FAQs: Lithium batteries

Thinking about lithium batteries for your RV? Read on…

What are lithium batteries?

Lead acid/AGM batteries remain the 12V battery option of choice for the majority of RVS sold today, but lithium systems are gaining in popularity as more specialist companies and RV manufacturers offer ‘turn-key’ solutions.

Unlike the lithium-cobalt type (LiCoO2) used in your mobile phone, the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology used for RV deep-cycle batteries is regarded as a more stable and therefore safer product – so no need to worry about ‘exploding’ batteries on your Big Lap.

The main downside is they’re expensive, but the advantages of being smaller, lighter, more efficient and longer lasting than cheaper, more conventional lead acid/AGM batteries is too tempting for many off-road and remote region travelers.

What are the advantages?

At around a third in size and weight of equivalent lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries make sense if you have limited space in your van or camper, or are looking to shed a few kilos.

Lithium batteries offer quicker charging times (from one to four hours), and should last longer before replacement – up to 3000 cycles (with lithium) compared to 500 cycles (AGM).

They also deliver more than twice the power thanks to their ability to be discharged as low as 20 per cent of their amp-hour capacity; compared to around 70 per cent in a lead acid, gel or AGM battery.

Experts say the lower ‘internal resistance of lithium also means it captures solar energy more effectively than an AGM battery, and is more resistant to moisture.

Lithium systems are also more likely to be compatible with the latest ‘smart’ technology, like being able to monitor your batteries remotely on your smart phone.

Any disadvantages?

While prices are coming down, they’re still a lot more expensive than standard AGM battery systems. For example, Zone RV will replace the standard 120Ah AGM battery in its new Venture caravan with an Enerdrive 200Ah lithium battery with BT monitoring system for an additional $3850.

However, that might be as excessive as it appears considering you’re getting power equivalent to around four 120Ah AGM batteries.

Apart from price, lithium batteries need to be connected to a purpose-designed charger and other ancillaries, limiting their appeal to the DIY and retro-fit markets. Although this is becoming less of an issue with companies like Redarc now offering DC-DC chargers that work with a range of batteries including lithium.

So are they worth getting?

You really have to work out your typical requirements. If you’re mainly a tarmac tourer, spend a lot of time in caravan parks or are rarely off-the grid for more than a few days. Lithium is probably not for you.

It might be cheaper to upspec your existing AGM system with more batteries or solar panels, for example, or look at other cheaper alternatives,

like lead crystal batteries.

Like most state-of-the-art technology, lithium batteries are best installed during the manufacture of the van, so they’re might be added costs for retro-fitting to an older RV.

Are they just for off-road?

With their lower discharge rates, faster recharging and a greater charge cycle life, lithium batteries are most relevant to hard-core off-road campers running big battery systems and inverters that run energy-hungry appliances like large fridge/freezers and air-conditioners.

Those in the know

reckon if you want to run all your 240V appliances, you’ll need at least 300Ah lithium system – the equivalent of six 125Ah AGM batteries. Alternatively, you could look at running a smaller lithium system with more solar panels to keep them charged up.

They’re also a good option for running power-hungry appliances in national parks or other campgrounds where noisy generators aren’t tolerated.

Generally, lithium battery systems are fitted to more expensive models from premium off-road specialists like Bushtracker and Kimberley, where it’s easier for owners to justify the extra cost when the final price tag of the van is already well into six figures.

Who offers them?

Kimberley Kampers was one of the first to offer lithium battery options a few years ago, but now most local manufacturers with off-road models offer an in-house lithium set-up or one using components from after-markets supplier like Enerdrive, Revolution Power Australia and Redarc.

That said, Australia’s biggest RV manufacturer Jayco is yet to offer lithium, despite fitting its off-road suspension to many of the caravans its sells, but that’s likely to change as demand increases

Still confused?

Like ‘smart’ technology and airbag suspension, you don’t need lithium batteries to get out there and fully enjoy Australia’s great countryside. Back in 2015 we estimated around 2500 RVs were fitted with lithium systems, but that’s probably doubled since then. However, it remains a small proportion of the overall market.

In the end, do your homework, talk to the specialists as well as owners who have fitted lithium batteries, and then decide if they’ll pay off for you in the long run…

From time to time Caravancampingsales will be running these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) articles dealing with any of a wide variety of RV topics. Designed to break down often complex subjects into bite-sized pieces, they're aimed at pointing RV travellers from novices to experts in the right direction on any chosen topic.

FAQs: Lithium batteries

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