less than 3% per month. This means that you can store them for extended periods without the need for frequent charging.
Unlike lead acid batteries, Lithium does not emit harmful TOXIC gases during charging or discharging. You can safely store them inside your vehicle without any health risks.
Our lithiumpro energy® batteries are designed with familiar conventional (SAE) solid brass terminal posts. along with the traditional mounting rails at the base to safely secure the battery.
We use a global DIN standard case, In two sizes H6 and H8 which means they are exactly the same shape and height as your existing AGM battery.
'SO IT CAN DROP STRAIGHT IN'
We use traditional solid Brass terminal posts so you don't have to change your battery connections when fitting LithiumPro battery.
'SO IT CAN DROP STRAIGHT IN'
LithiumPro batteries are compatible with most motorhome chargers, including CBE, Dometic, Sargent, Schaudt, and Victron. Simply select a profile closest to 14.2-14.6V, and your existing charger will work seamlessly. READ MORE HERE
'SO IT CAN DROP STRAIGHT IN'
You don’t need to get creative when installing your LithiumPro battery. With its built-in securing rail at the base, it’s designed to be safely and easily secured in place
'SO IT CAN DROP STRAIGHT IN'
In short, no, it is not compulsory to use a dedicated lithium battery charger to charge LithiumPro batteries. While it is recommended for optimal performance, and preserving the life of your battery it is not essential. Any normal lead-acid battery charger designed to output a Constant Voltage Constant Current (CCCV) charge profile, between 14.2v-14.6v which 95% of chargers do, then this is fine and safe for LithiumPro batteries. However, charging may take a bit longer and be slightly less efficient compared to using a dedicated lithium charger with a LiFePO4 charge profile.
Many battery chargers will have pre-programmed settings for different battery chemistries. For Lithium batteries, select the ‘LiFePO4’ profile or the closest charge profile between 14.2-14.6v.
For those who prefer to upgrade their charging system for more efficient and faster charging, we have provided a list of chargers that are compatible with our lithium batteries.
You can charge your Lithium battery using any or all of the three simple ways listed below:-
1. Harness your alternator’s surplus power to deliver a steady 14.4v charge voltage. Click here for DC-DC Chargers
2. Using a MPPT Solar Charge Controller, you can charge your leisure batteries at a regulated voltage using solar panels ability to harness the suns energy. Click here for Solar Charge Controllers
3 Using a Mains hook-up charger, you can use a domestic 240v electricity supply to charge you leisure batteries via hook-up or shore power. Click here for Mains Chargers
IMPORTANT: When you first receive your battery, fully charge it until you get a ‘Cell Over Voltage’ (COV) notification. This indicates the battery is fully charged. Then, complete a full discharge until you get a ‘Cell Under Voltage’ (CUV) notification, showing the battery is fully discharged. This process allows your Battery Management System (BMS) to calibrate the State of Charge (SOC) in your app. The BMS will then learn to provide more accurate data, understanding both the 0% and 100% charge parameters.
Your Lithium Battery with a Constant Current Constant Voltage charger CCCV with a LiFePO4 charging profile.
Absorption should be set to 14.2-14.6v
Float should be set to 13.5-13.9v
De-sulfation/Equalisation should be switched off
It is recommended to charge your battery at ≤0.5C (0.5 times the battery’s rated capacity). For instance, if the battery has a capacity of 100Ah, the recommended charging current would be ≤50 amps. Please observe the maximum charging capacity listed on your battery.
The more powerful the charger the quicker it will charger you battery, so the higher the Amperage of the charger the quicker it will charger.
Our recommendations
Batteries under 100ah – use a 20A charger – this should take 5 hours to charger from empty
Batteries over >150ah – use a 30A charger – This should take 5 hours to charge
Larger batteries over 250ah – use multiple charging sources to replenish your battery. Solar, Alternator and Mains. Using your vehicles surplus power to charge your large battery is very efficient. You will need to fit a DC-DC Charger, also know as a battery to battery charger.
