Life Cycle of batteries BC Lithium Batteries

1. Storage

Compared to lead / acid batteries, LiFePO4 lithium batteries have a very low self-discharge rate (four times lower). We recommend recharging the batteries every three months. In any case, the battery charge level remains within acceptable levels for up to 6/12 months. BC LITHIUM batteries are stored in a cool and dry place.

2. Initialisation / First 100% recharge

The batteries are delivered at 80% of the charge and at a voltage of approximately 13.2 volts. Before mounting the battery on board the vehicle, it is strongly recommended to perform a 100% full charge with a specific charger for LiFePO4 batteries (click here to see the BC lithium battery chargers).

 

3. Installation on the vehicle

Before proceeding with the assembly, it is recommended to perform an alternator test: it is essential to remember that in the event of voltages above 15V the battery could be damaged. To carry out the test, we recommend the use of the BT-02 or BT-03 testers, which also allow you to analyze the conditions and the starting point of all the 6 / 12V batteries and the correct functioning of the 12 / 24V charging systems. The charging system test can also be performed with BC LITHIUM 7000. Like gel or AGM batteries, BC LITHIUM batteries can be installed in any position.

4. Maintenance and advice for long life

The life of a battery depends on many environmental factors and related to its use. For chemical and constructive reasons, it is possible to estimate for the LiFePO4 lithium batteries of the BC LITHIUM BATTERIES range a double life (on average from 2 to 4 years) compared to lead / acid batteries, which last on average 1/2 years. For correct maintenance, the following simple procedures should be followed.

- Disconnect the battery from the vehicle if not in use (thus benefiting from the reduced self-discharge of LiFePO4 batteries) and regularly charge it with a specific LiFePO4 lithium battery charger (click here to see BC lithium battery chargers).

- Periodically check the alternator / regulator charging system and check that the voltage does not exceed 15 Volts (a higher voltage can cause damage to the battery cells). As you can see from the Estimated Residual Capacity table, it is essential that the battery always remains in an optimal state of charge. We recommend keeping a minimum voltage level of around 13.2 / 13.3 volts, equal to 80/90% of the battery's remaining capacity.





























Estimate Residual Capacity














Volt
Capacity




14,34
100%




13,30
90%




13,27
80%




13,16
70%




13,13
60%




13,12
50%




13,10
40%




13,00
30%




12,87
20%




12,73
10%




9,20
0%


















5. Disposal


BC LITHIUM BATTERIES adheres to COBAT (National Consortium for the Collection and Recycling of Batteries) and pays in accordance with legal obligations a fixed fee for each kg released into the environment. LIFEPO4 batteries must be disposed of according to the same procedures already adopted by the network of workshops for lead acid.