Any decent Lithium cranking batteries yet?

[AustrianVespaGuy]

I think my wonderful Hawker Odyssey PC680s are reaching the end of their life after about a dozen years of good service.  They've been great, but before I replace both of them to the tune of $250 I have to wonder, is there just a single Lithium-based car battery on the market yet that can match their performance for a lower price point?  I would guess about $200 ought to be able to get something in a small form factor to the tune of 300ish CCA and have all the built in power electronics to play nicely with the alternator and so on.  I've found this one, but curious if anyone has some personal experience or additional insight to share on this one.  Thanks!

https://smile.amazon.com/Antigravity-Batteries-AG-1201-Lithium-Ion-Powersports/dp/B008R0L3Z6

 

Edit: Also, can Lithium batteries like these be mounted horizontally, or are they 'spillable' and need to remain vertical?

Edited February 11, 2020 by AustrianVespaGuy

[rcf925]

I'm happy with my AGM miata battery under back seat for $100, Can mount any way you want and is small

Edited February 11, 2020 by rcf925

[NYNick]

2 hours ago, AustrianVespaGuy said:

I think my wonderful Hawker Odyssey PC680s are reaching the end of their life after about a dozen years of good service.  They've been great, but before I replace both of them to the tune of $250 I have to wonder, is there just a single Lithium-based car battery on the market yet that can match their performance for a lower price point?  I would guess about $200 ought to be able to get something in a small form factor to the tune of 300ish CCA and have all the built in power electronics to play nicely with the alternator and so on.  I've found this one, but curious if anyone has some personal experience or additional insight to share on this one.  Thanks!

https://smile.amazon.com/Antigravity-Batteries-AG-1201-Lithium-Ion-Powersports/dp/B008R0L3Z6

 

Edit: Also, can Lithium batteries like these be mounted horizontally, or are they 'spillable' and need to remain vertical?

I have the AntiGravity 480 CCA. Cost me like $225. No issues so far. They're closed cell so no spills.

 

Edited February 11, 2020 by NYNick

[Mike Self]

As a thrifty contrarian--I just bought a GP 26R battery for my '69 at Wal Mart for 49.95; its predecessor, also a GP26R (but from Rural King) lasted 7 years and also cost $49.95.  Or maybe it was $44.95.  The $225 lithium battery would have to last 28 years to break even...  Just sayin'...weight and placement not-withstanding

 

mike

[SteadFast]

Looks like you can get the 480 for $174

https://antigravitybatteries.com/products/starter-batteries/oem-size/ytx12-16/

[AustrianVespaGuy]

1 hour ago, mike said:

Just sayin'...weight and placement not-withstanding

Yep, it's the placement issue for me Mike! The 318i intake takes up that stock spot and I've already cut out the rusty old tray, so I'm fully dedicated to under-the-back-seat placement now!  But to be sure, cost-wise the normal lead-acids can't be beat!

[xr4tic]

1 hour ago, SteadFast said:

Looks like you can get the 480 for $174

https://antigravitybatteries.com/products/starter-batteries/oem-size/ytx12-16/

 

This 480:

https://antigravitybatteries.com/products/starter-batteries/restart-oem/atx12-hd-rs/

 

I got one in mine, and since it's so light and small, I put it in the stock location:

[2002Targa]

21 minutes ago, xr4tic said:

 

This 480:

I got one in mine, and since it's so light and small, I put it in the stock location:

 

Nice work on the wiring!

[xr4tic]

1 hour ago, 2002Targa said:

 

Nice work on the wiring!

 

Thanks, it's a complete re-wire of the engine bay, with a new fuse box located inside. It's almost done, just need to make some time to finish it up.

[NYNick]

15 hours ago, xr4tic said:

 

This 480:

https://antigravitybatteries.com/products/starter-batteries/restart-oem/atx12-hd-rs/

 

I got one in mine, and since it's so light and small, I put it in the stock location:

Might as well if you can. I had originally planned on putting a Lead Acid or AGM under the rear seat, so I had already run the cable. While not difficult, the wire cost me $40, weighed a few pounds and had to be run along the floor and through the firewall. I discovered Li-Pho after that, and figured I was in so deep $$$ wise, I'd $pring to save 30 something more pounds.

[tech71]

19 hours ago, AustrianVespaGuy said:

 But to be sure, cost-wise the normal lead-acids can't be beat!

Also can't be beat yet depth-wise (as in ampere hour capacity)

[AustrianVespaGuy]

1 hour ago, tech71 said:

Also can't be beat yet depth-wise (as in ampere hour capacity)

Actually, this is a VERY good point.  These things are only what, like 8Ah or something tiny? I'm thinking on a dark rainy evening with the headlights and wipers on, this wouldn't actually last very long at idle.  Anyone have issues with this, or do I need to start doing some calculations?

[TobyB]

nah.  Just get a better (lighter, too!) alternator!

 

t

would also Liposuction under the hood, to save on wire weight.

 

 

[rstclark]

Given the explosion and fire hazard of a gasoline powered automobile  why would you want to add a new explosion and fire hazard with an overpriced lithium ion battery ?

 

[Ian]

Actually, the new high-end lithium batteries like the Braille G20 don't explode; they are mounted on the floor next to the driver in many IMSA prototype and GT cars.  The also have good reserve and cranking amps in cold weather.  But while tiny and light, they are pricey.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Ian