Great info in this thread, like others I’m researching LiFePO4 batteries for a 36V minnkota. What I’ve been told to date differs a little from what a few other people have done -
- Itech - I spoke with a technician who told me that they only make up to 24V as their BMS displayed cell instability above that voltage. They didn’t consider the 36V market big enough to justify the research & development to resolve this so they didn’t bother. Their internal BMS won’t allow for connecting batteries in series according to him.
- victron don’t make a 36V & don’t recommend connecting multiple batteries in series.
- Enerdrive make a 36V 100Ah , RRP $5600 but their distributors could give a discount on that(Keough’s Marine have them for $4995). Developed specifically for the minn Kota market apparently, looks like a good battery but BIG $$$!!! 2 years warranty + 2 years pro-rata for automotive & marine applications.
- Amptron - I just found this website tonight, they make a 36V 100Ah for $2495, significantly cheaper than Enerdrive With 4 years warranty. I’ll give them a call next week, has anyone had an Amptron LiFePO4 battery?
I was planning on connecting 12V batteries in series to get 36V but what I’ve learnt after a few days of calling manufacturers is that mixing & matching these batteries won’t provide the best result, Buy the battery to suit the application. (have a look at the Enerdrive website as they have a good explanation of why they say that). The price has almost scared me back to AGM batteries, but with a total weight over 100kgs I’ll probably break the piggy bank open.
If anyone has run a 36V 100Ah single battery on a 112lb minnkota I’d be interested to hear how long it lasts in an offshore spot lock situation. The calculations based on the maximum 52amp current draw gives just under 2 hours, but I doubt they draw maximum current very often & therefore should last quite a bit longer in the average operation.