Ran into the Wal Mart manager on the ice again.
Updated me on the lithium development.
He stated that most of the Wal Mart Everstart marine battery warranty returns are
from incorrect charging and batteries that are 8 to 18 months old before they are even sold.
Many stores do a poor job of cycling the old batteries with the fresh units. Stores don't or won't keep them charged.
Wal Mart makes very little profit on the marine batterie line because of this.
He has been told profit is the driving force for Wally World to update to lithium.
Much better shelf life AND the popularity of solar powered homes and Rv's.
Wal Mart will have the charger built into the battery in a accessible compartment to allow
charger replacement. It will have the ability to link batteries together for charging with only
1 power cord needed for multiple battery setups.
Wal Mart does not want batterie failures linked to improper chargers to be a problem or fire hazard!
It seems like the move to lithium for Wal Mart is more for the Solar & Wind power storage applications and us boaters will reap the benefits!
Target price is still $300 for a 12v 100ah with built in charger.
No word on cranking batteries but there will be 24 and 36v batteries also.
Fall of 2022 roll out at the earliest. Supply issues involved to source 2 million+ units.
Interesting to say the least...