Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the questions we get asked the most on RELiON and lithium batteries.

General

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to upgrade to lithium iron phosphate batteries. What do I need to know?
As with any battery replacement, you need to consider your capacity, power, and size requirements, as well as making sure you have the right charger. Keep in mind, when upgrading from lead-acid to LiFePO4, you may be able to downsize your battery (in some cases up to 50%) and keep the same runtime. Most existing charging sources are compatible with our lithium iron phosphate batteries. Please contact RELiON technical support if you need assistance with your upgrade and they will be happy to make sure you pick the right battery.
What is a BMS? What does it do and where is it located?
BMS stands for Battery Management System. The BMS protects the cells from getting damaged — most commonly from over or under-voltage, over current, high temperature or external short-circuiting. The BMS will shut off the battery to protect the cells from unsafe operating conditions. All RELiON batteries have a built-in BMS to manage and protect them against these types of issues.
What size terminals and bolts come on RELiON batteries?
RELiON’s LiFePO4 batteries feature M6, M8 or M10 terminals. These types of terminals are insert terminals, also referred to as internal threads, and come with bolts. The terminal and bolt sizes are metric and the numerical signifier is the dimension in mm. For example, the M8 terminal is 8mm in diameter. The bolts have coarse threads (1.25tpi). Longer bolts, if needed, can be found at most hardware stores.
Can you mount the batteries in any position?
Yes, because there is no fluid inside of LiFePO4 batteries. This gives you the flexibility to install the battery where it is best suited for your application.
What’s the difference between parallel and series connections?
Parallel connections involve connecting 2 or more batteries together to increase the capacity of the battery bank. In this case, the positive terminals are connected together and the negative terminals are connected together of all the batteries until you reach your desired capacity. Series connections involve connecting 2 or more batteries together to increase the voltage of the battery system. The positive of one battery is connected to the negative of another until the desired voltage is achieved. For example, if you connect 2 x 12V batteries in series, the battery system will be 24V.
Will a 12V, 100Ah lithium iron phosphate battery give a longer run time than a 12V, 100Ah lead-acid battery under the same conditions?
Yes. Lithium iron phosphate batteries provide more useable capacity than a lead-acid equivalently rated product. You can expect up to twice as much runtime.
How do I prep my lithium battery for off-season storage?
Simply charge your battery to 14.4 volts, disconnect the battery from your charger, and your equipment, then store in temperatures anywhere between 23°F to 95°F (-5°C to 35°C). For storage longer than 3 months, the recommended temperature range is 32°F to 77°F (0°C to 25°C), then it’s safe to store at a 50% state of charge. Unlike lead-acid batteries, a partial state of charge does not harm lithium batteries.
Where can I buy RELiON batteries?
RELiON batteries can be purchased online with free ground shipping within the continental U.S. You can also order through our dealers and distributors all over the world. Use our online tool to locate a dealer in your area.
How quickly can I get my batteries after I order them on RELiON's website?
Online orders are shipped via UPS ground from Rock Hill, SC within 1-2 business days after your order is placed. The transit time will depend on the shipping address. You will be notified via email when your order ships.
How long has RELiON been in business?
RELiON Battery was founded in 2014. RELiON’s founder-owned and operated a lead-acid battery company for over 20 years prior to founding our company with the goal of developing innovative and efficient energy storage solutions.
How do LiFePO4 batteries perform in cold temperatures?
As with all batteries, cold temperatures will result in reduced performance. LiFePO4 batteries have significantly more capacity and voltage retention in the cold when compared to lead-acid batteries. Important tips to keep in mind: When charging lithium iron phosphate batteries below 0°C (32°F), the charge current must be reduced to 0.1C and below -10°C (14°F) it must be reduced to 0.05C. Failure to reduce the current below freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage to your battery. RELiON’s LT Series is specifically designed for cold charging, utilizing charge current to heat the battery before allowing charge. With the LT series, you can start the charge below 0°C (32°F).
How do LiFePO4 batteries perform in hot temperatures?
LiFePO4 batteries will provide their full capacity and performance until they reach the Battery Management (BMS) protection level. The BMS maximum temperature ranges from 60-80°C (140-176°F). Refer to the data sheet for your particular model to find the exact upper temperature limit. LiFePO4 batteries produce less heat than other lithium chemistries, but if they reach an upper limit, our BMS will protect the battery by shutting it off.
Are there required certifications to ship lithium iron phosphate batteries in the U.S.?
Yes, the Department of Transportation requires UN38.3 certification. All batteries must be UN38.3 certified in order to be legally transported via land, sea or air.
What is the expected life of a LiFePO4 battery?
Battery life is measured in life cycles and RELiON’s LiFePO4 is typically rated to deliver 3500 cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DOD). Actual life expectancy is dependent on several variables based on your specific application. If used for the same application, a LiFePO4 battery can last up to 10X longer than a lead-acid battery.
How are LiFePO4 batteries safer than other lithium batteries?
Phosphate-based batteries offer superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Thus, providing an increase in safety over lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials. This is because the charged and uncharged states of LiFePO4 are physically similar and highly robust, which lets the ions remain stable during the oxygen flux that happens alongside charge cycles or possible malfunctions. Overall, the iron phosphate-oxide bond is stronger than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when the battery is overcharged or subject to physical damage then the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable; whereas in other lithium chemistries the bonds begin breaking down and releasing excessive heat, which eventually leads to thermal Runaway. Lithium phosphate cells are incombustible, which is an important feature in the event of mishandling during charging or discharging. They can also withstand harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat or rough terrain. When subjected to hazardous events, such as collision or short-circuiting, they won’t explode or catch fire, significantly reducing any chance of harm. If you’re selecting a lithium battery and anticipate use in hazardous or unstable environments, LiFePO4 is likely your best choice. It’s also worth mentioning, LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-contaminating and contain no rare earth metals, making them an environmentally conscious choice.
What type of solar charge controller do I need to charge my batteries with my solar panels?
There are two types of charge controllers. Both work with RELiON batteries. Pulse width modulation (PWM) Maximum power point tracking (MPPT).

