Powered by Dragonfly Energy Graphic
FREE GROUND SHIPPING*

Blog

What Happens When Your Imported Lithium Battery Fails? (And How We Handle It Differently)

When shopping for lithium batteries, it’s easy to be tempted by a low price tag and a flashy 10+ year warranty claim. Many imported batteries look like a great deal up front. But what happens when that battery fails in the middle of an RV trip, on the water, or while powering your off-grid home? Too often, the fine print leaves you stranded.

At Battle Born Batteries, we handle things differently. 

The truth is, the best warranty is the one you never have to use, and we strive to build the most reliable, longest-lasting product that will not need to be warranted. Even with the strongest coverage, filing a lithium battery warranty claim can be inconvenient and stressful—leaving your RV, boat, or off-grid system out of commission while you wait. That’s why reliability matters most, and it’s where the risks of cheap imported batteries quickly become clear. 

We design, assemble, and test our LiFePO4 batteries in Reno, Nevada. Our lithium battery warranty isn’t just a marketing number—it’s a promise backed by American assembly, rigorous quality control, and a team that stands behind every unit we build.

Why Warranty Fine Print Matters More Than the Headline

A headline lithium battery warranty length sounds great, but the fine print tells the real story. Many imported lithium batteries come with:

  • Prorated coverage in later years—you pay part of the cost to replace your battery.
  • End-of-life exclusions—capacity fade is often not covered at all.
  • Strict usage clauses—warranty claims denied if you used the wrong charger or cycled the battery too frequently.
  • Shipping burdens—you pay to ship heavy batteries overseas for inspection.

For example, one warranty advertises 11 years, but only the first 6 years are full coverage. After that, you’re responsible for part of the replacement cost, which can still run into the hundreds of dollars. Another warranty excludes what they call “normal end of life.” That means if your battery loses capacity from regular cycling—even if it’s well within the warranty period—they can deny your claim.

A warranty is only as valuable as what it covers when you actually need it.

lithium battery warranty support at battle born batteries

The Risks of a Cheap Imported Battery

Imported lithium batteries are alluring because of their low price, and from the outside, they might appear the same. Some of these even have okay warranties at face value.

As mentioned earlier, the real value of a battery comes from reliability, not warranty claims—and the hidden costs of cheap imports show up when something goes wrong:

1. Generic or Weak BMS Controls

Many cheap batteries use generic Battery Management Systems that are not designed for the specific cells installed, and sometimes don’t adequately protect the battery. In third-party tests, some BMS units failed to prevent overcurrent, overcharge, and short circuits—a major safety risk. One budget battery’s BMS even smoked during a short circuit test, showing how catastrophic these failures can be.

2. Poor Cell Quality Matching and Balance

Longevity depends on high-quality, grade A, well-matched cells. During the manufacturing process, lots of things can cause cell defects that are not immediately noticeable. These defective cells are sold as grade B or C cells and are frequently installed in cheap batteries. These cells work great up front, but can cause issues down the line or during high-load use.  

Cheap imports also often skip proper cell matching. Tests revealed significant voltage and internal cell resistance imbalances in low-cost batteries, meaning faster degradation and shorter lifespan once the BMS cannot effectively compensate as the battery ages.

By contrast, Battle Born only uses the highest quality grade A cells. In addition, every single cell is tested and capacity matched to other cells before assembly. This ensures long-term reliability by properly balancing cells so they stay in sync. It’s a long, complicated process, but it produces the highest quality result. 

3. Thermal Management Issues

Cheap prismatic cell designs often retain heat with no way to cool themselves under high load, leading to thermal stress. One imported brand overheated to the point it couldn’t complete its rated capacity test.

Our cylindrical cell designs with an air gap dissipate heat more effectively, extending performance and safety.

4. Lack of Certifications

Many budget batteries skip rigorous safety certifications altogether. Independent third-party labs test and certify Battle Born batteries to UL 62133-2 and UL 2054 standards, and some models even meet Class 1 Div 2 certification, proving their safety and reliability under real-world conditions.

All individual cells are also UL certified for design and performance safety, meeting the highest standards in manufacturing design and quality. 

When it comes to being your own power utility in your RV, boat, or off-grid home, reliability isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

5. Unnecessary Downtime of Your Lithium Battery System

Even if a warranty ultimately covers the failure of a cheap imported battery, the process itself can sideline your adventures. Filing a claim, shipping the battery back, waiting for inspection, repair or replacement, and then reinstalling the unit can take weeks—or even months.

