New Site Sponsor Antigravity Batteries
 

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce our company. We are Antigravity Lithium-Ion Batteries, and have recently signed on as Sponsors.

Lithium-Ion is fast becoming a great alternative to the heavy Lead/Acid Starter Battery but being a somewhat newer technology there is often misinformation and questions regarding lithium-ion batteries and their applications and uses. So we'd like to encourage you to ask any questions about Lithium-Ion, how our products compare to competitors in the market, about the safety and any other questions you might have. Our goal is to introduce ourselves to those who are not familiar as well as to educate those who are interested in a factual manner.

I’ll start if off with the Benefits...

The general benefits of Lithium-Ion Starter Batteries (depending on the quality/brand) are,

1- They weigh up to 70% less than a similar size Lead/Acid battery and in performance and race applications this can equate to shorter braking distances, better acceleration, and better handling…

2- Lithium-Ion offer significantly higher Cranking Power than Lead/Acid. In similar sized batteries this means almost twice the cranking power. This means a higher voltage at start up is kept, which means a better start. Additionally this means you can use even a smaller battery in Performance or Race applications while still easily starting the vehicle.

3- The life cycle of the Lithium Battery can be twice that of Lead/Acid. Lithium Cells (depending on quality) are rated at 2000-2500 cycles. Lead/Acid is rated at 1000 cycles. But additionally a product like our "Re-Start" Batteries has features built into the battery that protect it from the main causes that damage Lead/Acid Batteries such as over-discharge. The Re-Start battery it puts itself to SLEEP if it notices it will soon be over-discharged, yet saves enough reserve energy to RE-START the vehicle even 6 months after it went to sleep. Simply press the RE-START button on top of the battery, start the vehicle, and away you go!

DIS-ADVANTAGES

1-In extremely cold weather close to freezing Lithium has more resistance and on the initial start attempts will be more sluggish. But they will gain power after the cells "self-warm" from current discharge.

2-For the roughly same physical size Lead/Acid offer more Amp Hour Capacity. This is beneficial for vehicles where there is an abundant amount of electronic accessories, winches, or aftermarket items that have a huge draw or cause a higher parasitic drain to the battery. For vehicles like this is it may still be best to stick with Lead/Acid

3-Using the correct External Battery Charger. Lithium performs fine being charged by a vehicles system provides it's functioning correctly. But when charged by a stand-alone charger you should use a Lithium Specific Charger/Maintainer because a Lead/Acid Charger can go into "De-sulfate" mode which spikes voltages to Lithium Battery, also Lead/Acid Chargers can over-cycle a Lithium Battery because Lithium Battery does not have a high self-discharge rate like Lead/Acid. In addition, a Lead/Acid Charger would likely not recognized an over discharged battery correctly. So getting a new Charger if you use one could be a $60 dollar added cost.

4- Lithium is more expensive initially to buy than Lead/Acid. Due to the higher cost of the Lithium Cells and a lower scale of manufacturing Lithium does have a higher price point . About twice the cost and more. But given the Benefits and over double the life cycle this can be made back in terms of a longer life and better performance overall. So the initial buy-in is more but over the life span a lithium battery becomes a better investment. This will also depend on the quality of the Lithium battery you buy.

So, if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Whether it’s about a battery for World-Class racing or your leisure weekend ride. Our intention is to give you the information you need to make the most informed, best educated decision on this newer technology.


Thank you and you we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being a site sponsor! :)