Lithionics Battery: Everything You Need to Know

Since 2008, Lithionics Battery has been researching and developing high-end lithium iron phosphate batteries. These products are frequently used in RVs and large campervans, though they can also be used in boats, as well as industrial, commercial, or residential setups. In today's guide, we're going to explain everything you need to know about the company, Lithionics Battery, as well as the products they offer.

And remember, if you're in need of any help with your own campervan or Class B RV build, you can always look to the experts at Van Builder HQ for help. So, let's get started!

Click play to watch our interview with Lithionics Battery!

What is Lithionics Battery?

Lithionics Battery is a company that produces lithium iron phosphate batteries. They focus on providing high-performing, long-lasting batteries for commercial or recreational use. Many of their most popular products are used in Class B RVs and similar vehicles, but as previously mentioned, Lithionics batteries can be applied in a wide range of settings.

Advantages of Lithionics Battery

There are many reasons to consider purchasing a product from Lithionics Battery. While the prices tend to be far higher than many competitors, this is often because their products are considered "high-end" among RV enthusiasts. The batteries typically last longer and provide greater efficiency, but the benefits don't stop there.

Some of the biggest advantages of Lithionics Battery products include:

• Enhanced Communication – With a Lithionics battery, the integration loop communicates a wide range of data points to the battery management system. Then, the built-in Bluetooth technology can automatically upload the information to a smartphone app. Alternatively, you can use a cable to transmit the information to a Victron Energy Cerbo GX device. Either way, this can help you track anything from internal temperature to voltage in real-time. Lithionics' enhanced communication can also help you better understand the life of your battery and even give you fault codes to help you troubleshoot any issues.

• CANBus – The CANBus interface of Lithionics batteries connects the BMS to any CANBus-compatible receiver and reads BMS data messages. This means that your communication port is already built into the system, which is not something you'll see with most other lithium batteries.

• NeverDie BMS – The NeverDie BMS is a proprietary design that allows for real-time status and charge monitoring. In addition to helping you better understand the charge of your battery, it can also automatically protect itself when the battery drops below a 10% charge, helping to ensure the longevity of the battery. Aside from this automatic feature, you can simply click a button to turn your battery back on for emergency use, or turn it off while it's in storage.

• UL Certification – Lithionics batteries are UL 1973 certified because the aluminum alloy casings are both fire and crush-proof.

• Low Profile Design (Internal BMS) – If your Lithionics battery has a built-in BMS, it benefits from a space-saving, low-profile design. However, Lithionics also has external BMS batteries, which do not have this same benefit, but come with a few unique advantages of their own.

• High Current Input (External BMS) – If your battery has an external BMS, you can get double the current input capability with the same communication inputs and outputs.

Lithionics Battery Types (Battery Variants)

Lithionics Battery offers dozens of different battery products, but we're going to take a look at three of the most popular batteries to give you a better idea of what you can expect from a Lithionics-based system:

• Lithionics "Boss" 302 Battery – This battery features a built-in BMS, which gives you a small design (15" x 8" case) that is easy to implement in a wide range of vehicles and settings. It offers upwards of 302 amp hours and the BMS is rated up to 200 amps, which is far higher than most comparable systems on the market. With the Boss 302 battery, you can also connect a Wakespeed regulator, which will function as the "brain" of the battery. It manages the communication between the alternator and the battery, and the Boss 302 is compatible with a wide range of RVC displays to make it easier to read the data using the device of your choice.

• Lithionics 320 Battery – This battery also features a built-in BMS, though it has a larger case (21" x 6.5"). It offers up to 320 amp hours and is best suited for Winnebagos like Revel or Ekko models. The Lithionics 320 battery also has all of the same features as the Boss 302, including backup engine-cranking capability (as needed).

• Lithionics 630 Battery – Finally, the Lithionics 630 battery includes all of the same features as the 302 and 320, but it offers roughly double the number of amp hours. This is the largest and most powerful of Lithionics' internal BMS batteries.

Lithionics BMS (Battery Management System)

Lithionics offers two distinct types of battery management systems: internal and external. As previously mentioned, the primary benefit of an internal BMS is that it allows you to have a smaller battery casing. However, it also means that you'll have to sacrifice amp hours, to one degree or another. Alternatively, a battery with an external BMS will be bigger and bulkier, but it could have as much as double the amperage input. We'll give a breakdown of these systems and features in the sections below:

Lithionics Internal BMS

• Everything Inside – When you buy an internal BMS Lithionics battery, you get the battery and the battery management system, all in one package. This means you know exactly how much you're going to pay for the battery and the BMS because they are built together as one product.

