Safety Article – Jul/Aug 2023

Is a Lithium Battery a Good Choice for You?

By Butch Jones

 

Batteries are becoming more and more important in our everyday lives.  With electric vehicles taking center stage and the advent of Lithium as a component of battery construction, many RVers are looking at making a change on their RVs. There are several types of lithium batteries. Lithium-Ion or more correctly Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is the most common. These have many positive aspects, but are they right for your RV?

 

Before making the change, here are some things to consider. First, there is the cost. LiFePO4 batteries are more expensive, in fact, they can be as much as 4 times as much as a lead acid or AGM battery. Next, LiFePO4 batteries are usually lighter than other batteries. LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged down to 0% capacity. Other batteries can only be discharged to only 50% before recharging is needed. So, there is much to like about the LiFePO4 battery for your RV. Some LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with a Battery Management System which help prevent overcharging, undercharging and prevents charging at temperatures under 32^o.

 

But, before you start the search for new batteries, let’s look at some of the other characteristics of the LiFePO4 battery. These batteries do not like cold weather, and it is not good to charge then at temperatures below 32^o. as damage to the battery can occur. These batteries can also generate heat during usage and charging. Some battery packs in vehicles have heating and cooling systems to control the temperatures. These batteries need to be protected from damage as leaking hazardous fluid can be a problem. Most of us have heard or seen news reports of electric vehicles igniting and the spectacular fires that result. While these do occur, there were roughly 4500 fires per year. While this number seems small the numbers are increasing as the number of EVs sold increases. Battery related fires are dangerous and hard for fire departments to control as the contents of LiFePO4 batteries are known to generate oxygen when heated. This feeds any fire that occurs. This is certainly something to consider. 

 

Charging the LiFePO4 batteries is a bit different than charging other batteries, so a charger for other batteries may not be used with the LiFePO4 batteries. If considering making a change to the LiFePO4 batteries make sure that the Converter, Inverter, and on-board battery changer is compatible with the LiFePO4 batteries. 

 

In summary, LiFePO4 batteries offer many positive things and some negatives, however if you do a lot of boondocking, then it might make sense. However, if most of your RVing is done at campgrounds, it may not be cost effective. If you decide to make the change, carefully research what you may need to change on your RV, if anything, to accommodate the change. Always buy a brand name LiFePO4 battery as cheaper batteries can cause issues, such as leaking, over or undercharging and the fire potential. Make sure all connections are tight and check often, this is also true for any electrical connections. Battery safety is important regardless of which battery system you choose, so be safe.

THINK

SAFETY

EVERYDAY!

 

Wishing everyone safe travels.

Butch Jones, Safety Chairman
FMCA Dogwood Chapter