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Lion Energy|Safari UT 250/ 12V 20Ah LiFePO4 Battery

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Safety Advantage 

White Paper by Tyler Stapleton and Thomas Tolman – July 2021


Abstract

In an effort to ensure the safe use of lithium technology in energy storage, the U.S. government regulates the transport, storage, installation and proper use of lithium energy cells throughout the country. However, in doing this, the government currently regulates all Lithium-ion cells under one definition. In the energy storage industry, there is a broad range of cathode materials and chemistries that all fall under the title ”Lithium-ion.” Each of these various chemistries have significantly different attributes compared to one another in terms of their safety and recyclability. Notably, energy cells using Lithium Iron Phosphate are drastically safer and more recyclable than any other lithium chemistry on the market today. Regulating Lithium Iron Phosphate cells together with other lithium-based chemistries is counterproductive to the goal of the U.S. government in creating safe energy storage practices in the US. Companies using this safer and more environmentally-friendly chemistry are laden with regulations and expenses that make it more difficult to pro- mote Lithium Iron Phosphate in the U.S., while companies using other more dangerous chemistries have no incentive to switch to Lithium Iron Phosphate, thus creating potentially dangerous circumstances for U.S. citizens, increasing waste and enlarging the burden on the government for regulation. This white paper provides evidence for Lithium Iron Phosphate over other lithium-based energy storage chemistries as a significantly safer lithium cell, describes future advances expected in the industry and enumerates the substantial benefits to the U.S. in regulating Lithium Iron Phosphate separately from other chemistries.

1. Introduction

There are many Lithium-ion chemistries in use today as battery cathodes. While many chemistries offer significant benefits pertaining to the cost or weight of the battery, they often require government regulation to be shipped, stored or used in a way that ensures that damages from the worst-case scenarios, including thermal run-away, fire or explosion are kept to a minimum. Precautions including specially constructed and marked boxes, as well as shipping procedures requiring extra care being taken, ensure the safe transport of these products, while code requirements including fire-suppression systems, fireproof storage cabinets and emergency shutoff systems protect against a fire spreading to or from an energy storage system in use in a building. For many lithium materials, this is a necessary precaution. However, in the case of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) cells, many of these precautions could be lessened, as the LiFePO4 chemistry has more innate protections against these extreme cases. When compared against other lithium chemistries, these protections reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic failure, and result in a significantly reduced reaction should such a failure occur, making it much safer even in the worst-case scenario. Lithium energy storage is increasing in demand. As Electric Vehicles (EV) become ubiquitous throughout the country, the need for additional energy at each home and commercial buildings will increase substantially. A comparison of LiFePO4 against other cathode materials as well as a description of the reaction of LiFePO4 to extreme cases will be provided here.

2. Lithium Chemistry Comparison

This section gives a brief overview of common Lithium cathode chemistries common in the market today. A comparison of these chemistries and their relative advantages and disadvantages can be seen in table 1.

2.1 Lead-Acid Batteries

While not actually a Lithium-ion battery, the safety of a lead-acid battery should be taken into account here. Lead-Acid is the most common large battery on the market today, generally recognized as a common car battery. Lead-Acid batteries can power most vehicles and even be used as in energy storage systems. However, Lead-Acid has a relatively short lifespan and significantly less use- able specific energy when compared against lithium batteries. The use of Lead in Lead-Acid batteries makes the content of the battery toxic, and lead-acid batteries can vent during use, which limits their viability as an energy storage device.

2.2 Lithium Cobalt Oxide or Lithium Polymer (LiCo02)

Lithium Cobalt Oxide, sometimes called Lithium Polymer batteries, are traditionally the most common option for phone or computer batteries. Their high specific energy (energy-to-weight ratio) makes them a great candidate for small batteries or other applications where weight is a major factor [8]. However, LiCoO2 also has a short lifespan and includes Cobalt, a toxic heavy metal. One of the major components in the cathode of the battery, Cobalt is particularly difficult to recycle, and can produce toxic fumes during both mining and recycling. [7] LiCoO2 is also the chemistry that has been reported to explode in smartphones. It can explode and burn violently under the right conditions.

 

 

LFP LCO NMC NCA

CHEMISTRY

LFP

LCO

NMC

NCA

Full Name

Lithium Iron Phosphate Lithium Cobalt Oxide Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide

Voltages

3.2V, 3.3V nominal 3.6V nominal 3.6V, 3.7V nominal 3.6V nominal

Specific Energy (Capacity/kg)

90-120 Wh/kg 150-200 Wh/kg 150-220 Wh/kg 200-260 Wh/kg

Charge Rate (C-rate)

1C .37-1C 0.7-1C 0.7C

Discharge Rate (C-rate)

1C, 25C possible 1C 1C, 2C possible 1C

Cycle Life

2,000+ 500-1,000 1,000-2,000 500

Thermal Run-away

270ºC (518ºF) 150ºC (302ºF) 210ºC (410ºF) 150ºC (302ºF)