Batteries or Product

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RELiON offer a dual-purpose battery?
Yes, our HP Series are dual-purpose batteries specifically for applications that require occasional starting power. These batteries can serve as your cranking battery, where the rated peak current for 5-10 seconds is sufficient, and to run your motor or equipment.
There are a few RB100 battery options, which one is right for me?
Some key differences to consider: RB100 battery: our standard group 31 lithium iron phosphate battery RB100-D battery: a DIN size battery, commonly used in Europe. RB100-HP battery: a dual-purpose battery, which provides a higher peak current than our standard RB100. RB100-LT battery is designed specifically for cold weather charging. Learn more about the different RELiON Series of batteries.
How does the RB100-LT (Low Temp) battery work?
The RB100-LT features the same size and performance as RELiON's RB100, but can safely charge at temperatures that drop below 0°C (32°F) using a standard charger. The system features proprietary technology which draws power from the charger itself, requiring no additional components. The entire process of heating and charging is completely seamless for the user. Simply plug the battery into the regular lithium charger and the internal heating and monitoring system takes care of the rest. Because it takes time to heat the cells, the charging process will take a little longer in below freezing temperatures. Learn more about the LT Series.
How many CCAs (cold cranking amps) does the RB100 have?
Lithium batteries are rated for peak current (20°C/68°F for 5-10 seconds) instead of cold cranking amps (0°C/32°F for 30 seconds). The RB100 is rated at 200A for 5-10 seconds.
Which RELiON battery is right for my RV?
With so many different configurations, applications and needs, RV owners know finding a battery that checks all the boxes can be a challenge. Luckily, we have a blog that tells you everything you need to know when it comes to selecting RELiON batteries for your RV set-up! Click the button below to learn more.
What Is lithium battery protection mode?
RELiON lithium batteries are manufactured with the safest lithium chemistry, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). LiFePO4 batteries are best known for their strong safety profile, the result of extremely stable chemistry. However, to make sure the batteries stay within their safety specifications and ensure they cannot be damaged, they have an internal battery management system (BMS). A BMS makes sure each cell in the battery remains within safe limits. A well-designed battery management system can help maximize lifetime, and ensure safe operation over a wide range of conditions.

