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.
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 play a crucial role in supplying power to 240V loads by drawing energy from your battery. However, their design incorporates a shutdown mechanism triggered by voltage ripple or abrupt declines in voltage. When using 12V LiFePO4 batteries it introduces a transformative attribute: the capability to sustain consistent voltage stability even when handling substantial loads, enduring through 90% of its capacity. The voltage only begins a gradual descent below 12.8V in the final 10% phase.”
“Significance of Cycle Life in Leisure Battery Selection Cannot Be Overlooked. Cycle life remains notably limited in Lead-Acid or AGM batteries, typically ranging between 200-400 cycles in controlled lab conditions. This number can further dwindle in real-world usage scenarios. Merely half of their specified amp hour capacity, say 50Ah out of 100Ah, is actually usable in each cycle to prevent permanent cell damage. This usage pattern drastically shortens their advertised cycle life expectancy. In sharp contrast, a 12V LiFePO4 battery showcases remarkable capabilities. It can be discharged to its full rated capacity while still maintaining an impressive life expectancy of 5000 cycles. Notably, if using only 50% of its rated capacity, such as a discharge of 50 amps, can yield over 8000 cycles. This translates to over 20 years of usage, even in a scenario of year-round daily operation.”
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 its tray.
With the familiar SAE Brass terminal connections on our SMARTIQ SERIES Lithium leisure batteries there is no need for you to change your existing wiring or battery connection leads. We’ve also retained the base rail for securing into your vehicle just the same as your old battery.
JUST remove your old Lead Acid battery and drop in the new lithium replacement.
LITHIUM PRO ENERGY is Licenced Producer of Batteries in the UK BPRN09101
CALL 07400 787 282
LITHIUMPRO ENERGY LTD
Company No. 13386185
VAT GB441069218
