What to look for when buying lithium batteries
Not all lithium batteries are the same. When you’re in the market to purchase one it’s important to know what quality features to look out for.
In recent years, consumers have embraced lithium batteries to power their recreational activities. These batteries can be useful for those who live off the grid or want to take off on an adventure. Lithium deep cycle batteries outperform traditional lead-acid batteries in several key areas. Lithium batteries typically boast higher energy density, greater cycle performance, and longer lifespans.
Quality concerns in the lithium battery market
As demand for lithium batteries grows, so does the need to ensure consumers are getting safe and reliable products. In Australia, standards are being considered to ensure the safety and reliability of these batteries. However, consumer protections are lagging in this area. For this reason, it’s important to purchase these products from reputable sellers. Quality batteries will have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety, reliability and performance.
What to look for in a quality lithium battery
There are certain characteristics that differentiate high-quality lithium batteries from those that are lower quality. Here are some things to look out for:
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ConstructionPrecision manufacturing processes are crucial for the proper alignment and connection of battery cells. Some low-cost batteries use inferior cells and battery management systems (BMS), leading to potential safety hazards and decreased performance. Example shown of a badly constructed battery with excessive use of spray foam. |
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Temperature sensorsA temperature sensor is essential for informing the BMS of the battery’s temperature, ensuring safe operation. Batteries without this feature are at risk of permanent cell damage and safety hazards. Example shown of a battery with a missing temperature sensor. |
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Cable managementProperly tied and insulated cables reduce the risk of short circuit, especially during high-vibration conditions. The gauge of wires used also affects safety and performance. Example shown of poor cable management. |
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Insulated terminalsInsulated terminals minimize the risk of short circuits due to movement inside the battery. Example shown of an RACQ battery with correctly insulated terminals and quality construction. |
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Performance specificationsAdvertised performance should match the actual capability of the battery. Some batteries fall short of their advertised specifications. RACQ's batteries undergo a thorough testing and validation program to ensure accurate performance. |
Choosing high-quality lithium batteries
When selecting a lithium battery, considering the applications you’ll need it for is among the first things you’ll need to decide. As for the specs you’ll want to review these details:
- Voltage - most camping batteries in Australia are 12V, suitable for various applications
- Cell Quality - choose batteries with high-quality, reliable cells
- Weight - a genuine 100Ah battery should have a certain minimum weight
- Maximum discharge and charge currents - higher quality batteries typically have higher maximum discharge and charge currents
Why choose RACQ lithium batteries?
Quality construction
Our lithium batteries are designed with quality construction in mind. They feature neatly managed cables, insulated terminals and adhere to international standards. Our batteries are made to meet performance specifications and withstand rigorous testing protocols. We take pride in providing lithium batteries of exceptional quality.
Up-to-date safety standards
When you purchase a battery from us you can be certain that it is compliant with the most current safety and installation standards.
As the lithium battery market continues to grow, it’s important that you ensure you’re getting the right product at a high quality. This range has been selected to ensure the chosen battery aligns with your requirements for safety, performance and durability.
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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.
Photographs shown in this article are provided for explanation purposes only. Batteries should only be opened by qualified persons.
*Battery finder tool terms and conditions:
- Every effort has been made to present accurate data which is obtained from various automobile manufacturers and unpublished information sources. While RACQ believes these information sources to be reliable and have taken reasonable precautions in their compilation, RACQ does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies. RACQ reserves the right to change specifications without notice
- RACQ will use reasonable endeavors to deliver the battery to you within one hour after you request a mobile battery replacement service. However, there may be circumstances in which it is not possible for RACQ to deliver the battery to you within this timeframe. Including circumstances beyond RACQ’s control, limited battery stock availability and battery stock location.
- RACQ has made all reasonable efforts to ensure the data presented is accurately compiled and is obtained from various reputable and unbiased manufacturers and unpublished information sources.
- RACQ does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies in the presented information, where it is sourced in the above manner.
- Where a recommendation has been made, that recommendation is made based on the information you provide. RACQ takes no responsibility for any loss you incur from reliance on a recommendation, where that recommendation is based on incorrect information.
- If your vehicle is a “start/stop” vehicle, then the appropriate battery type must be fitted. RACQ only fit EFB and AGM battery types to these vehicles.
- Any recommendation of battery type and price will be subject to final confirmation by the attending RACQ Patrol or by an Approved Battery Stockist; RACQ reserves the right to change recommended specifications based on their assessment.