Charging and Discharging

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing lead-acid battery charger (Wet, AGM or Gel) to charge RELiON lithium iron phosphate batteries?
Most likely, yes. In general, lithium batteries are charger-friendly. Most chargers today have a lithium charge profile, which is what we recommend using. In most instances, AGM or gel charge profiles will work with our batteries. We do not recommend the use of a flooded charge profile with our batteries. These chargers may reach the over voltage protection limit and disconnect. It won’t damage the battery but will likely result in charger faults. Before using any charger with RELiON batteries it is best to first verify the charge profile is within our specifications, which can be found in our Charging Instructions. Be sure to read over our charging guide in detail prior to charging your RELiON battery.
Can I use my alternator to charge my lithium iron phosphate batteries?
RELiON batteries can be charged with most alternators. Depending on the quality of the alternator, it should work with LiFePO4 batteries. Low quality alternators with poor voltage regulation can cause the BMS to disconnect LiFePO4 batteries. If the BMS disconnects the batteries, the alternator could be damaged. To protect your LiFePO4 battery and alternator please be sure to use a compatible high-quality alternator or install a voltage regulator. Please contact RELiON technical support if you need assistance.
How long will it take to charge a lithium battery?
Lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged in as fast as 1 hour. We recommend using a rate that charges our batteries in 2-5 hours. Please refer to the data sheet for your particular model, to find the recommended charge rates. All of our data sheets are available on our website within the product section.
How can I determine the state of charge (SOC) of my lithium iron phosphate battery?
The best way to determine the SOC of your battery is to use a battery indicator— a high-precision instrument that captures instantaneous and integrated data in real-time. We have Victron Fuel Guages available for purchase on our product page.
How strictly do I need to follow the recharging limits?
The short answer is “not very.” Our specs call for the batteries to be recharged to 14 to 14.6 volts for bulk charging, and to float the battery at 13.8 volts. If you recharge the battery below that range, you’ll have less than 100% charge in the battery - it will be at a partial state of charge. All that means is you’ll need to recharge it again sooner than you otherwise would. But you’re not harming the battery in any way by coming in lower than our recommended range - you’re only cutting into the capacity you’ll have from that charge. If you go over the 14.6 volt limit, our battery monitoring system - or BMS - will sense the over-voltage and disconnect from the battery. That’s it! The only thing that will happen is that the BMS will do what it is designed to do and protect your battery.
Are lithium batteries poorly affected by partial state of charge (PSOC)?
No! Drawing current from a lithium battery does not produce any harmful or undesirable byproducts. Charging and recharging simply moves lithium ions from one side of a membrane to another. Lithium batteries also have their peak performance when they spend their life at a partial state of charge. The ideal maximum charge for a lithium-ion battery is about 80-90%. This is much more practical in terms of the time and amperage necessary to recharge your battery, and it gives you a margin of error for when things don’t go as planned.
How deep can a lithium iron phosphate battery be discharged?
LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged up to 100% without risk of damage. Make sure you charge your battery immediately after discharge. We recommend discharging be limited to 80-90% depth of discharge (DOD) to avoid the BMS disconnecting the battery.
How does the rate of discharge effect capacity?
The rate of discharge for LiFePO4 batteries has virtually no effect on the delivered capacity. This is not the case with lead-acid batteries which have significantly reduced capacity of up to 50% as the rate of discharge increases.

