Light weight and Lithium batteries

[Reedy]

My original battery is still working pretty well but will probably need to be replaced for Winter and I am keen to go for a super light weight option if the price isn't too ridiculous.

I haven't been able to find much information on what lithium batteries are available for our cars that will bolt up without needing any special wiring or retrofits to be done. Most of them seem to be motorbike batteries which are a completely different profile to a standard car battery so I am being even more specific looking for something that bolts into the standard bracket, and has terminals which align and are the same diameter as the standard one as well.

A lot of people seem to get away with going for a smaller capacity battery but I think that's a shit idea. Especially when they need to start screwing around with trickle chargers and poor cold weather performance because the battery simply isn't up to the task. The standard battery has a 400A CCA capacity and I don't want to go below that.

Does anyone have any authority on the cold weather performance of lithium options, as well as their overall durability and expected life? I am keen on the weight saving but am also paying attention to the price/life expectancy as well.

[Mattyhawk1]

Sorry, no experience with cold weather and Lithium batteries in cars, but I have experience with lithium batteries in general. Lithium is an excellent option and as prices come down, we will see them much more. Lithiums are rated at a discharge temp of 0*F to 115*F, and can't be charged below 32*F. Big problem if you want to run them in cold weather areas. They will also see prolonged exposure to high temps in an engine compartment, so relocating to the cabin in a sealed container is ideal.

BU-502: Discharging at High and Low Temperatures ? Battery University

Lithium actually works great around here where it won't get into freezing temps except once a year. Friend used LiFe packs from an RC airplane for his Miata when he came to the Autocross last year, worked perfectly well for that since it was rated to push 500A for 10sec and Miatas don't require that much amperage in 65*F weather. Pack only weighed 4lbs. He also mounted the LiFe in the trunk, away from heat. I just wouldn't suggest doing any kind of lithium packs, since you need shock protection specific for forces a car experiences.

I suggest contacting one of the companies specializing in Lithium drop in replacements and getting some info from them. There are now a few companies and seems like you can find something that will require very little retrofitting. Also, I would highly suggest looking at options that utilize LiFe (LiFePO4) technology opposed to standard Li batteries (LiMn2O4 for example). They are more stable in both voltage drop by discharge, shock resistance and fire resistance. You can tell the difference because Li batteries are rated at 3.7v (4.2v max) / cell and LiFe is 3.3v (3.65v max) / cell.

[Shwaykid]

Damn, those these things are expensive...

Voltphreaks - Products [High Performance Street]

[speedfreak44]

Holy shit yea I will pass on that. Would be nice but not at that price.

[Coltzxli]

Probably dead but I can add something here

Batteries Plus Bulbs sells a Lithium battery size 30LA with 400 CCA and a 2 year warranty (I work at a location in FL). If you order online you get 10% off your order. These batteries are impressive, very light weight and can handle extreme conditions. If you like having a battery tender then you will have to upgrade to a lithium safe tender. Best of Luck.

[zenit]

Originally Posted by Coltzxli Probably dead but I can add something here Batteries Plus Bulbs sells a Lithium battery size 30LA with 400 CCA and a 2 year warranty (I work at a location in FL). If you order online you get 10% off your order. These batteries are impressive, very light weight and can handle extreme conditions. If you like having a battery tender then you will have to upgrade to a lithium safe tender. Best of Luck.

Link?

[Coltzxli]

I will work on getting something for you. It seems that it may be a battery my franchise and other franchises sell but maybe not the corporate stores because I cannot find it online through the website. But for reference X2 Lithium Power Sport Battery - VW GTI MKVI Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVI Forum / VW GTI Forum - Golfmk6.com

[Coltzxli]

Looks like it is an optional item for different franchise groups so I suggest you call a local store or two and ask if the store carries this part number "CYL10040" or "CYL10037" I'll post a spec sheet for each battery. the CYL10040 is a larger battery with better CCA's. Will update tonight

[Coltzxli]

201703131013211000 by zach palmer, on Flickr

201703131012591000 by zach palmer, on Flickr