Applications

Portable and stationary energy storage units, Lead-acid replacement Mobile phones, tablets, laptops E-bikes, medical devices, EVs, industrial, laptops Medical devices, industrial, electrical, powertrain (Tesla)
Comments Low capacity. One of the safest chemistries. Very high specific energy, limited specific power. High capacity and high power. Favorite chemistry in lightweight applications Similar to LCO, serves as energy cell . Currently used by Tesla.
Elevated self-discharge means better storage. Cobalt is expensive. Serves as Energy Cell.No longer relevant

Table. 1: Comparison of common Lithium-Ion Cathode Chemistries [8]

2.3 Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCo02 or NMC)

NMC is a popular choice today, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Like LiCoO2, it has a high energy density, but NMC can also output more power, is generally safer, and has a longer lifespan than LiCoO2 [8]. These aspects make NMC a popular all-around choice, and is often used in energy storage as well as EV and mobile devices. However, NMC is still capable of exploding and catching fire, though less dramatically than most other chemistries (see section below). NMC also contains both Nickel and Cobalt. Nickel, like Cobalt, is a heavy metal that is toxic, as well as difficult to mine and recycle safely.

2.4 Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAl02 or NCA)

NCA is extremely similar to NMC. It has gained particular popularity as the chemistry used by Tesla in their vehicles and home batteries. NCA has the highest specific energy of any chemistry considered here, and has reasonable power output and lifespan, but is one of the more expensive and least safe chemistries on the market. It also, like NMC, contains Cobalt and Nickel, and is therefore toxic and hard to recycle.

2.5 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP)

LiFePO4 cells are primarily chosen for their high safety, power output and low cost. It also has a significantly higher lifespan that most other chemistries, meaning the battery will need replacing much less often leading to less waste produced. LiFePO4 is much less likely to reach thermal run-away than other chemistries commonly found on the market today Even in the cases where it does reach thermal run-away, the LiFePO4 cathode does not react with oxygen as other cobalt-containing molecules will, and the cell will therefore only smoke as the chemistry smolders, rather than producing flames or exploding. Beyond this, LiFePO4 does not contain Nickel, Cobalt or even Lead, all of which are difficult to recycle safely. This makes LiFePO4 one of the safest, eco-friendly and most sustainable chemistries on the market today.

3. Thermal Run-Away

Thermal run-away is the chain reaction that can occur if the lithium-ion material in a cathode of a battery cell is heated past a limit specific to the battery chemistry. Past this point the cathode can undergo an exothermal reaction, producing extremely hot flames, which in turn causes a chain reaction where the lithium molecules in nearby cells will also reach Thermal run-away until the entire battery (or bank of batteries) has burned out the lithium material [3]. This process can also produce gasses and increase the pressure inside the cell, which in some cases can lead to a pressurized explosion, or cause the cell to generate enough thrust to propel itself several feet. Thermal run-away can be caused by short-circuiting the terminals of a battery (most batteries have built-in protections to detect a short-circuit and cut power to avoid this), or by short-circuiting the cathode and anode inside the battery, which can occur if the cell is pierced. For some Lithium Chemistries (though not LiFePO4) the cathode will have an exothermic reaction with oxygen if the cell is pierced, leading to thermal run-away. While thermal run-away is extremely rare and manufacturers generally take steps to minimize the risk, it can happen and is (for most Lithium chemistries) extremely dangerous if it does.

The PO4 bond in LiFePO4 is stronger than the CoO2 bond in other cathode materials, resulting in a reduced reaction if an LiFePO4 battery is subjected to abuse. Figure 1 shows the energy spikes produced by five different lithium chemistries during thermal run-away. The spikes in the plot show both the heated temperature at which thermal run-away occurs, as well as the magnitude of the energy released as heat during the reaction. It is important to note that LiFePO4 is stable below 270◦C (518◦F) and that the peak is significantly smaller, compared to the much lower thermal run-away temperatures of other chemistries. This indicates that thermal run-away in LiFePO4 is much less likely to occur, and that the heat that can be generated in the reaction is significantly less than other chemistries as well.

Figure. 1: Thermal run-away Temperatures for Different Cathode Materials [2]

To illustrate the reaction more plainly, figure 2 demonstrates the results of an experiment in which thermal run-away was induced in the cathode material of several chemistries (cell casing and other common components were not included). The normalized heating rate, or the rate at which temperature increased per Ah of material was recorded. In this plot, LCO and NCA temperatures rise by 470◦C/min (878◦F/min), NMC temperature rises by more than 220◦C/min (428◦F/min), and LiFePO4 temperature only rises by 15◦C/min (59◦F) during this thermal run-away test.