InSight Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the InSight Series?
The InSight Series™ is the newest addition to the RELiON Battery product family. InSight is the first scalable LiFePO4 drop-in replacement battery requiring no extra hardware when connected in parallel. InSight makes connecting batteries easy using parallel connections to increase the available capacity for longer runtimes. Just connect and go! InSight also boasts several intelligent features that make it truly unique, including a SuperSmart BMS that allows for Bullseye Balancing™ through innovative algorithms ensuring precise balancing between cells. Current products within the InSight Series™: InSight 48V – GC2 size (48V 30 Ah) & InSight 24V - GC2 size (24V 60 Ah). 12V size coming soon!
How do I determine the number of InSight 48V batteries I need?
How many batteries you use, depends on your individual needs. Depending on the vehicle make, the terrain, the load in the vehicle, and driving style; 2, InSight batteries will provide 24-34 miles and 3 will provide 36-51 miles. For light usage, we suggest using 2 batteries whereas if you use your vehicle to play golf and get around your neighborhood, then you might want to try using 3 batteries. You can always add another battery to your vehicle if you decide you want even more range.
How do I install InSight 48V batteries?
InSight batteries are super easy to install. Because they are a GC2 size battery, they’re designed to fit perfectly in your golf car. Simply remove your old batteries, drop-in your new InSight batteries, connect them in parallel, connect the CAN cables that come with your battery then turn your batteries on via the wake-up button. There’s no tray modifications and no extra components needed. We do recommend you use our spacer batteries in the empty battery slots so you can use the existing battery hold down that come with your vehicle.
Can InSight batteries be connected in parallel or series?
RELiON’s InSight batteries were designed exclusively to run in parallel. For starters, each InSight battery is 48 volts. This simplifies installation and makes each unit more reliable than the normal method of connecting several 12 - or 24 - volt batteries in series. At 48 volts each, you need fewer batteries for your golf cart. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use more. Up to 10 Insight batteries can be connected in parallel, giving you up to 300 amp-hours. Because they are in parallel, if any one battery goes offline, you will not notice any difference in performance, only duration. A parallel connection extends the reliability of each individual Insight battery to the entire array, giving you more power, more capacity, and less to worry about when driving your golf cart.
How strictly do I need to follow the recharging limits?
The short answer is “not very.” Our specs call for the batteries to be recharged to 14 to 14.6 volts for bulk charging, and to float the battery at 13.8 volts. If you recharge the battery below that range, you’ll have less than 100% charge in the battery - it will be at a partial state of charge. All that means is you’ll need to recharge it again sooner than you otherwise would. But you’re not harming the battery in any way by coming in lower than our recommended range - you’re only cutting into the capacity you’ll have from that charge. If you go over the 14.6 volt limit, our battery monitoring system - or BMS - will sense the over-voltage and disconnect from the battery. That’s it! The only thing that will happen is that the BMS will do what it is designed to do and protect your battery.
What are regen currents and why are they important?
Regenerative currents are currents that are provided to the battery like a charge current during breaking and/or for speed control. InSight batteries are unlike other lithium batteries in that they have the ability to manage these regen currents when they occur. InSight batteries are built with intuitive software to manage this, avoiding disconnects that occur in these scenarios
What is the available range with InSight batteries?
1 InSight 48V Battery = 12 - 17 miles per charge, 2 InSight 48V Batteries = 24 - 34 miles per charge, 3 InSight 48V Batteries = 36 - 51 miles per charge, 4 InSight 48V Batteries = 48 - 70 miles per charge, 5 InSight 48V Batteries = 60 - 85 miles per charge, 6 InSight 48V Batteries = 72 - 102 miles per charge
Why do I need spacer batteries?
We recommend using our Battery Spacers to fill the empty battery spots so you can use the existing battery hold-down that comes in your vehicle. If you do not use our Battery Spacers, you must take precautions to ensure your InSight batteries are securely held down.
How does regenerative braking work for golf carts?
Let’s first start with some basics about your golf cart motor. Electric motors are reversible machines, they can function as motors or as generators. In fact, while your motor is operating, it is the generator effect that produces the Counter Electromotive Force (CEMF), which reduces the current into the motor. Without this effect, the currents in the motor would be too large to manage. An additional advantage of the CEMF is that it can be used to send energy back to the source. The typical situation is one of an electric vehicle rolling on a sharp downhill slope and forcing the motor to turn fast enough to engage the regenerative braking, which sends energy to the batteries. If your battery’s BMS isn’t built to handle regen currents, when this occurs your battery will simply disconnect resulting in a sudden stop, which can be concerning. The good news is our InSight batteries feature intuitive software that tells the BMS to manage these regen currents when they occur. This is quite unique in the lithium battery world today, making InSight truly different from other lithium batteries.

