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12 years ago I replaced my motorcycle flooded cell lead/acid battery after it was just out of warranty, (1 year) go figure but typical in my experience with small engine batteries so I put a lithium battery in it and it still cranks up like new to this day. Super light weight compared and small as two packs of playing cards stacked. Money saved so far not having to buy a regular battery every year, $1,100 - $200 @ that time for Li batt = $900 savings and still counting.
Fast forward to today, picked up a new Li-Ti-O (Lithium Titanium Oxide/Lithium Titanate) in group 65 flavor which fits a lot of different large cars and trucks, including the F150. If it lasts half as long as the bike battery, it'll have paid for itself 2-3x.
Since the Lightning has a 12v system, this type of batt would compliment it nicely. Just get the one that fits. For the rest of us shmucks still chugging along in affordable ICE vehicles, a lot less maintenance (no acid to leak that causes corrosion) for a lot less money in the long haul.
I haven't heard of that company before, but I'll have to take a closer look when the time comes. Old-fashioned lead-acid batteries can last a long time up north, though, so I'm not sure the added cost would be worthwhile. I replaced the factory battery in a 12-year-old Prius back in 2018 as preventative maintenance, but it was still working fine. The factory battery in my boat lasted 8 years. I've never lived down south, but I understand that batteries don't hold up as well because of the heat.
I don't know how these would play with the BMS in the Lightning, either. The 12v battery is a little 35 Ah H3 unit that gets a lot of cycles. The BMS charges it to 90% when the truck is running, and it slowly drops to 40% and enters battery saving mode after a couple of days sitting. When it drops to 30%, the HV system activates to charge it, but I don't know how far it goes before going back to sleep. The BMS might not know what to do with a lithium battery in its place.
I've got another 11K on my warranty before I can start to worry about it. I may or may not still have it depending on this battery repair and resale value. My dealer has been great, but I'm getting more and more frustrated the longer this drags on.
About 16 years ago I too had a motorcycle and a failing FLA battery. I replaced it with a lithium battery and it was a big improvement turning the 1340cc over. After selling the motorcycle, the lithium battery sat on the shelf for ~7 years being used for various tests and odd jobs that required 12v.
About 5 years ago, maybe longer I put that same lithium battery in our riding John Deere mower and it is still going strong.
Actively looking for lithium replacements for our 5th wheel as the 4x Trojan T-105 6v batteries are dying. SOK and Li Time around the 400 - 600Ah rating are looking good thus far.
Got the new LTO battery in place and my truck has never cranked so fast, not even when I drove it off the lot brand new. I'm officially impressed. I honestly had my doubts it would even turn over. Hopefully it lasts as long as my bike battery.
I love unusual battery types, this is neat. Those should have a much lower reserve capacity than the standard F150 factory battery, but let's see if that makes any difference.
I love unusual battery types, this is neat. Those should have a much lower reserve capacity than the standard F150 factory battery, but let's see if that makes any difference.
