LiFePO4 batteries have a lengthy list of benefits that make them the best choice for an RV and many other battery bank applications. Ease of use. Safety. More power!
What else could you want out of your RV batteries? Check out our list of the best RV batteries for the pros and cons. While traditional lead-acid batteries aren’t necessarily known for such things, LiFePO4 batteries are. In fact, they are known for a whole lot more. So let’s dive into why LiFePO4 batteries are your best option.
What is LiFePO4?
LiFePO4 is a newer form of lithium-ion battery solution. This lithium iron phosphate-based solution is inherently non-combustible and allows for a lower energy density, making it a good choice for applications such as an RV battery bank.
How Safe is LiFePO4?
One of the main advantages of LiFePO4 batteries is the safety factor (but it’s still good to have an emergency kit). As mentioned, the solution used to create LiFePO4 batteries is inherently non-combustible, which differentiates them from batteries based on previous lithium-ion technologies that garnered a reputation for having caught fire.
LiFePO4 batteries can also withstand extreme conditions such as freezing cold, intense heat and bouncing along rough terrain. Yes, that means they are boondocking friendly!
Long Lifespan
The lifespan of LiFePO4 batteries is another huge advantage, especially compared to their traditional lead-acid battery counterparts. LiFePO4 batteries typically last upwards of 5,000 cycles at 80-percent discharge. While lead-acid batteries may only last a few hundred cycles at just 50-percent discharge.
In real-world terms, this basically means a LiFePO4 battery will last you around 10 times longer than a lead-acid battery. It will also last about twice as long as most other lithium ion batteries based on different technologies.
No Active Maintenance
Another enticing factor when considering a LiFePO4 battery is that it requires no active maintenance to extend its lifespan. Even a sealed lead-acid battery requires careful monitoring of depth of discharge to try and maximize its lifespan.
Nearly all consumer-ready LiFePO4 batteries come with an integrated Battery Management System (BMS), which maximizes its efficiency and lifespan without you having to lift a finger.
LiFePO4 Batteries are Lightweight
Because these batteries have a higher power density than lead-acid batteries, they can be contained in a smaller, lighter weight product. This is especially beneficial in an RV, where weight is an important consideration for almost any component.
High Efficiency
How LiFePO4 Lithium batteries charge and discharge
LiFePO4 batteries are highly efficient. You can use most of the battery’s capacity without lowering its lifespan or capacity. Lead-acid batteries are typically only able to use about 50-percent of the battery’s capacity before irreversible damage takes place, lowering the battery’s overall capacity.
A LiFePO4 battery also charges much faster than a lead-acid battery.
Being able to use the full capacity of these batteries means you’ll be able to utilize more of their power.
A faster charge time means less time running your generator or less time searching for the sun for your solar panels.
High Discharge Rate
Since a LiFePO4 battery has a high discharge rate, you have more power available to do things like start an engine or run several electrical appliances simultaneously.
This also means that you can run high energy appliances like a microwave or air conditioning unit from LiFePO4 batteries; something which is difficult, if not impossible, with lead-acid batteries.
