Batteries

First things first – there are many advantages to a lithium battery

Lithium batteries are much lighter than lead batteries and have a significantly longer service life and number of charging cycles. In addition, lithium batteries impress with a significantly smaller volume, better charging efficiency, high energy density, low self-discharge and, last but not least, a significantly larger depth of discharge (lithium approx. 90 - 100 %, lead only approx. 50 %).

These considerable product advantages make lithium batteries a popular choice for a wide range of applications – from energy storage in portable devices to their use in vehicles and as high-performance storage for solar systems. However, this quality also comes at a price: if you want to buy a lithium battery, you will have to dig much deeper into your pockets than for a lead-acid battery.

Vehicle and solar battery range

Lithium batteries

Lead batteries

FAQ | Useful informations

Can I replace a lead-acid battery with a lithium battery?

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Lead batteries can be replaced with lithium batteries

As a rule, lead-acid, lead-gel and AGM batteries can be replaced with LiFePO₄ batteries. However, the existing charging profiles of the respective charging devices must be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Use suitable chargers with a maximum cut-off voltage of 14.6 V. Even simple lead-gel, lead-acid and AGM battery chargers can damage the LiFePO₄ battery when first connected. Check the charging parameters of the respective charger in advance.

Staudte Hirsch battery chargers with integrated charging mode for lithium batteries

The following Staudte Hirsch battery chargers have a special charging mode for 12 V lithium batteries integrated as standard.
The cut-off charging voltage is 14.4 V ± 0.25 V.

	Staudte Hirsch Battery Charger SH-3.120, 6 V/12 V, 1 A Item no. 331200 To the product >
	Staudte Hirsch Battery Charger SH-3.170, 6 V/12 V, 2 A Item no. 331700 To the product >
	Staudte Hirsch Battery Charger SH-3.130, 6 V/12 V, 4.5 A Item no. 331300 To the product >
	Staudte Hirsch Battery Charger SH-3.150, 6 V/12 V, 10 A Item no. 331500 To the product >
	Staudte Hirsch Battery Charger SH-3.160, 12 V, 16 A Item no. 331600 To the product >

The best way to charge a Lithium battery

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Staudte Hirsch battery charger when charging the car battery in the engine compartment

The best way to charge a LiFePO₄ battery

Only use chargers suitable for LiFePO₄ cells with a maximum end-of-charge voltage of 14.6 V. Even simple lead, gel, acid and AGM battery chargers can damage the LiFePO₄ battery when first connected. Check the charging parameters of the respective charger in advance.
Observe the maximum charging current of your battery; this must not be exceeded at any time.
Stop the charging process if the battery management system (BMS) cancels the charging process and check the battery and the charging parameters.
Disconnect the charger if it will not be used for a longer period of time.
Charge your LiFePO₄ battery within 15 days of a low state of charge of approx. 20 % or after disconnection due to undervoltage to ensure maximum service life.
Our batteries are approx. 80 % charged on delivery. We therefore always recommend fully charging a new battery before use. Observe the specifications for parallel or serial connection of the batteries according to the instructions.

How to store and winterise a LiFePO4 battery correctly

Charge your LiFePO4 battery to 60 - 80 % of its capacity before storage.
Disconnect your LiFePO4 battery from all loads and consumers before storage.
Protect the pole contacts from short circuits by covering them.
If stored for longer periods, the LiFePO4 battery must be recharged to 60 - 80 % every 6 months.
Temperatures down to -20 °C do not damage the battery cell. It is therefore not necessary to remove the battery in most cases. In general, however, care should be taken to ensure that very cold batteries are slowly adjusted to the ambient temperature. Rapid heating can lead to condensation forming inside the housing and damage to the battery.
Never use a trickle charger for winter storage.

Useful tips for handling lead batteries

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1. Always select the right charger for your battery

Batteries can only be charged gently and fully with a suitable charger. Always compare the technical data of the charger with that of the battery.

2. Fully charge the battery before using it for the first time

In order to utilise the full capacity of your battery, a full charge is a basic requirement.

3. Protect your battery from harmful deep discharge

Deep discharge occurs when more than 60 % of the battery capacity has been used up. Use loads that have deep discharge protection.

4. Recharge your battery as often as possible

This prolongs the service life and prevents harmful deep discharging. The so-called "memory effect" does not occur with lead batteries.

5. Never leave your battery discharged

If discharged batteries are not recharged for a longer period of time, there is a risk that the natural self-discharge will lead to a damaging deep discharge.

6. Avoid charging and discharging your battery at the same time

Charging a battery while the load is switched on can lead to excessive heating of the charger or battery.

7. Always keep your battery ready for use

By using chargers with float charging, you ensure that a loss of capacity due to self-discharge is compensated and that your storage battery can be optimally utilised even after a long period of inactivity.

Lead versus lithium – which battery is better?

We have compared a standard 100 Ah LiFePO₄ battery with a 100 Ah AGM battery for you.
The main differences and our purchase recommendation are summarised below:

Twice the capacity available

LiFePO₄ batteries offer a significantly higher energy density compared to AGM batteries.

Up to twice as much capacity can be called up during a discharge cycle.

6 times more charging cycles

The service life of LiFePO₄ batteries is approximately 3500 charging cycles. AGM batteries, on the other hand, have a significantly shorter service life of approx. 600 charging cycles.

Smaller & lighter

Using a lithium battery can save up to 60 % in terms of space and weight.

Or you can carry more than twice the capacity in the same space.

Ready for use more quickly

The charging time of the LiFePO₄ battery is significantly reduced due to the approx. 3 times higher permissible charging current of max. 100 A.

To avoid overcharging and damaging the AGM battery, it may only be charged to a maximum of 30 % of its capacity.

More expensive at the outset

The initial purchase costs for a LiFePO₄ battery are significantly higher compared to AGM batteries.

An AGM battery costs only a fraction of the purchase price of a lithium battery, i.e. only approx. 1/3 of the acquisition costs are necessary for an AGM battery.

Purchase recommendation

Conclusion: Approx. 12 AGM batteries are required to achieve a service life and capacity comparable to that of a single lithium battery.

If the battery is not used on a regular basis, it makes sense to purchase an AGM battery; for long-term use or high energy requirements, we recommend purchasing a lithium battery

Areas of application IVT inverters

Driving is safer with two batteries

Installing a second battery (also known as a supply battery or on-board battery) is particularly advisable if

an inverter is used in the service vehicle
you have your camper/caravan parked for several days without use
or many additional electrical consumers are connected, and they are all operated when the ignition is switched on

Our tip: With the help of an inexpensive second battery charger or an intelligent charging booster (Euro 6 vehicles required), both batteries are optimally charged while driving.

Reliable energy storage for off-grid solar systems

When the sun is shining intensively, excess energy is often generated, which needs to be stored for later use.

Advantages

With solar power, you are independent of public power grids or where a reliable power supply cannot be guaranteed, e.g. when traveling in a motorhome, caravan, remote cabins, etc.
Rechargeable batteries provide self-generated solar power exactly when it is needed – in the evening and at night
Solar power is an environmentally friendly form of energy as it saves fossil fuels