Author Topic: Lithium Battery?  (Read 2987 times)

Jordan

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Jordan
  • Posts: 1437
Lithium Battery?
« on: December 31, 2017, 16:35:57 »
Has anyone swapped their lead acid or AGM battery for a lithium ion equivalent?  If so, which battery might be appropriate, where was it sourced and also wanted to know if the alternator needs to be changed?  Just thinking (or typing) out loud here.  Didn't find anything when doing a search.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

specracer

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, MA, Duxbury
  • Posts: 245
Re: Lithium Battery?
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2017, 22:18:39 »
I have considered it for a different car where weight would be an advantage, but chose not to because of cost (when I researched was going to be over $1000, vs $250). Have one in a BMW M3, had to get a Ctek charger (vs the Deltrans I already own). I hopefully will sell the car before I need a replacement.

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7059
Re: Lithium Battery?
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2018, 21:21:17 »
Though they are sort of ubiquitous in many devices now, mostly due to ampacity and other ratings, they are pretty dangerous devices, a danger that basically doesn't exist with AGM or lead acid. The danger of lithium batteries is why they are restricted in air shipments; which is why some Samsung phones have exploded or caught fire and similar tales of woe. I've seen first hand the result of exploding lithium batteries, years ago; it was a C-cell size built and sealed for a test and ripped apart the pressure cooker it was built into and severely damaged the blast hood this setup was placed in. While many safety issues with them were solved they do remain a bit of a hazard which is why there are restrictions on them.

Save your money Jordan--get a sealed AGM for your old Pagoda. That's about as state as the art as you should consider for an old car.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Jordan

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Jordan
  • Posts: 1437
Re: Lithium Battery?
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2018, 22:00:28 »
Thanks Michael.  I have an AGM in my car at present and wasn't really planning to change unless there was a strong incentive.  I've read discussions on other forums and noted it had not been discussed or even mentioned here so I thought I would ask the question. I'm sure within 5 years we'll be seeing them being offered as standard replacements.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed