Forum Discussion

Explorer

Mar 12, 2015

Use of LiFePo4 batteries in RV?

Dear all,

I have been conducting researches for a project with a European company. They start thinking about developing a LiFePo4 battery pack which would be used to replace lead acid batteries.

I tried to find more information about this kind of products here in the USA, but I haven’t found many companies who offer this kind of product, at least assembled.

All I can find are LIFEPO4 battery cells with adapters or batteries for bikes/scooters (10 or 20 AH).

It is much more expensive but has more capacity, is much more eco-friendly and has around 2000 charges cycles.

I was wondering why no one seems to be offering it for RV: is it something people would want?

Someone did a cost analysis which put LIFEPO4 batteries ahead of classical lead acid ones.

http://www.technomadia.com/2011/11/lithium-update-3-lithium-battery-cost/
I am not trying to sell those batteries, I was just wondering if the extra autonomy they provide is something RV owners do not really need, or if it’s just a cost issue.

I’ll be happy to get your comments and insights!

Loic

I do not want to appear to advertise for that company so I do not enclose any names.

Seeking Advice

13 Replies

jauguston
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
FLA batteries have been the standard for a very long time and have worked well. Now we have available AGM batteries that come with the same dimensions as the commonly used 6v golf cart batteries (I have 6 of those)that have a longer life and will accept a very fast charge although there is a higher cost. Those two options will cover the RV market well for a long time. Until those batteries demonstrate that they are a viable finantially practical option I can't see them finding their way into the RV market in any kind of a large scale.

Jim
dons2346
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
Here is some more Lipro batteries http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/smartlist_131/lithium_batteries.html
mlts22
Explorer II
Mar 12, 2015
Advanced RV is doing this commercially in their class "B" products, using Silverleaf controllers.

The problem with lithium based batteries is that it requires a sophisticated charging/discharging controller. I can't just hook up two MPPT controllers, a converter for 120VAC, then some loads to the terminals, unless I wanted to deal with a "runaway thermal expansion process"... i.e. an explosion.

They are used, but are just too expensive for all but the highest end applications.