Low Temperature Series Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Low Temperature Series (LT) batteries work?
Our LT batteries feature the same size and performance as standard RELiON batteries, but can safely charge at temperatures that drop below 0°C (32°F) using a standard charger. The system features proprietary technology which draws power from the charger itself, requiring no additional components. The entire process of heating and charging is completely seamless for the user. Simply plug the battery into the regular lithium charger and the internal heating and monitoring system takes care of the rest. Because it takes time to heat the cells, the charging process will take a little longer in below freezing temperatures. Learn more about the LT Series.
How does the heating element work?
The battery management system monitors the internal temperature of the battery. If the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C) and a charge cycle is initiated the BMS will divert charge current to the heating element until the uniform internal temperature of the battery is safe for charging. The specific safe charging temperature differs. For small batteries it's 50°F (10°C), for larger batteries its 41°F (5°C). See individual data sheets for details.
How long does the heating element take to warm the battery to a safe temperature?
About one to one and a half hours. Depending on how cold it is and which model of battery, the BMS will divert 5-15 amps of charge current to the heating element.
Does the heating element keep the battery warm during discharging also?
No, during discharge the heating element remains off. The battery will function according to the discharge voltage characteristics at various temperatures chart. It is perfectly safe to discharge in temps down to -20°C (-4°F).
How many amps does the heating element draw?
Depending on battery model the BMS diverts 5-15 amps to power the heating element. The RB20-LT draws 5 amps while the RB300-LT draws 15 amps.
Can I use Low-Temperature (LT) batteries on my boat?
Yes, LT batteries may be used on your boat but keep in mind the heating element only engages during charging when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C). You may not receive the full benefit of LT technology because watercrafts are likely not operable in extreme winter temperatures.
Can I connect my LT batteries in series/parallel?
LT batteries may be connected in parallel only. Series connections are NOT allowed.
How is a shunt-based battery gauge effected by heating during a charge cycle?
A shunt-based gauge is not able to differentiate between heating amps and charging amps. Because some of the amps were diverted to heating and did not contribute to charging the gauge may read 100% before charging ends. Please allow your charger to complete its cycle even if the gauge reads full.

