At Battle Born Batteries, we harness the power of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) to bring off-grid battery systems that are powerful, have no maintenance, are stable, and are highly efficient to the market. Our lithium batteries, power kits, and accessories are tailored for marine, trolling motor, RV, van, off-grid, and solar integration. Here, you’ll learn about the significant benefits of these solutions, best practices for charging lithium batteries, and how LiFePO4 units can benefit your wallet and the environment.

The Battle Born Difference

Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries offer more advantages than any other type. They’re significantly lighter, so you can eliminate up to 70% of battery weight off your boat. LiFePO4 marine batteries also provide the same output at 50% and 100% charges. This means your equipment or trolling motor will work as well at the end of the day as it does at the start.

Other benefits of Battle Born lithium marine batteries include:

• Longer lifespan: Where lead acid marine batteries typically only last 1-3 years, lithium-ion batteries have a much longer lifespan, 5-10 years.
• Fast charging: Lithium batteries charge up to five times faster than lead-acid batteries, making them more efficient and convenient.
• High energy density: Lithium batteries store more energy in a smaller package. Specifically, they weigh about a fifth as much as lead-acid batteries for the same amount of usable power. They can also provide 2-3 times more power in the same space.
• Low maintenance and improved safety: Lithium-ion batteries are essentially maintenance-free. They’re non-toxic, safer than lead acid, and recyclable.
• Optimal performance in harsh conditions: Internally heated LiFePO4 battery packs utilize a proprietary, low-power technology that keeps the lithium batteries at an optimal charging temperature, even in freezing conditions.

Battle Born Batteries can be wired in series to power 12V, 24V, 36V, or 48V systems. You can also wire them in parallel for increased power output. What’s more, we’ve designed LiFePO4 batteries to be drop-in replacements for standard lead-acid batteries. Such easy installation is ideal for hassle-free upgrades.

Charging Lithium Batteries: Best Practices for Longer Battery Life

LiFePO4 batteries are known for their exceptional stability. They maintain a consistent voltage output during discharge and can withstand more than 4,000 charge-discharge cycles with minimal degradation, a lifespan far greater than that of many other battery types.

Even indaily use, LiFePO4 batteries can last more than a decade. This extended lifespan is due to the battery’s robust chemistry, which minimizes degradation over time. The longevity of LiFePO4 batteries reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowering long-term costs and environmental impact.

Storing and Charging Lithium Batteries Safely

The following charging and storage best practices can optimize your LiFePO4 marine battery’s performance and longevity:

• Charge the battery to 100% before storing it.
• Don’t let your battery sit at a low charge for extended periods. This can degrade the battery over time. If possible, try to keep it above 20%.
• Store the marine battery in a cool, low-moisture environment. Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can damage the battery. Aim for a storage temperature between 32°F to 77°F.
• Check the battery’s charge level periodically during storage and top it up if it drops below 80%. This will help maintain battery health.
• Never charge a frozen battery. Instead, let it warm to room temperature before charging.
• Don’t continue to use swollen batteries.
• Only use chargers made specifically for LiFePO4 batteries. This ensures charging at the correct voltage and current levels.
• Keep the battery terminals and casing clean and dry. Dirt and moisture can cause corrosion and electrical problems. Inspect the battery for damage or wear, and clean it with a dry cloth if needed.

Different Ways to Charge Your Marine Batteries

With fast charging times and multiple recharge options, keeping lithium batteries powered for a day or more on the water is easy.

Shore Power

Lead acid batteries can take 10 hours to charge, but charging lithium batteries at a boat slip takes significantly less time. They also won’t suffer damage if not fully charged. These batteries have a greater depth of discharge so you can stay away from shore for longer periods.

Before connecting your boat to the slip, do a few safety inspections. Carefully inspect the shore power cord and dock pedestal outlet. Ensure the components are marine-grade and the wiring is in good condition, without chafing, cracks, or improper repairs. If you notice any issues, don’t use that outlet.

Consider investing in a smart plug device. Before connecting your boat, these plugs can detect and warn you of any electrical problems, such as shorts, reverse polarity, or wiring defects. This can help prevent potential damage or safety hazards.

Solar Panels

Charging a marine battery with solar panels is a convenient and eco-friendly option. With the right solar setup on your vessel, you can keep your marine batteries charged without relying on shore power or the boat’s engine. Here are some key considerations:

• Size the solar panel(s) appropriately for your battery bank. You’ll want a solar panel that can provide enough power to recharge your batteries, even on cloudy days fully.
• A solar charge controller is used to regulate the voltage and current going to the batteries. This prevents overcharging and ensures the batteries are charged efficiently.
• Position the solar panel(s) for optimal sun exposure.
• Keep the solar panels clean and debris-free to maintain maximum power output.
• Monitor the battery voltage to ensure the solar panels adequately charge the batteries.

The Boat’s Alternator

Recharging with your boat’s engine is effective, but it requires proper precautions. Without the necessary monitoring equipment and accessories, alternator charging can be hazardous. If the lithium batteries trigger a system shutdown during the charging process, it can severely damage the boat’s alternator and electrical system.

Ensure the alternator is appropriately sized so the battery bank gets the most efficient charge. An undersized alternator may not be able to charge the batteries fully. Use an isolator or battery separator to prevent the starting battery from being drained by the house batteries while charging.

We also offer a superior solution for alternator charging – the Wakespeed WS500 Pro Bluetooth® Alternator Regulator. The WS500 is built on the proven foundation of the WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator, utilizing current, voltage, and temperature to deliver the safest and most effective charging possible for 12V, 24V, and 48V battery systems – with configurability for voltages in between. This smart alternator charging solution also allows users to optimize their mobile power systems, unlocking high energy charging potential with increased efficiency, safety, and with numerous battery systems.

The Battery’s Charged, Now Monitor and Maintain It

A battery management system (BMS) can automatically monitor all the conditions of a lithium battery. This set of electronic components regulates a battery’s performance. It ensures the battery operates within safe parameters and avoids harmful conditions to maintain its lifespan.

The BMS is critical for safe operation, optimal performance, and longevity. It protects the cells from overcharging and over-discharging damage and safeguards your boat and the people using it.

The Importance of Monitoring Your Charging System

Proactive monitoring and prompt problem-solving can significantly extend the lifespan of your batteries and electrical systems, helping you avoid costly, premature replacements. A BMS will shut down the battery for safety if it detects hazardous conditions. Specifically, it:

• Calculates remaining battery charge. The system continuously monitors the energy flow into and out of the battery pack.
• Monitors battery temperature. If the temperature rises above or below critical temperature levels, it can trigger a thermal runaway reaction.
• Monitors loose connections and internal shorts. Doing so prevents thermal runaway.
• Balances the charge across cells. It closely monitors the individual cells within the battery pack to calculate the optimal charge and discharge currents.
• Manages cell current and voltage. Overcharging leads to excessively high cell voltage while over-discharging results in excessively low cell voltage. Both conditions can harm the battery cell, reducing its optimized lifespan.

A Battery Treated Well Treats You Well

Lithium-ion batteries are an increasingly popular option when choosing a marine battery for your vessel. Battle Born offers cutting-edge, reliable, lithium-ion green energy solutions, including charging and monitoring systems. Rigorous testing and third-party certifications ensure our products’ highest quality and safety.

Our next-gen LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their exceptional reliability, chemical stability, and advanced technology. They’re also maintenance-free and come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor the charge status from your mobile device.

Our specialists are available via phone or email to help you get the best system for your unique needs, give installation advice, and answer any other questions. Let’s connect.