TheSamba.com :: View topic - Ballistic Batteries

Mon Jun 18, 2012 5:52 pm

Note: Note available for passenger vehicles yet.

Just watched Motorheads program that featured Ballistic Batteries for everything except passenger vehicles at this point in their development of lithium batteries. Their largest is 550cca 12volt for large motorcyles at $299.
I am sure they are working the vehicle size so feel free to contact them about timing.
Here is the link:
http://www.ballisticparts.com/tech/faq.php

Mon Jun 18, 2012 6:13 pm

http://criticalsystems.braillebattery.com/index.php/batteries/im65s

Mon Jun 18, 2012 6:53 pm

Even Bill Gates would say too expensive...

Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:07 pm

The advantage of these Li-xxx batteries is their light weight and power density but I don't understand how they can be properly charged by a standard automotive system operating at 13.8 to 14.2 volts peak. I'm not an expert but I do use a variety of batteries in my hobby and know that Li chemistry needs a very carefully designed charger.

A flooded lead acid really needs as much as 14.5 volts for a full charge, presently most cars including our vdubs never fully charge the on board battery because the regulators are set low, a full charge can only be accomplished with an external multi-stage charger including a good solar system.

Stick with conventional batteries, AGM at best. Anyway, my 2 cents.

Tue Jun 19, 2012 6:22 am

I have two Braille batteries and a charger specific to them.
Built out of carbon fiber.
They are so light and powerful :!:
Mine charged to 100% while used in the race car they came from, but now get to about 95% unless I charge them with my shore power connection.

The van is getting a new H6 and this engine has a larger alternator than any I have used in a Vanagon before.
We shall see if they completely charge with this new setup.

Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:27 am

bill89westy2.3 wrote:
A flooded lead acid really needs as much as 14.5 volts for a full charge, presently most cars including our vdubs never fully charge the on board battery because the regulators are set low, a full charge can only be accomplished with an external multi-stage charger including a good solar system.

You can buy adjustable voltage regulators or fixed 14.5 regulators for the stock Bosch alternator.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=363115&highlight=adjustable+regulator

Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:39 pm

I am using a lithium pro in my race car. It weighs next to nothing. I was suspicious of it, but it cranked a golf diesel faster than the interstate battery it had. The race car has an alternator mounted to the differential. To soon to tell, but for racing where droping 40 pounds is never easy, a good solution.

I noticed on My Classic Car, Battery Tender is also making a tender designed for lithium batteries. Prices will come down.

http://lithiumpros.com/products/racing-12v-batteries