Trolling Motor Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

How many RELiON lithium trolling motor batteries do I need?
It depends on your trolling motor voltage. RELiON offers 12-Volt and 24-Volt Lithium batteries. If you have a 12-Volt trolling motor then you can choose from several 12-Volt options, if you have a 24-Volt motor, you can use 2, 12-Volt batteries in series or a single 24-Volt battery and if you have a 36-Volt motor you can use 3, 12-Volt batteries in series.
Which RELiON 12-Volt battery should I use for my trolling motor?
RELiON offers several 12-Volt battery options to choose from. The most common models are; RB50, RB75, RB80 and RB100, which are 50Ah, 75Ah, 80Ah and 100Ah respectively. To get the same runtime as a wet or AGM lead-acid battery, use a lithium battery that is 60% the capacity of that lead-acid battery. If you want more time on the water, size up from there. Ex. 60Ah RELiON lithium battery = 100Ah lead-acid battery
Are RELiON lithium batteries a drop-in replacement to my lead-acid battery?
RELiON offers the standard size batteries; Group 24, Group 27 and Group 31.
Can I install my RELiON lithium batteries on their side?
Although they will operate on their side, we recommend installing them upright in marine applications.
What size cables should I use to connect my RELiON lithium batteries?
For most applications, we recommend either 4-AWG or 6-AWG cables.
Are my RELiON Lithium batteries waterproof?
RELiON lithium batteries are enclosed in an IP66 case, which means water projected from any direction will not be harmful. They will get damaged if they are submerged in water. We recommend you do your best to keep your batteries dry.
Do I need to use a lithium starter battery if my trolling motor batteries are lithium?
No, you can use a lead-acid starter battery with your lithium trolling motor batteries.
Do my RELiON lithium batteries have peak current limitations?
Yes, please refer to the data sheet to get the peak current limit for your particular model.
Does RELiON offer a lithium starter battery?
RELiON has an RB100-HP, which is a Group 31 dual-purpose battery that can be used for starting.
I have an RB100-HP for cranking and but it's not enough to run all of my electronics. Can I add an RB100 in parallel?
Yes, connecting them in parallel is fine. Although rare, we do have some anglers running a second RB100-HP for their electronics. For this application, a second battery is fine.
How much can I discharge my RB100-HP dual-purpose battery and still start my engine?
The RB100-HP can be discharged up to 70% (30% state of charge) and still start most engines.
Is it OK to connect my starting battery in parallel with one of my RELiON lithium trolling motor batteries to assist with starting if needed?
Yes, however, if you do so, it is required that you use a switch to isolate each battery so that they can be charged separately with a multi-bank charger.
How long will my RELiON lithium batteries live?
RELiON’s Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are designed to provide over 6000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge.
Will my existing battery gauge provide an accurate state of charge for my lithium batteries?
Not if it is a typical lead-acid, voltage-based battery gauge. You will need to use a lithium battery gauge for an accurate state of charge.
What does it mean if the voltage of my RELiON lithium battery is ≤4-Volts?
Lithium batteries come with Battery Management System (BMS) to protect the battery from various abusive conditions such as low voltage, high voltage, high current and high temperature. If the BMS goes into protection mode, it will disconnect the battery from the terminals and the voltage will read between 0 to 4-Volts. If this happens, simply disconnect the battery cables and reconnect and the voltage should return.
How do I store my RELiON lithium batteries?
For long term storage, from 3-12 months, lithium batteries should be stored in a dry environment between 23°F to 95°F (-5°C to 35°C), ideally at 50% state of charge.
What type of charger should I use for my RELiON lithium batteries?
We recommend you use a multi-bank charger so that each 12-Volt battery can be charged separately to ensure they stay balanced and get fully charged. Ideally use a charger with a lithium charge profile, however, most AGM charge profiles will work just fine.
How long will it take my RELiON lithium batteries to charge?
That will depend on several factors; how much your batteries were used and the output current of the charger. Lithium batteries can be charged faster than wet or AGM lead-acid batteries, however the charger needs to provide the higher current to do so.
What is the maximum current I can use to charge my RELiON lithium batteries?
RELiON Lithium batteries can be charged at a maximum current of 1C (C = the capacity of the battery). Ex. 80Ah RELiON lithium battery can be charged with a maximum current of 80A Refer to the data sheet for your battery for charge current specifications.
Do I need to charge my batteries each time I use them?
Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not get damaged if they sit partially discharged for extended periods of time. However, we do recommend you charge them after each use to ensure you have the maximum runtime available, every time you use your boat.
Will it harm my batteries if I leave the charger connected for extended periods of time?
No, you can leave the charger connected to your batteries indefinitely and it will not harm your RELiON Lithium batteries. The Battery Management System (BMS) in each battery will protect it from being over-charged.

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