I found one even better: https://www.lithiumpros.com/product/...m-ion-battery/




Weight 30.3 lbs

Dimensions 13 x 6.93 x 8.14 in
Volts 12.8
CA (Pb Eq) 1500
Watt-Hours 1410
Amp Hours 110
Charge Volts 14.4
Max Amps 100
Reserve Capacity 260
Continuous Amps 100
Product Size 13″ L x 6.81″ W x 8.43″ T


If we are talking about 1500 Cranking Amps on one battery in the same size as one typical lead battery, then that's an adequate replacement. The only bummer is the battery needs to be < 12 1/4" to fit on the driver's side of the engine bay of the van.

 

I put you on my list
1. Pay bill's
2 buy groceries

Special list
1 pay for cruise
2 pay off bills
3 buy stuff for land an new house
4. Save for down-payment on house

50.Loan Genscripter 1600 for battery

 

So you are telling me there's a chance!!!!!!

 

Yeah, right after:

49. Retire

 

I was medically retired in 2005 from civil service

 

$100 for a group 31 with ~1000cca that I believe a few folks with IDIs run a single (I run a pair) or $2k for a fancy battery with a bit more power. Group 31 is cheap and can get them anywhere. $200 for batteries isn't a big deal, just test them annually if you've had issues? Or go to a 4D or battery, but if your single mondo battery dies you won't find a replacement at every store that sells batteries.

 

All joking aside, the $2000 battery would have some benefits, notably for my turbo upgrade plans and for potential ecomodding.

One of those batteries is 30lbs. Contrast that to the dual lead acid batteries, and you can save 80lbs. Also, it is supposed to recharge MUCH faster than the typical lead batteries, which means it puts less strain on the alternator, thus preserving the life of the device while also not siphoning off HP on the engine.

I'm sure the weight and power reduction would be negligible, but I'm always looking for more ways to bump the MPG. $2000 is wildly expensive, but I'll keep an eye out for more of these Type 31 style Lithium car batteries and possible sale or used prices. Maybe with the recent influx of electric cars, these lithium batteries will come down in price some.

 

I am sure they will come down in price

 

No matter how much faster the battery might recharge, there's no free lunch. It still would require the same total charge as any other battery/batteries. Whatever energy (voltage x current x time) was taken to start the engine, the alternator has to produce that much energy to restore whatever battery/ies you have to full charge. In fact, if it has to charge faster, the charge rate (current) would have to be higher during that time.

As an ecomod, you'd have to drive it a LONG time for the minimal weight difference (aprx. one child) to offset the cost.

 

Lithium has the inconvenient tendency to catch on fire now and then though doesn't it? The cell phone volcano vids, and those electronic ciggies? A big battery of the type used for automotive purposes must be pretty spectacular.

Lead-acid batts are way old school tech and very heavy but they've stuck around for so many years because they do the job at a reasonable price point. Research has spent a LOT of years working on new battery technologies and it's still tough to beat the reliability and predictability. Producing energy is one thing, storing it is another.

 

The real problem is space in the van

 

There would be no change in fuel burned to charge the battery.

As for "ecomodding", which I assume from what you've mentioned is improving MPG, there is no ROI. Let's round up and say it drops 100 lbs over lead. Quick unscientific search says every 100 lbs reduction in weight can result in "up to" 1%-2% MPG increase. Assuming the vehicle gets 15 MPG now, a 1.5% increase is 15.225 MPG. At current fuel prices ($2.50/gal) that puts your ROI at 812,000 miles or about 68 years at typical annual miles driven. The battery will not pay for itself within its expected lifetime, there is no ROI.

 

I read about the fire hazard a long time ago. Teslas and other electrical cars have protective cases that prevent the fire from becoming too much of a catastrophe, but considering the heat these lithium fires put out, the heat shield would likely still impact nearby components in a cramped van.

True, the space in the van is the major issue. I'm thinking the best scenario at this point is to wait for Lithium car batteries to come down in price, and/or just figure out a decent way to secure a 4D lead acid battery on the frame.

If they made a 4D "drop-down" box, then we could be on to something.




Might be able to situate a "drop-down" box somewhere near the rear axle. Ugh. or, if I could reroute the exhaust somehow....

If the 4D could fit underneath, then having both batteries out of the engine bay means PRIMO real estate for innercooler/turbo/air-box upgrades.

As for ROI, yes, for $2000/battery, it's a crappy deal. But I also read that these lithiums have 4x the "cycles" than a Lead Acid. If the price came down to $1000 for the 1500CA lithium group 31, then if it has the lifespan of 4 lead acid sets, then maybe it's approximating a reasonable ROI.

 

Some body good with a welder could build a box

 

If I did the box, I'd rather do the drop down setup. Having easy access is important when I do all these crazy roadtrips.