Cheap lifep04 batteries

[JJohnSind]

To add, the AGM is only 80% effective capacity, at best.

Well, a small detail about lithiums that doesn’t get discussed much is that, even though almost 100% of the capacity is useable, they DON’T recommend taking it down below 20% if you want LONGEVITY. They also DON’T recommend lithiums to be stored long term above 80% (again for longevity). That leaves a recommended usable range about the same (or less) than AGM’s. I almost didn’t get lithiums based on this (but a good case for getting more ah than you think you need).

[goodman_fishing]

Well, a small detail about lithiums that doesn’t get discussed much is that, even though almost 100% of the capacity is useable, they DON’T recommend taking it down below 20% if you want LONGEVITY. They also DON’T recommend lithiums to be stored long term above 80% (again for longevity). That leaves a recommended usable range about the same (or less) than AGM’s. I almost didn’t get lithiums based on this (but a good case for getting more ah than you think you need).

LiFePO4/LFP still have 2,000-3,000 cycles in them even if you bring them down to 100% DOD. Which is still many times longer than if you took an AGM down to 80% (250-500 cycles -at best-).

If you size your battery to accommodate for a lower DOD, you can make the cycle life go through the roof. You will still save the weight over lead acid or AGM. A budget 100Ah LFP is 2x the effective capacity of a lead-acid equivalent, cost maybe 2x and will have a >4x longer life.


All batteries degrade constantly, even at perfect temperatures. Calendar aging, too hot, too cold, too low of stored SOC, too high of stored SOC. No matter how you cut it, it's many times better than Lead-Acid or AGM from all angles.

[JJohnSind]

When I was doing my research, I dug into the fine print of the lithium batteries I was considering. The advertised cycles were based on the usage parameters I previously stated, but I was okay with, say, 2,000 cycles instead of 3,000 cycles (arbitrarily stating these numbers). To me, having the full 100% capacity AVAILABLE was the advantage I wanted, regardless of price. But, those considering lithium, based on cost and longevity, should be aware that longevity may not be attained unless they operate in the parameters hidden in the fine print.