Good Resource for Lithium Battery Reviews

[Linhardt]

I have been watching this YouTube channel of this younger guy that really knows his stuff when it comes to Lithium batteries as well as solar charging systems.

He thoroughly tests all the latest and greatest products by using in his own systems and solar arrays, taking them apart to look and test each part to see if they work as described, etc.  He also does a lot of time trials where he uses the systems hard for good lengths of time just to see how they hold up.  He is very informative and have enjoyed learning from him.

I know I do not have any skin the the game for lithium batteries except for a few flashlight batteries but I still try to keep on top of things.  At some point I will be able to find my retirement boat and will be needing good batteries for trolling motor, electronics, etc.

Anyway this might interest some on here of a review he had just done on a $369 Li Time 12V LiFePO4 Battery.  His review is pretty thorough.  You might also check out some of his other stuff.  He test lots of different batteries at different price points.  And is also really good at off-grid or connected to grid solar systems.

$369 Li Time 12V LiFePO4 Battery! 300-500A Surge?! Low Temp Protection?!

[fishinwrench]

Made me nervous just watching him.   I'm afraid that fella is gonna blow his face off, or burn his house down if he keeps that up.

I've seen the results of several lithium battery meltdowns.....and when that happens I don't wanna be anywhere near it.    What would REALLY suck is to be on a boat in the middle of a lake during the winter, and have one of those batteries start sizzling.     I mean, whattaya gonna do ?  😳  

Pretty sure that one breath of that toxic smoke would end your life.   

[Maverickpro201]

No Lithium's in my boat. Just Walmart, because they last and there are walmarts everywhere if there is a problem.

[snagged in outlet 3]

30 minutes ago, Maverickpro201 said:

No Lithium's in my boat. Just Walmart, because they last and there are walmarts everywhere if there is a problem.

I bought a Walmart cranker because it was on sale.   That thing has performed better than Duracell and pro guides.   I’m not sold on lithium yet.   Tempting though.  Especially in a river jet.  

[Orey10m]

On 8/16/2023 at 2:32 PM, fishinwrench said:

Made me nervous just watching him.   I'm afraid that fella is gonna blow his face off, or burn his house down if he keeps that up.

I've seen the results of several lithium battery meltdowns.....and when that happens I don't wanna be anywhere near it.    What would REALLY suck is to be on a boat in the middle of a lake during the winter, and have one of those batteries start sizzling.     I mean, whattaya gonna do ?  😳  

Pretty sure that one breath of that toxic smoke would end your life.   

Wow really ? I didn't know this was an issue with lithium. I am considering adding a lithium battery and electric outboard for my boat. 

[grizwilson]

23 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I bought a Walmart cranker because it was on sale.   That thing has performed better than Duracell and pro guides.   I’m not sold on lithium yet.   Tempting though.  Especially in a river jet.  

Lithium is not a good mix with the ulterra on my river jet, while lighter when the voltage drops, the battery still has lots, but the ulterra sense the drop and would not deploy until I recharged.  Went back to AGM(i don;t like to add water to batteries)

[Dutch]

If you own a Minn Kota trolling motor and have lithiums the company says not to run it on high due to higher voltage from lithiums which can cause damage.  That doesn’t seem to be the case with the new brushless models.

[snagged in outlet 3]

My two troller batteries this time are pro guides.  I just keep the water up and replace every two years per advice from @fishinwrench    No problems and everything works as it should.   I’ve had the ultrex since 2017.   Works like a dream even with 4 units on Taney at tge wire.  

[grizwilson]

23 hours ago, grizwilson said:

Lithium is not a good mix with the ulterra on my river jet, while lighter when the voltage drops, the battery still has lots, but the ulterra sense the drop and would not deploy until I recharged.  Went back to AGM(i don;t like to add water to batteries)

On another note, IF the Ulterra will not stow, due to power issues, DO NOT follow the instructions in the manual, which will require authorized service.  The thing is only held on with 4 machine screws, pop the side caps and take it off.  When power is restored all is well.  

[MrGiggles]

I bought a couple salvaged 40ah Valence batteries to try out on my Terrova. They're used in medical equipment for power outages and stuff, supposedly low cycles but who knows. 

Lithium manufacturers say that a lithium is comparable to a lead acid that has twice the capacity, because you can discharge a lithium near 100%, and you should only discharge a lead acid to 50-60%. I was always pretty skeptical, and could never find out if lead acid batteries are rated with that taken into consideration, or if you really only got 50ah out of a 100ah battery. 

Regardless, I took the plunge anyway and bought four 40ah lithiums, hoping to only need two while keeping the others in reserve if needed. I had Everstart 29DCs previously which are supposed to be a little over 100ah.

I have been pleasantly surprised, haven't ran them dead yet. I installed a battery meter at the same time and noted a current draw of 5-8 amps at speeds I typically use, so 8+ hours of run time in those conditions. No voltage drop so the motor is stronger and never drops off. I had already upgraded my charger last year to a Noco, so charging is no extra hassle. Overall I'm very pleased, and should be set for a long time.