Lithium batteries

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 14, 2019 at 23:04
ThreadID: 137811 Views:8859 Replies:10 FollowUps:5
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I am currently looking into lithium batteries as an option for the new 4WD that I am putting together. They will be housed in a removable canopy on the back of a Ute and so far Enerdrive and revolution appear to be two of the better known brands. Do any of the members have experience with either of these brands and able to share what they have learnt.
Glenmac
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Reply By: duck - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 07:35

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 07:35
Glenn
I have used Enerdrive many times in campers & boats that i have manufactured without any problems
Make Sure the removable connection between Car & camper is up to the job, I have seen a lot of rough back yard fit ups were this has caused the problems, on the other hand some of the best fit ups I have seen have been by the owners them self
Go Lithium,at present its the best way to go, My own camper is old school but when I get back from this next trip I will change over to Lithium, saving about 80kgs in weight let alone let alone the weight from my wallet (lol)
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Reply By: Iza B - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 07:37

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 07:37
Fusion is a well reported brand and at attractive prices at the moment. Batteries from iTechworld are a popular buy for some looking for a drop in solution for existing systems.

Prices for Li seem to be on the way down.

Iza
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 14:36

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 14:36
I am using a 120ah from Itechworld performing well so far but early days. It's hard to get a straight answer on quality differences. Victron are making some noise's about a brand called "Battle Born" . Fusion seem well represented.

https://battlebornbatteries.com/
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Reply By: Phil B (WA) - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 13:10

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 13:10
Glenn, I don't know what state you live in, this mob is WA based. I've had their 100amp package for about 6 months, thrilled to bits with it.
Be warned quality Lithium packages aren't cheap.

Lithium Batteries
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 14:23

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 14:23
Hi Phil, Do you mind me asking how much you paid for the 100 A/Hr unit, & do you happen to know how much the 160 A/hr unit sells for?

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Follow Up By: Phil B (WA) - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 23:45

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 23:45
Hi Macca, Sorry cant help with price on 160AH unit.

My kit is a 100AH system, what’s in the black box?
• 100a/h lithium (LiFePO4) battery with cell balancing and protection.
• REDARC 1240d BCDC 40amp dual input battery charger with MPPT solar input.
• Victron BMV-712 Smart meter.
• Numerous Anderson, cigarette lighter, USB, merit, Engel fridge plugs and outlets.
• Anderson plug inputs for engine and solar charging and cables and fuses.
• All in a box 10mm thick high-density polyethylene box.

The cost was $3000 plus.
Here’s a breakdown: Victron meter $350+, the REDARC 1240d approx. $600, LiFePO4 100a/h battery at around $1,300, plus box, fuses, wiring, various outlet fused plugs etc, you quickly reach $3,000.
Yes there are cheaper systems out there; but are they the full package and all neat in one box. I wasn’t going to sacrifice a cheap price for durability, reliability and quality components.
The supplier must be doing something right he battles to keep up with orders.


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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 08:01

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 08:01
Thanks for the info Phil, yes it is expensive. I have 2 x 150 A/Hr AGM batteries in the caravan, with 300 Watts of Solar on the roof, & 2 x 120 Watt folding panels, and was thinking of upgrading with 2 x 150 A/Hr Lithium batteries. It may be cost prohibitive. I was looking at the Enerdrive systems. We free camp quite a lot, sometimes staying in the same place for a week or more.

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Reply By: Keith B2 - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 17:48

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 17:48
I bought two 200AH units from EV Power in WA for about from memory $1575 each plus freight. The BMS, which is mandatory, added about $200 for the pair.
Great bloke to deal with but do send your enquiry by email. good support for the product.

His batteries run on 14.2-14.4 bulk charge and 13.6-13.8 float which means that a lot of charging setups will suit them.

Keith
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Reply By: PWS - Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 22:54

Friday, Feb 15, 2019 at 22:54
Glenn....I have had the fusion 200ah lithium battery for about 12 months now which runs my 85lt ever cool fridge and an Engle 20 lt which I use as a freezer also it powers my 2000watt inverter....very happy with its performance so far I’ve got a 260 watt solar panel which keeps it topped up when I’m camped in one spot.l love how fast the lithium batteries recharge compared to the agm batteries

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Reply By: Glenn M8 - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 07:06

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 07:06
Thanks to those that have responded. Looks like Fusion is another brand to add to my selection options.
Glenmac
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Reply By: HKB Electronics - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 10:07

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 10:07
Just be wary that some of the drop in units aren't designed to be used in parallel configuration, and wasn't it enerdrive that had a video stating the same for there's?

If you go that path then you need one unit with the total Ah required.

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Follow Up By: Member - Racey - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 10:18

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 10:18
Yes you're right no series or parallel connections.
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Reply By: Rob A2 - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 12:42

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 12:42
Revolution is one you mentioned. We have used theirs in our Ultimates for several years now with no problems at all. As well REDARC offer several charger options to suit

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Reply By: Glenn M8 - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 19:00

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 19:00
Once again, thank you to all of those that have replied. The Enerdrive certainly can’t be connected in either series or parallel. However, I called into the Revolution distributor and spoke to them about their batteries. The internal BMS of these allows for a parallel connection to be made, so I can start with 1 x 100 amp hr and the add to it as needed. Unlike AGM and other brands of lithium this can be done even after the first battery has been installed. They cost a bit more but this type of functionality allows for a gradual build as needed. If anyone has any other thoughts on this it would be appreciated.
Glenmac
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Reply By: graeme w9 - Saturday, Feb 23, 2019 at 20:12

Saturday, Feb 23, 2019 at 20:12
Hi Glen. i have also purchased from itech world in perth. 4 120 amp lithiums with inbuilt bms. .Two have been installed in our van and the other two will be installed under the tray of a new hilux extra cab with two 160 watt panel and managed by the new redark bcdc1250d which is a new 50 amp charger that has smarts that allow it to choose the panels or alternator when driving. The jurys still out on lithium life. According to them itech , they have got at least 2000 total discharges. Time will tell. Mine are unlikely to get below 50% discharge. Redark recommend 6 b&s from the engine bay and then i will use 8 b&s for the rest, running fridges etc and from the panels to bcdc.

cheers Graeme.
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