ABOUT OUR PRISMATIC CELLS
Our pre-existing relationship with EVE has seen us supply thousands of LiFePO4 prismatic cells to end users, businesses and commercial suppliers over an extensive period of time.
Having worked with EVE, we have a comprehensive understanding of the cell chemistry and technical specifications - making EVE the perfect partner for our Fogstar Drift Leisure Battery range.
Many leisure battery suppliers simply won't know which cells are being used at the assembly phase, nor will they understand the grading, quality processes or what configuration is being used.
This is why we've been involved since the inception of our product, selecting each component, from the prismatics, to the BMS and heating components - to create the ultimate leisure battery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Lithium Iron Phosphate Leisure batteries safe to use?
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are one of the safest types of leisure batteries available on the market. As explained in our information ‘About Lithium Ion Batteries’, LiFePO4 leisure batteries are remarkably safe.
Due to the chemical and thermal composition of the batteries, they do not overheat, nor will they explode or catch-fire if subjected to hazardous conditions such as collisions or short-circuiting. Due to the impeccable safety reputation, they are fast becoming the battery of choice on the market - a favourite with manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.
What is the difference between a Leisure battery and a LiFePO4 Prismatic Cell?
Here at Fogstar Drift we sell both fully assembled lithium leisure batteries, and EVE prismatic LiFePO4 cells. The difference is whether you wish to buy a fully assembled unit (a leisure battery), or have the skills, knowledge and time to build your own unit (prismatics).
All Fogstar Drift leisure batteries contain four Grade A EVE LiFePO4 prismatic cells, cased, with integrated BMS system, built-in Heating and Bluetooth.
The LiFePo4 prismatics are available in both Grade A and Grade B, in 280ah and 105ah - all certified EVE cells. These cells require connecting together with the included busbars and screws - it’s important that anyone purchasing prismatics must know what they are doing, these cells can be dangerous if shorted.
Will installing a lithium leisure battery affect my vehicle or boat’s warranty?
Changing a lead acid battery, or any other variety of leisure battery, for a LiFePO4 leisure battery should not affect the warranty as long as it’s installed, and used correctly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
How do I choose which lithium leisure battery to install?
Before buying and installing a lithium leisure battery, you need to fully understand what you require from your battery. Ask yourself the following questions;
- your overall budget
- will you be using a solar panel inverter
- how much power you will be using on your travels (total kilowatt hours)
- how much time you have to dedicate to maintenance of the battery
- how frequently you will be off-grid
- whether environmental factors play a part in your purchase decision and,
- if vehicle/ boat payload/weight is also a consideration for you.
You will need to work out what your total daily usage is likely to be in total kilowatt hours.
You’ll also need to consider a few other factors such as how you’re going to keep your battery charged, and where you are going to install it.
What is an inverter and will I need one?
Your leisure battery is ideal for running all of the 12v appliances, however, when you need to use a 230V appliance but you only have 12V or 24V available in your vehicle or boat, you will need an inverter. Many people install lithium batteries specifically to run appliances such as coffee machines, hair dryers, and ovens.
You can use an inverter to change 12v DC (or 24v) to 230v AC. You’ll need an inverter if you want to run 230V appliances when no mains hook-up is available. Choosing the correct inverter is critical. If you get it wrong, it could damage your precious electronics and potentially catch fire. We suggest doing some research around this topic and picking the correct inverter to suit your needs and requirements.
What are the charging voltages for lithium leisure batteries?
The charging requirements of lithium leisure batteries are different to that of lead acid leisure batteries. You should use a dedicated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery charger, charged at a constant voltage of no more than 14.4V, with recommended 14.4V bulk and 14.4V absorption. Typically, charging at a lower voltage (14.3v) will do no harm, and may possibly extend the life of the battery, but do not charge at a higher than stipulated voltage.
Charging at the correct voltage will ensure you maximise the lifespan of the battery. Never charge your battery if the temperature of the unit is below 0°C.
How are LiFePO4 batteries affected by temperature?
The performance of LiFePO4 batteries is significantly impacted by temperature. For many leisure batteries, the amp hour rating stated on them is based on a nominal temperature of 25°C, with each degree lower causing around a 1% drop in performance.
If the temperature of the battery reaches 0°C, you must not charge the battery from the engine, a mains hook-up, a solar panel, or any other charging source.
The Fogstar Drift range has built-in heaters as standard, enabling them to be charged when the ambient temperature is as low as -20°C.
How is the Fogstar Drift range so cheap in comparison to other brands?
It’s really rather simple, we don’t buy via intermediaries. Our employees work directly with the manufacturers meaning we not only get a superior product, we also get a superior price. This enables us to pass savings directly onto our customers.
This approach has worked for us since 2016, and has seen us source millions of quality, authentic Lithium-Ion batteries for Fogstar customers. We have an unbeatable reputation for quality, customer service and an unmatchable pricing strategy.