ITech World Lithium battery

[Gapcooper]

Has anyone fitted an iTech World Lithium battery to their WK2? I see the Itech battery is 280mm long and the original AC Delco battery is 350 long, the width, height & terminals look correct. Just wondering how someone who has fitted an Itech battery managed to modify the foot clamp to hold the battery snug?

[TR Laredo]

I'd be asking a battery expert/auto electrician if the vehicles charging system is suitable for charging a lithium type battery - nothing worse than a battery fire caused by the charging system.

Cheers

[drover]

Since the standard AGMs seem to be lasting 7 years or so it seems an expensive replacement..................... 3 AGM's for one Lithium..

Doesn't say what style of lithium it is, I would only go for a LiPo4 as they won't burst into flame like the others, I think there's something like 4 versions of lithiums, using different compounds and LiPo4 is so far the only one that doesn't go off.....

The BMS system on lithiums is the make or break part and runs the thing, the Jeeps alternator is set up for AGM's so won't go over the lithiums charge limit which is higher than the AGM's, unless it has a hissy fit in which case the BMS should shut down to protect the battery .....

To change the hold down I would make a new fixed slot panel at the front and keep the original bolt down one at the back............at about 8kg a velcro strap would do the job anyway........ if they weren't so expensive I would have lithiums in my van as well....

[Gapcooper]

Thanks Drover, I am unsure of the iTech Lithium battery composition myself and no detail on their website, I have emailed them for details, will update for general info when I get a reply. I will fabricate something for the front hold down foot as you suggested when I get to it, thanks for your advice.

[drover]

Have thought some more about holding one down and at 7kg, I would position it so it locked into the front slot, mount 2 saddle brackets on either side of the battery on the floor of the cavity with a 50mm webbing strap off each, one having a buckle sewn at end so the other strap can loop thru and be pulled back on itself to tighten with velcro on the end of it and another strip on the webbing for it to fasten to, this would hold the battery in place, add a bit of 25mm angle (alloy) fixed to the cavity floor at the rear of the battery to stop rearward movement............. it won't move, my Honda 2kva genny (32kgs) is held to its slide exactly the same way and its gets flung around far more than a centrally located battery and hasn't moved.....
Would have to pull the seat out to set it all up easily though... just a thought anyway.....

[Gapcooper]

I will work out a plan when I get the battery, thanks Drover for your input, will take it on board. ITech World advise that their cranking batteries are Lithium Ion LiFEPO4, which makes them very safe.

[Mousie]

Easy to remember if lithium has cobalt chemistry, then fire risk. LiFePO4 does not. I am right into lithium and surprisingly the Jeep taps out at 14.1-14-2 charging which is ideal for lithium. End result the battery may never fully charge as in 90% plus but who would care as a cranking battery given they have near no internal resistance and would maintain a higher voltage level compared to AGM. Better to slightly undercharge than over and risk a BMS shutdown at 14.6v whilst driving. Will have a peek at the alfaobd and see if we can play!