BC Lithium Batteries Battery Life Cycle
1. Storage
Compared to lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 lithium batteries have a very low self-discharge rate (four times lower).
It is recommended to recharge the batteries every three months. In any case, the battery charge level remains within acceptable levels for up to 6/12 months. It is recommended to store BC LITHIUM batteries in a cool and dry place.
2. Initialization/First charge to 100%
The batteries are delivered at 80% charge and at a voltage of approximately 13.2 Volts.
Before installing the battery on board the vehicle, it is strongly recommended to perform a 100% complete charge with a specific battery charger for LiFePO4 batteries ( click here to see BC battery chargers for lithium ).
3. Installation on the vehicle
Before proceeding with assembly, it is recommended to perform an alternator test: it is essential to remember that in the event of voltages exceeding 15V the battery could suffer damage.
To perform the test, we recommend using the BT-02 or BT-03 testers, which also allow you to analyze the conditions and starting power of all 6/12V batteries and the correct functioning of 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 tips for a long life
The life of a battery depends on many environmental factors and those related to its use. For chemical and construction 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 proper maintenance, it is advisable to follow the simple procedures indicated below.
- Disconnect the battery from the vehicle when not in use (this way you will benefit from the reduced self-discharge of LiFePO4 batteries) and charge regularly with a specific battery charger for LiFePO4 lithium batteries ( click here to see BC battery chargers for lithium ).
- Periodically check the alternator/regulator charging system and verify that the voltage does not exceed 15 Volts (a higher voltage can cause damage to the battery cells). As can be seen from the Residual Capacity Estimation table, it is essential that the battery always remains in an optimal state of charge. It is recommended to maintain a minimum voltage level of around 13.2/13.3 Volts, equal to 80/90% of the battery's residual capacity.
| Residual Capacity Estimate | |
| Volt | Capacity |
| 14.34 | 100% |
| 1.30pm | 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
Italian law requires that batteries be disposed of in appropriate collection centers.
BC LITHIUM BATTERIES adheres to COBAT (National Consortium for the Collection and Recycling of Batteries) and pays, in compliance 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 batteries.