Towne continued to explain that there have been some concerns about lithium batteries being susceptible to potential fires. This means they can always attain a full charge even during unfavorable weather conditions. “They also charge more quickly by solar energy, which means RVers don’t have to connect to shore power quite as long or even run a generator for long periods.”Īdditionally, if RVers have a high output alternator in their RV, lithiums charge in a few hours while traveling. “The power per cubic foot is much higher with lithium batteries over AGM batteries and the power per pound is much higher,” says Towne. Options are plentiful when it comes to choosing power or a solar system for your rig. Easy placement: Lithium batteries come in a variety of configurations to accommodate tight confines of RVs.Efficient charge/discharge: Lithium batteries can charge to almost nearly 100 percent efficiency.No voltage sag: A lithium battery at 20 percent can deliver the same output voltage as it would at 80 percent (with no noticeable effects in lower power).Extended lifespan: Lithium batteries can last up to three times as long as AGM batteries (or more than 75 percent of its capacity after 2000 cycles).Other advantages of this solar power solution: Essentially, the more amps hours that are needed to run high-power appliances, the larger the lithium battery bank an RV needs. Larger class A motorhomes need a lithium battery bank with approximately 800 amp hours. According to Towne, an ideal battery bank solution for a Sprinter van can be anywhere from 100 to 200 amps of energy, while some mid-sized Class C models require approximately 400 amp hours. Nonetheless, capacities of lithium batteries vary from rig to rig. In this case, an RVer wouldn’t really have to worry about power.” “As an example, a Sprinter van with a 200-amp hour lithium battery bank, when fully charged, can easily run all appliances, including a mini-fridge, microwave, the LED lights, laptops, and other electronics. “Lithium batteries can put out a lot more currents than lead-acid batteries,” says Towne. AGM batteries, however, require approximately 300 amp hours for this type of load. Microwaves or other RV appliances, for example, can work quite easily off of a 60-amp hour battery. They also discharge a relatively constant voltage. However, lithiums can draw power from as low as 80 percent of usage before needing a charge. For example, users can typically use approximately 50 percent of the power from an AGM battery before recharging. While AGM (or lead-acid) batteries are a viable alternative, lithium batteries have additional advantages. In even simpler terms, the lithium batteries effectively store solar power from the sun and act as an energy buffer in an RV. Lithium batteries can charge to almost nearly 100 percent efficiency.
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