If you want to switch your power setup from AGM or lead-acid batteries to LiFePO4, you will probably have a few key questions:
“How much capacity do we actually need?”
“Is a one-to-one replacement feasible?”
“Should we choose a battery with integrated heating?”
“Where is the best place to install the new batteries?”
“Does it make sense to use an Ultra battery?”
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions that our support team receives about battery conversions and help you to find the ideal configuration for your future energy system. But first, you should consider what kind of travel you are planning.
If you are looking for a modern and powerful energy storage solution, lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are a must. A direct comparison with classic lead-acid batteries reveals clear differences, particularly in terms of capacity, efficiency and service life.
The higher energy density and better usability of the capacity make LiFePO4 batteries not only more powerful, but also more economical and sustainable in use.
But what exactly are these advantages based on? Let’s take a closer look at the technical background and show why switching to LiFePO4 technology is worthwhile – whether in a camper or on a boat.
Even the nominal capacity clearly shows that LiFePO4 batteries perform better. The reason for this is their higher energy density – they can store more energy in a smaller space or with less weight. In concrete terms, this means that a LiFePO4 battery with the same capacity rating as a lead-acid battery weighs significantly less – a major advantage when used in weight-restricted vehicles.
Another advantage: the actual usability of the stored energy is significantly higher with LiFePO4. While lead batteries should only be discharged up to around 50 % in order to preserve their service life, LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged up to 90 % or more without any problems – without this leading to premature ageing. This means less unused capacity and more consumable energy per charge cycle.
Another crucial point is the service life. While lead batteries achieve an average of around 300 to 500 charging cycles, LiFePO4 batteries can achieve up to 3,000 cycles depending on use – at 90% depth of discharge (DoD). This not only means less maintenance, but also lower costs in the long term, as the batteries need to be replaced much less frequently.
There are also clear advantages when charging and discharging, LiFePO4 batteries work more efficiently and evenly. They absorb the charging energy better and deliver a constant voltage when discharging – even at higher currents. In comparison, lead-acid batteries tend to experience voltage dips during heavy discharging, which can have a negative effect on connected devices.
Last but not least, LiFePO4 batteries score highly due to their ability to handle high charging and discharging currents without any problems. This makes them particularly attractive for applications in which a lot of energy is required at short notice – for example when operating powerful consumers or for rapid charging using solar power.
Regardless of weight, efficiency, service life or performance – the LiFePO4 battery is superior to the traditional lead-acid battery in almost all areas. Anyone investing in modern energy storage systems today should therefore take a close look at lithium iron phosphate technology. Although the initial costs are higher, the benefits in terms of performance, reliability and service life pay off significantly in the long term.
One Supervolt 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is a very good basis for 2-3 days of self-sufficiency with average power consumption.
However, if you use an inverter to feed your 230V circuit while you are not connected to the grid, you should note the following: There will be a noticeably higher power consumption and the remaining days of self-sufficiency will be reduced by one.
If you want to remain independent for longer, you can expand the system at any time. For example, by adding a second battery of the same type or a mobile PV solution such as the solar pocket 250W.
Yes, simply replacing the old lead or AGM batteries with new LiFePo4 batteries is really very easy to do, whether in single form, in parallel or connected in series.
There are just a few things that need to be taken into account.
If possible, the chargers should be switched to a lithium characteristic. If this is not possible, the lead/gel or AGM characteristic will also work, but charging with these will take longer until the battery has reached its desired capacity.
It is also advisable to consider installing a charging booster so that the vehicle’s alternator can charge the on-board battery as well as the starter battery while driving. A charging booster should definitely be installed in a Euro 6 standard vehicle.
You can find more information about charging boosters here:
The installation of a charging booster in a motorhome is always recommended. In this article, you can find out why this is the case and what a charging booster actually does.
Especially if you like to travel all year round – be it winter camping in the mountains, on autumn road trips or when traveling to colder regions – sooner or later you will be confronted with the issue of sub-zero temperatures. Although LiFePO4 batteries offer many advantages, they are sensitive in one respect: they must not be charged at temperatures below 0 °C, as this can permanently damage the cells.
To ensure that your battery remains fully operational even in icy conditions, we recommend using a special LiFePO4 polar battery with integrated heating. In addition to the integrated battery management system (BMS), these batteries also have an automatically controlled heating element that is activated when required. As soon as the temperature in the battery falls below the critical value, the cell automatically heats itself to a safe temperature level – and only then does the charging process begin.
This means that the battery remains protected at all times, even in frosty conditions, and you can rely on your power supply to function smoothly even in winter – without compromising on safety or service life.
The installation location of your battery plays a key role in choosing the right type of battery. Depending on where you want to place the battery in the vehicle – whether in the interior, under the seat, in the rear garage or in a place provided by the manufacturer in the engine compartment – you must pay attention to the exact dimensions. This is the only way to ensure that the new battery not only fits technically, but can also be installed safely and stably.
Our Supervolt LiFePO4 batteries are based on DIN formats, which makes it much easier to replace existing AGM or lead-acid batteries. Here is an overview of the common sizes:
We know from experience: Two DIN housings can easily be installed next to each other under a classic motorhome seat – this opens up many possibilities for the expansion or later extension of your energy system.
So be sure to check the dimensions of your installation space carefully – ideally before you buy. Factors such as accessibility, ventilation, temperature development and cable routing also play an important role. Ultimately, the combination of available space and your individual requirements will determine which type of battery is best suited to you and your vehicle.
A practical example of the performance of modern LiFePO4 technology is the Supervolt Ultra. This high-performance battery impresses with a continuous discharge current of 200 A and an impressive peak current of 900 A – ideal for applications with high energy requirements. The equally high maximum charging current of 200 A enables particularly fast and efficient charging, even when using powerful alternators.
Thanks to its universal DIN housing, the Supervolt Ultra can be easily used in a wide range of vehicles – from motorhomes to boats and special vehicles. It provides enough power to operate all common camping devices at the same time – or serves as a high-performance battery for starting large engines, whether on land or on the water.
An important note for users of modern vehicles: many models with the Euro 6 standard are not designed ex works for the use of lithium batteries, in which case error messages may appear in the on-board system. It is therefore advisable to check in advance whether the vehicle’s charging strategy can be converted to lithium – for example using an OBD2 adapter and corresponding software.
Switching from AGM or lead-acid batteries to modern LiFePO4 batteries has a number of advantages – from higher energy density and more efficient use to a significantly longer service life. However, to ensure that the conversion goes smoothly, it is worth asking a few basic questions in advance: How much capacity do you really need? Will the new battery type fit into the existing installation space? What technical adjustments – such as to the charger or the vehicle software – may be necessary?
With well thought-out planning, the changeover is easy to implement. Particularly practical: Our Supervolt LiFePO4 batteries can be used universally thanks to their DIN standardized design and also offer impressive power reserves – perfect for demanding applications in touring vehicles or on the water.
If you are traveling in moderate temperatures, do not have exceptionally high power consumption and want to be self-sufficient for up to 5 days, the 2× SX100 set connected in parallel is a very good solution.
However, if winter camping or installation in an uninsulated engine compartment is planned, we recommend the models from our Polar series – equipped with integrated heating and ideal for cold conditions.
Whether for short weekend trips or long, self-sufficient journeys – with a suitable lithium energy system, you are ideally equipped for modern, mobile power supply with maximum efficiency, minimum maintenance and technology you can rely on.
You can find all our LiFePO4 batteries in our store. Whether for motorhomes, boats or photovoltaic systems – our batteries can be used anywhere.
Suitable installation accessories like solar controller, charge booster and inverters can also be found directly from us:
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