Energy supply: Lithium batteries from Liontron: robust and easy to maintain

High capacity, fast charge absorption, low weight and at least three times as many charging cycles as a good lead-acid battery - lithium iron phosphate batteries are ideal consumer batteries on board. Especially as the voltage and installation dimensions are compatible with lead batteries.

At first glance, the only thing that speaks against this lightweight and powerful technology is the purchase price. 100 ampere hours usually cost around 1000 euros. Although the investment pays off over the service life of the battery, it is annoying if such a battery fails after a short time due to a defect. Until now, lithium batteries have been almost impossible to repair. As they are welded into a plastic housing, even a small fault, for example in the integrated battery management system, can turn the entire battery into hazardous waste.

This is precisely where Liontron comes in. Although the batteries manufactured exclusively for the German supplier are also housed in a sturdy plastic casing, they can be opened. The internal structure of the batteries is also modular. The lithium cells themselves come from Panasonic and are screwed together. Defective cells or cell blocks can therefore be easily replaced. The same applies to the main board with battery monitoring, which can also be easily replaced. Even the integrated Bluetooth module can be replaced. According to the manufacturer, this covers the most common sources of faults.

Liontron offers a five-year guarantee on the batteries and promises to keep the spare parts and cells in stock for ten years, even after the end of production.

To date, Liontron has mainly been represented in the caravan and motorhome market, where it claims to be the market leader. The 12.8 volt batteries are available in capacities from 20 to 200 ampere hours, with special versions available in addition to the standard formats, which fit perfectly under the seat consoles of vans and motorhomes. There is also a 25.4-volt series that can be used to replace 24-volt lead-acid batteries.

According to the manufacturer, the batteries are fully compatible with lead-acid batteries and can be charged with the existing charging technology without any modifications. A so-called charging booster or battery-to-battery charger (B2B charger) is only recommended for the alternator, as the standard charging characteristics of the alternators do not utilise the full capacity of the lithium batteries.

The batteries can be purchased from various camping equipment suppliers or directly from a Subsidiary company from the manufacturer. 100 ampere hours cost 989 euros.

Further information at Liontron