In the meantime, your RV, boat, or off-grid system is out of commission. That downtime often costs far more in lost use, inconvenience, and frustration than the savings you thought you gained by buying a cheaper battery in the first place.

how battle born handles customer questions and warranty claims

How Battle Born Does It Differently

At Battle Born, we’ve built our reputation on doing things the right way, not the easy way. Our goal isn’t just to have a great warranty for our products; it’s to have great products that outlast your expectations.

Here’s how we do it:

A 10-Year Warranty You Can Trust

Our 10-Year Battle Born Lithium Battery Warranty provides 8 years of full replacement coverage and an additional 2 years of prorated protection to Battle Born Batteries sold and shipped within the United States and Canada. In years 9 and 10, if a replacement is needed, you’ll receive a 30% discount off the current retail price of a new battery. What you see is what you get—clear, straightforward protection.

American Assembly at Scale

We don’t just warehouse products. Our Reno, Nevada facility is a full-scale production line, staffed by skilled American workers. Every cell is individually tested, matched, and balanced before being built into a battery. This level of oversight ensures every unit that leaves our doors meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Rigorous R&D and Independent Testing

Inside our dedicated R&D lab, our engineers push batteries and electronics to their limits—running them through high-load scenarios, freezing temperatures, and accelerated life cycles. Each generation is refined to be tougher, feature-rich, and longer-lasting.

And we back up our claims with independent third-party certifications like UL and UN38.3, so you don’t just take our word for it—you can trust the results. 

In addition, our R&D team is working on next-generation battery technology and continually iterating to create the safest and most reliable cell. 

battery scientist
All of this happens inside our real-life, US-based Dragonfly Energy R&D Lab right here in Reno.

Proprietary BMS & Heated Batteries

Our proprietary Battery Management System is the brain of every Battle Born battery, providing reliable protection against overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits. Our BMS is designed specifically for our batteries and not a generic off-the-shelf product. 

For those who camp or live in colder climates, our heated battery models remove one of lithium’s biggest limitations by enabling safe charging even below freezing.

Quality Control Without Compromise

Every battery undergoes multiple charge/discharge cycles and a full inspection to ensure it meets our performance standards. Each unit is sealed to IP65 standards to withstand dust, water, and rugged environments.

Then, we adhere to strict lithium battery packaging and shipping guidelines to ensure your battery arrives ready for your next adventure.

Customer Stories: Real-World Proof

We’ve been building and supporting LiFePO4 batteries for over a decade, and many of our earliest customers are still running the same batteries today.

From high-visibility YouTubers and overlanding pros, to mission-critical projects in extreme environments, to everyday RVers—we consider our customers family. And we take care of our family.

Rick Harrison and Dragonfly Energy CEO Denis Phares
Rick Harrison has been using Battle Born Batteries for almost as long as we’ve been around. “I’ve got over 70 and have never had one of these batteries go bad, and I abuse the hell out of them.”

What To Look for In Any Lithium Battery Warranty

When evaluating a warranty, there are a few key questions to ask. If the answer is unclear, the warranty may not protect you when it matters.

Here’s how Battle Born answers them:

1. Is the coverage non-prorated up front?

Yes. We provide 8 full years of non-prorated coverage, meaning if something goes wrong in that time, you get a full replacement. The final two years include a prorated discount, but you’re never left with unclear or unfair terms. The warranty period begins on the date your product ships, ensuring you get the full duration of coverage from day one.

2. Does it cover capacity fade, or only catastrophic failure?

Unlike many lithium battery warranties that exclude “normal wear,” ours doesn’t hide behind vague language. We expect our batteries to hold capacity well beyond warranty life, and we don’t deny claims simply because a battery has been cycled heavily within its intended use. However, our warranty does not cover negligence or misuse of the battery.

3. Who pays for shipping and testing?

Shipping lithium batteries—classified as hazardous materials—can be costly to ship, especially internationally. While many import brands leave you paying international freight both ways, we keep things simple: U.S.-based service and fair, transparent shipping terms.

4. Is it transferable if you sell your RV or boat?

No — our Battle Born Limited Warranty applies only to the original purchaser. This way, we can track each battery’s history and make sure it’s been installed and used within proper specs. That traceability helps us protect our customers and maintain our high-performance standards. Even though the warranty isn’t transferable, our batteries are built to last—and systems powered by Battle Born still hold strong resale value, even after years of reliable use.

5. Is the company U.S.-based with real support staff you can call?

Absolutely. We’re headquartered and assembling batteries in Reno, Nevada. When you call, you’ll talk directly with technicians who know our products inside and out—not a call center overseas. Starting our lithium battery warranty claim process is simple and straightforward. If a return is needed, our team will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and guide you through safe shipping and packaging.