Most Victron chargers already have a Lithium charging profile. However, should you wish to personalise your settings, please use the following;
Absorption voltage: 14.4V
Absorption time: Recommended setting is half an hour per 100ah of LiFePO4 battery (for example if you have 2x 150ah batteries select 90mins).
Float Voltage: 13.5V
Equalisation voltage: This must be disabled on all Lithium batteries as this can damage the battery with pulses of high voltages. This is designed for lead acid batteries to add with desulfation.
Temperature compensation: This should also be disabled on Lithium batteries.
Charged Voltage: This is where your battery is considered fully charged – Lithium batteries should be set to 14.4V for Victron equipment.
Low Temperature cut-off: The Drift batteries have low temperature charging protection built into the battery. You can leave this off.
Discharge Floor: 0%
Tail Current: This is the minimum current at which the Smart Shunt considers charging or discharging finished. We recommend 4%.
Peukert Exponent: Not required – this is for Lead Acid batteries.
Yes our DIN Series batteries are all ‘Drop-In’ Lead-Acid replacements. They are exactly the same size and shape as your old Lead-Acid batteries with the exact same terminal posts, so there is not need to change your electrical connections. You can even use you existing charger in most cases. They even have the base rail at the base to safely secure your battery in place. No need to look for inventive ways to strap a chinese replacement battery down. Click here for ‘Drop-In’ replacement batteries.
Yes, all LithiumPro Energy batteries can be connected in Series or Parallel up to a maximum of 4 units. Our SMARTIQ BMS APP with also be able to display your battery system as a whole in both Series or Parallel configurations.
WARNING: Never connect Lithium batteries of different brands, capacities, or ages together. All brands have unique Battery Management Systems (BMS), and mixing can cause imbalances in charging or discharging, potentially leading to overheating and premature failure. NOTE: Always fully charge each battery separately before connecting them in series or parallel. LithiumPro batteries can be configured as follows:
For series configuration, ensure each battery is charged to within 0.05V of each other to prevent imbalances.
For parallel configurations, use cables that are as short and identical in length as possible; batteries naturally equalise in voltage when connected this way.
Lithium batteries are extremely reliable technology. If cared for and looked after according to the manufacturers guidelines you should still be using your battery in 10+ years time. LithiumPro Energy only use traceable Grade-A Prismatic cell technology in all of their batteries which are capable of over 4000-8000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. Meaning if used every day it will last between 11 -21 years, and still retain 80% of their rated capacity. We are so confident of all our batteries they are covered by our comprehensive 5 year manufacturers warranty.
Yes, you can safely discharge your Lithium Battery down to temperatures as low as -20ºc However, Lithium batteries cannot be charged in temperatures below zero unless they have heaters embedded within the battery. All LithiumPro Batteries have a safety feature built into the battery to prevent it charging below 0ºc. If you are using one of our SMARTIQ or SMARTCOMM SERIES batteries they are fitted with self-heating technology as standard Click here to see our ARCTICXTREME V2 Battery designed for charging in colder climates.
Yes, our SMARTCOMM range have been exclusively designed to fit under the front seat of your motorhome or campervan. You can chose from the UK’s most powerful 175AH DIN H8 ArcticXtreme V2 battery, or the UK’s safest and most powerful seat base battery ever the advanced 280ah SEATBASE. You can even fit 2 in parallel for 300AH under the seat of Fiat Ducatos, Peugeot Boxers, Citroen Relays, Merc Sprinter, VW T6, VW Crafter, Transit Custom. Click here to see installation guide.
Yes, our SMARTCOMM range have been exclusively designed to fit under the front seat of your motorhome or campervan. You can chose from the UK’s most powerful 175AH DIN H8 ArcticXtreme V2 battery, or the UK’s safest and most powerful seat base battery ever the advanced 280ah SEATBASE. You can even fit 2 in parallel for 300AH under the seat of Fiat Ducatos, Peugeot Boxers, Citroen Relays, Merc Sprinter, VW T6, VW Crafter, Transit Custom. Click here to see installation guide.
When connecting batteries together for communication via CANbus ports, use standard RJ45 cable to link them and terminate last battery with the RJ45 termination plug provided. See diagram here.
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