• Low-Profile Design – The low-profile design may be better for people who specifically want a battery that does not stick out or call attention to itself. And if you're working on a van or RV build that is short on space, a low-profile design may be your best option.

• Space Efficient – Since the low-profile design makes the battery more space efficient, it is a great choice for hard-to-reach installation areas. Rather than having a separate BMS that will take up a lot more space, you can combine the battery and BMS together and fit your battery into much tighter spaces.

Lithionics External BMS

• Double Amperage – When compared to internal BMS batteries, an external BMS offers roughly twice as much amperage input. When looking specifically at Lithionics products, this means you can get up to 400 amps per hour.

• Same Communication Ports – You might think that an external BMS will be more difficult to configure, but it actually features all of the same communication ports as an internal system. This makes it easy to connect monitors and other charge-tracking devices as needed.

• No Torquing – The external BMS plugs directly into your battery module, so you won't have to break out any tools just to get your system up and running. This is ideal if you need to connect your BMS or otherwise make changes to your battery in the field.

• Multi-Battery Support – A single Lithionics external BMS can support up to 6 batteries at once.

Lithionics Battery Charging Options

The charging options for Lithionics batteries are the same as the options for just about any lithium battery. Here are some of the most common ways to charge your battery:

• DC to DC Charging Option – Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current chargers are designed to charge lithium-based batteries from another DC source, typically a vehicle's alternator. These chargers ensure that the battery is charged at the correct voltage and current.

• Solar Charging via PWM or MPPT Solar Charge Controller – Solar panels can also be used to charge Lithionics batteries, but it's vital to use a charge controller to ensure safe and efficient charging. You can either charge with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) chargers, though the latter is typically more efficient.

• Second Alternator Charging – You can use a second alternator in a boat or vehicle to charge a Lithionics battery. This ensures that your main alternator can remain dedicated to the vehicle's essential functions while you use the second alternator to charge your battery. Just keep in mind that you'll need a Wakespeed or a similar monitor to keep track of the charging output.

Lithionics Battery Applications for Campervans RVs

Lithionics batteries could be a great option for campervans and RVs. You can use them to retrofit your current build with a new battery, upgrade your current battery system, or simply expand the capacity of your electrical build. Regardless of the reasons you might choose Lithionics for a campervan build, these batteries can make it much easier to efficiently manage power throughout your vehicle.

Just keep in mind that, depending on the type of Lithionics battery you get, you may want to seek out a professional for the installation. While a 12-volt battery is unlikely to cause you any physical harm, 24 and 48-volt systems are far more dangerous for DIYers. So, if you plan on using a higher-voltage Lithionics product, make sure to take the necessary precautions and, ideally, seek out the help of a professional.

Lithionics Battery Warranty

The average Lithionics battery lasts for anywhere between 2000 and 3000 cycles, which generally translates to roughly 7 to 10 years for consumers. Lithionics offers a 5-year defect warranty on its batteries. This means that you can rest easy knowing that your battery is under warranty for about half of its potential life cycle, which is far more than many battery manufacturers offer. You can find more detailed information on Lithionics warranties right here.

Where to Buy Lithionics Battery

There are various third-party retailers that sell Lithionics batteries directly to consumers. Some of the most popular options include Pagosa Supply Co. and Off The Grid RVs. And while Lithionics typically sells its products to businesses and retailers, you can contact the company directly to inquire about purchasing an individual battery or BMS.

Lithionics Battery App

The Lithionics proprietary mobile app can link directly to your battery via Bluetooth. This will give you a wide range of information related to the status of your battery, including voltages, battery life, and fault codes. This makes it far easier to troubleshoot issues if and when they arise. It also makes it easier to understand how your battery is working and improve efficiency whenever possible.

Lithionics Fault Codes

There are many different Lithionics fault codes that can appear on your display. While many fault codes refer to minor issues that you can troubleshoot with ease, you might encounter more serious codes that refer to one or more of the following issues:

• Low Voltage State – The battery requires charging immediately to avoid damage.
• Reserve Range – The battery charge is low and requires charging.
• High Temp State – The battery temperature is too high and needs time to cool down.
• Low Temp State – The battery temperature is too low and needs to be warmed up.
• High Voltage State – The battery charge voltage is too high and may be a result of issues with your charging equipment.
• Temp Sensor Error – The temperature sensor connection is broken and may be a result of wiring issues on the battery module.
• Battery Protection – A battery protection event has been triggered and requires assistance from the dealer.
• OptoLoop Open – The battery monitoring connection has issues at the module and requires assistance from the dealer.

Who Owns Lithionics Battery?

Lithionics Battery is owned by Winnebago Industries. The acquisition of Lithionics Battery was finalized in May of 2023. Lithionics Battery had been growing its research and manufacturing capabilities since its launch in 2008.