Which is best? AGM Or Lithium Batteries For Camper Vans and Solar RVs Battery Banks

Lithium batteries are preferable to AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat batteries for solar and camper van battery applications. In terms of overall benefits, AGM batteries are quite disadvantageous for solar applications and battery banks. Lithium batteries are more efficient and good for nature in terms of economics, life cycle, capacity, charging, and discharging, and they are eco-friendly and green energy batteries.

An Absorbent Glass Mat battery has two plates: one positive and one negative. These plates are made of an acid-absorbing glass mat. Lead-acid batteries typically contain free-flowing acid, but this is not the case with Absorbent Glass Mat technology. It is a type of advanced lead-acid battery that provides superior power to support today’s higher electrical demands in vehicles and start-stop applications.

Benefits:

• Up to 2x longer life than standard flooded batteries
• Designed for harsh climates and demanding conditions
• Handles high electrical loads
• Quickly recharges and extends cycle life
• Ideal for start-stop applications
• Vibration resistance
• Non-spillable and maintenance-free
• Greater mounting flexibility

Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions to charge and discharge. It comes in a variety of chemical compositions, including NMC, LiFePo4, LTO, NCA, and LiPo. These batteries are in high demand for today’s vehicles and are ideal for solar applications, RV applications, electric boats, campaign batteries, cell phones, lawnmowers, and other similar applications.

Benefits:

• Rechargeable battery
• Fast and Efficient charging
• Extended life cycle
• Zero maintenance requirement
• Voltage Sag Virtually Non Existent
• Climatic resistance from -20 to 50 degrees
• Lesser weight and more efficient
• Superior “Usable” capacity

Let’s compare their performance on the various parameters that matter to understand the difference. We will also determine which battery is best for each parameter so that you can make an informed choice.

Depth of Discharge (DoD)

When a battery is discharged beyond a certain point, it begins to suffer damage. The depth of discharge is the percentage of the initial charge that can be discharged safely without causing harm. Lithium-ion batteries have the greatest depth of discharge and last the longest.

The depth of discharge of modern lithium-ion batteries is 98%. As a result, you can discharge almost the entire charge without causing damage to the unit. This creates ideal conditions for using the majority of the stored power.

The depth of discharge of an AGM Battery is approximately 80% when new and 50% when older, as with other lead-acid batteries. As a result, they are less competitive when compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Lifespan

Regardless of type, a battery’s performance degrades gradually over time. There will come a time when the battery will be rendered useless. A lithium-ion battery has a significantly longer lifespan, typically six times that of an AGM battery.

LFP technology is known for its superior durability, typically degrading by less than 1% per year and providing a charge cycle life of around 10,000.

AGM Batteries degrade quickly and have a useful lifespan of approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles.

Dimensions and Weight

Size is a major concern for people who work with limited space, such as caravan owners. Lithium batteries are the lighter and smaller option.

Because there is no liquid acid in lithium-ion batteries, they are lighter. Furthermore, because lithium-ion batteries have a significantly greater depth of discharge, a relatively small lithium-ion battery can deliver the same power as a bigger lead-acid battery.

AGM batteries have absorbed liquid acid, which adds weight. Furthermore, a low depth of discharge indicates that a high-capacity (large) battery is required for any given application.

Density of Energy

The energy required to manufacture a battery is referred to as embodied energy. This is related to energy density, which describes the amount of energy stored concerning the size of the battery.

For any given application, lithium-ion batteries are smaller than AGM batteries. As a result, they have less embodied energy and a higher energy density than AGMs.

When we consider the energy required to manufacture lithium-ion batteries concerning the energy storage provided during their lifespan, they are 500% better than AGM batteries.

Charge Time and Efficiency

Because of fewer electrical losses, more efficient batteries typically have a shorter charging time. A shorter charge cycle maximizes the use of the current used to charge it. Lithium-ion batteries charge more quickly than AGM batteries and are more than four times faster than standard lead-acid batteries.

 

Smaller lithium batteries can perform the same functions as larger AGM batteries due to their higher efficiency. They also charge more quickly.

Although they charge much quicker than wet lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries still charge much slower than lithium-ion batteries.

Initial cost

When deciding between two battery types, one of the most important factors is the initial cost. There are two cost considerations: the initial cost and the cost per kWh.

Lithium-ion batteries have a higher initial cost. Although lithium-ion batteries outperform AGM batteries in all other parameters, the initial cost is significantly higher.

When it comes to the initial cost, AGM batteries come out on top. However, when it comes to lifetime costs, lithium-ion batteries are the better option because they can be used for a significantly longer period.

Maintenance

Before purchasing a battery, it is critical to understand its maintenance requirements. Furthermore, maintenance frequently results in additional costs and changes to your battery setup.

Lead-acid batteries are notorious for requiring extensive maintenance, such as regular electrolyte top-ups. Although AGM is a type of lead-acid battery, it does not necessitate such upkeep. This is because it is a completely sealed design.

Nonetheless, AGM batteries require proper venting to allow gases to escape. You should also keep an eye on the charging process because overcharging can result in permanent damage.

Safety

Neglecting battery safety can result in serious harm to one’s health and property. This is especially true given that the vast majority of deep-cycle applications involve proximity to human activities. If you are concerned about the safety and want a battery that is easier to handle, lithium-ion should be your first choice.

There are no toxic liquids or gases produced by lithium-ion batteries. They can be used without any additional safety precautions.

Despite being a sealed battery, like gel batteries, AGM technology produces a significant buildup of gases such as hydrogen. These gases can ignite and cause battery explosions if not properly ventilated. Furthermore, these are extremely poisonous gases.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are the best option for solar storage because of their high energy density, depth of discharge, and long warranty. The only reason people might consider an AGM counterpart is the low initial cost of a single battery.

However, in terms of lifetime cost, a single lithium battery can outperform 16 AGM batteries. As a result, LFP batteries are the best choice for solar storage applications.

After considering various factors, lithium batteries emerge as the clear winner. Even though AGM technology is currently the most advanced lead acid-based battery type available, it still has a long way to go before it can provide the same benefits as lithium batteries.