Frequently Asked Questions
Are your batteries safe, is there a fire risk?:
Our batteries utilize an ultra safe battery chemistry called Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). This chemistry varies from Lithium-Ion, in that it is safe from thermal runaway events. LiFePO4 chemistry batteries do not create excessive heat when discharged or charged too fast unlike their Lithium-Ion counterparts. Additionally, we use the highest grade battery management system that is constantly monitoring battery parameters such as temperature, current, and voltage and will shut down and disable charging/discharging if limits are exceeded.
Can your batteries be used for engine starting?:
The simple answer to this question is no. our battery specifications have been carefully designed for deep-cycle use. the complications with using lithium batteries for engine starting are due to the higher voltage required for charging, as well as the extremely high amperage required to start bigger engines. some engine starters can pull an excess of 600 amps from the battery during cranking.
What are the benefits of using a Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery over a traditional lead acid or AGM battery?:
There are quite a few benefits of using lithium over a traditional lead acid or AGM type battery;
Weight - Lithium batteries typically weigh 60-70% less, so if you replace 3 group 31 lead acid batteries that weigh 70 lbs. each, and replace with 3x 100AH batteries you would be saving close to 138lbs, while increasing your runtime and avoid replacing them every 3-5 years.
Capacity - Lithium batteries carry a higher voltage for longer, meaning you get more power, all the way down to empty. unlike lead acid batteries which drop quickly in voltage as the power is consumed. this provides consistent motor or device power, all the way down to empty.
Charging - 5X faster charging compared to lead acid or AGM batteries.
Longer Lasting - Our Lithium Iron Phosphate cells have a life cycle of around 3000-5000 cycles, compared to around 500-800 for lead acid or AGM.
Zero Maintenance - No checking water levels, or messy filling every few months, No battery tenders needed. Out lithium batteries have a voltage drop of around 3% per month, meaning they can remain sitting, without the worry, and be ready for the next mission when you need them.
How long will your batteries last on my trolling motor?:
There are many variables to consider that may effect how long your battery lasts, the higher speed your motor turns, the more amperage is required, or the heavier your vessel is, the more power will be required to keep the trolling motor anchored or moving. the attached chart shows the max amperage draw for Minn-Kota trolling motors ( at max speed ), and can be used as a baseline reference for other trolling motors. as you can see, if we ran an 80lb thrust motor for one hour at maximum motor speed, we would consume 56 amp-hours from our battery. the good news is typically when using spot-lock, or slow trolling, we are not using full motor speed, and the amp draw is much lower. additionally, newer trolling motors featuring brushless motors, are much less power hungry.
This is a hard question to answer with certainty, however, from our own experience on the water, and our customers, we have a rough estimate when it comes to usable hours and amp-hours.
50AH - Typically 6-8 hours of normal Spot Lock use (Full Day)
60AH - Typically 8-11 hours of normal Spot Lock use (Full Day +)
100AH - Typically 10-14 hours of normal Spot Lock use (Two Days)
Any Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) compatible battery charger will work with our batteries, you do not have to use our brand chargers, We do recommend using Energy Works, Minn-Kota, NOCO or Victron chargers for single or multi bank systems, these are chargers we, as well as our customers have had good experiences with.
A full line of chargers we offer for sale can be found here.
What Chargers can i use with your batteries?
How many batteries can i place in series or parallel?
All of 12V batteries can be operated in series or parallel with up to four batteries. Our 24V and 36V batteries can be operated in parallel only with up to four batteries, and our 48V batteries can not be paralled or series connected.
Can i use your batteries in below freezing temperatures?
Yes, our batteries can used and discharged up to -4 degrees F, or -20 degrees C. Charging however is limited to 32 degrees F, or 0 degrees C, Charging lithium iron phosphate batteries below these temperatures can cause irreversible damage to the cells and is therefore limited by the BMS. The battery will automatically detect and limit charging at below zero temperatures. if charging batteries below zero we recommend using an aftermarket battery heater.
If you have any other questions about our products, compatibility or install tips, feel free to contact us:
(561) 359-8188 M-F 9AM - 5PM sales@energyworks-usa.com