Understanding What a Lithium Battery Warranty Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

A warranty is designed to protect against manufacturing defects, not damage caused by misuse, improper storage, or unsafe installations.

Even the best-built lithium batteries can be damaged if:

  • They’re overcharged or deeply discharged beyond limits (our BMS will step in and prevent this)
  • Stored for long periods at very low or very high state of charge (here’s our battery storage guide!)
  • Exposed to extreme temperatures outside their operating, charging, and storage ranges.
    • Battle Born’s Ranges:
      • Operating range: −4°F to 135°F (−20°C to 57°C)
      • Charging range: 25°F to 135°F (−4°C to 57°C)
      • Storage range: −10°F to 140°F (−23°C to 60°C)
    • Furthermore, storing batteries in sub-zero weather (-15°F or more) has the potential to crack the ABS plastic and, more importantly, could cause a faster loss of capacity, in some cases drastically more than the typical 2 to 4% per month loss.
    • Our heated battery models automatically protect against cold-weather charging below 25°F, so you can keep your system charged even in winter conditions.
  • Modified or repaired by unauthorized service providers (you can find our certified dealers and installers here)

At Battle Born, our team works hard to help you avoid these issues before they happen. We’ll walk you through safe installation, storage, and charging practices so you can get the longest life out of your investment.

If damage is found to be caused by misuse or improper installation, our team can still service the battery for a standard repair rate ($150/hour plus parts and shipping). We’re upfront about this so you always know what to expect.

What To Watch Out For

Even with long lithium battery warranty claims, there are common exceptions that can catch buyers by surprise. Here’s what to watch out for—and how Battle Born handles it differently:

Shipping Costs

Again, lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials, so shipping can be expensive—even domestically.

To save you frustration, our Nevada-based technical team will work with you first to diagnose any issues remotely. In many cases, we can help you resolve problems without having to send the battery in.

If your battery does need to be returned, you are responsible for the shipping cost to our facility.

Once we’ve inspected and repaired or replaced it, we’ll cover the cost to ship it back to you.

Pro-Ration in Later Years

Some brands bury complex formulas in the fine print, leaving you with just pennies on the dollar if your battery fails in the later years. Some warranties start pro-rating as soon as 2 years. This is a good indication that the manufacturer does not expect the batteries to last.  

With Battle Born, it’s simple: you get eight years of full coverage, followed by two years of a clear, fair prorated discount of 30%. No hidden math, no frustrating surprises.

Proof of Purchase

Ultra-cheap batteries often have no customer database, so if you lose your receipt, your warranty is gone. Some even require you to register the battery within 90 days or lose coverage entirely. 

At Battle Born, we encourage you to keep your paperwork—but if it’s misplaced, our U.S.-based support team will do everything possible to help locate your purchase history.

Imported Battery Warranty PitfallsBattle Born Warranty Advantages
Coverage prorated after 2-5 years8 years full replacement + 2 years with a clear 30% discount
No protection against capacity fadeNo hidden exclusions for capacity fade
High overseas return shipping costsU.S.-based warranty support with quick turnaround
Fine print exclusions for “normal use” wearBuilt and warranted against defects that cause premature capacity loss
We love getting out to RV, boat, and overland shows to talk face-to-face with our customers. Come meet us at an upcoming event near you!

A Warranty You’ll (Hopefully) Never Need

A great lithium-ion battery warranty is like insurance: you hope you never need it, but when you do, it should actually protect you. Imported batteries often fall short where it counts.

With Battle Born, you get more than a battery. You get:

  • American-assembled reliability
  • Independent, certified testing
  • Proven long-term performance
  • An American team that stands behind you every step of the way

Ready for a battery warranty you can actually count on? Contact our Nevada-based team today to power your next adventure with confidence.

Want To Learn More About Electrical Systems and Lithium Batteries?

We know that building or upgrading an electrical system can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our Reno, Nevada-based sales and customer service team is standing by at (855) 292-2831 to take your questions!

Also, join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about how lithium battery systems can power your lifestyle, see how others have built their systems, and gain the confidence to get out there and stay out there.


Want To Learn More About Electrical Systems and Lithium Batteries?

We know that building or upgrading an electrical system can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our Reno, Nevada-based sales and customer service team is standing by at (855) 292-2831 to take your questions!

Also, join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about how lithium battery systems can power your lifestyle, see how others have built their systems, and gain the confidence to get out there and stay out there.


Share this

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shop Best Sellers

Have Questions?

Ask a technical specialist now at 855.292.2831

Stay in the Know