LiFePO4 does not have an exothermic reaction with oxygen as other cathode materials do, and will therefore not cause an explosion or fire if exposed. A pressure release safety mechanism is also built into each cell that will release pressure from the cell in the event of an increase in pressure, which removes the risk of an explosion. LiFePO4 also does not contain cobalt, which is a chemically-unstable element. Batteries that do use Cobalt, including NMC, NCA and LiCoO2 actually heat up during normal use, increasing the risk of thermal run-away. While there is no effective flame retardant for a cobalt fire, if LiFePO4 is ignited it can be extinguished with water. A regular building sprinkler system will be enough [5]. The lack of cobalt also results in a cell with a Negative Temperature coefficient, which results in a self limiting response in the event of a short circuit or other extreme abuse situation.

Figure 2: Normalized Heating Rate for Several Thermal run-away reactions from Different Cathode Materials [6]

4. Future of LiFePO4

LiFePO4 is a relatively new Lithium material, and so advances continue to be made regularly. Jun Liu, a leading researcher in the field of lithium energy storage, has been working to push the safety of LiFePO4 even further. The development of a phosphate electrolyte that is completely non-flammable (See Figure 3. The result of this would make Thermal run-away essentially a non issue for this chemistry [4]. Beyond this, research is continually underway to improve the energy density, lifespan and other important attributes of LiFePO4.

5. American Benefits for Lesser Regulation for LFP

As electric vehicles become more common, the need for safe and reliable energy storage within the home increases with it. EVs and other home and commercial electronics consume a large amount of energy, which increases strain on the U.S. energy grid. The U.S. grid has to be able to generate enough electricity to cover the peak demand, or the demand during periods when the most individuals demand the most electricity. Increasing the grid energy generation is extremely expensive and increases supply at a rate slower than the rising demand. Part of the solution to this problem is to flatten the peaks and valleys of energy use through safe energy storage within the home.

Figure 3: Development of non-flammable electrolytes will lead to ultimately
safe LFP batteries for energy storage [4]

These systems allow homeowners to regulate their energy use, consuming at an even rate during low-usage periods to store energy, which they will then use when their energy use spikes. This process creates a ‘Decentralized Grid,’ where energy storage is not the sole responsibility of the government, but instead is shared among individual households, who can store and use energy as they need it, even if access to the grid is interrupted by power outages. The decentralized grid has the potential to increase the efficiency of the grid, unlocking 200% more energy in the grid [1].

6. Conclusion

The primary purpose of this paper is to illustrate the significant safety advantages LiFePO4 has to other lithium chemistries. The lack of toxic chemicals, unique behavior under thermal run-away and other catastrophic failure criteria and recyclability of LiFePO4 make it distinct from other lithium chemistries. Furthermore, any work on the part of the U.S. government to increase access to LiFePO4 energy storage systems increases the efficiency of the grid, which cuts costs to the U.S. government while improving the ability of each household to power their devices as they need it, even in cases of emergency. The value of regarding LiFePO4 in regulation according to its own attributes, rather than by the behavior of other more volatile chemistries, is significant.


References

[1]   Paul Charles. Interview with Paul Charles, CEO of American Battery Factory Inc.
        Tyler Stapleton, 2021.

[2]   Green Cubes. LFP vs NMC Batteries ,2020.
        https://greencubestech.com/markets/computer-workstations-on- wheels/power-subsystems/lfp-vs-nmc-batteries/

[3]   Andrey Golubkov et. al. Thermal-runaway experiments on consumer li-ion batteries
        with metal-oxide and olivin-type cathodes. RSC Adv., 4:3633–3642, 2014.

[4]   Lifen Xiao et. al. Stable li metal anode with “ion–solvent-coordinated” nonflammable
        electrolyte for safe li metal batteries. ACS Energy Letters., 2, 2019.

[5]   Robert Lindsay. Lithium iron phosphate - the ideal chemistry for ups batteries? 2018.

[6]   PowerTech. Safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries, 2021.
        https://www.powertechsystems.eu/home/tech-corner/safety-of-lithium- ion-batteries/

[7]   Robert Rapier. Environmental implications of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. 2020.

[8]   Battery University. BU-205: Types of Lithium-ion,2019.
        https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-205-types-of-lithium-ion

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12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

The Safari UT™ 250 replaces lead acid batteries for energy storage and for auxiliary power. It’s great for smaller power needs than the Safari UT™ 700 or 1300.

  • Last Longer – 7 year warranty.
  • Maintenance Free – Retains charge up to 1 year with no trickle charging or fluids needed.
  • Fast Charging and Lightweight – 15% faster charging with its smart Battery Management System (BMS) and only 5 lbs.
  • Longer Run Time – Uses all the stored energy instead of 50% like lead acid batteries do.
  • NOTICE: For auxiliary power only. Not for use as a starter battery.

      THE LION SAFARI UT 250

      The Safari UT™ 250 is the latest in Lithium Battery technology. It replaces traditional deep cycle lead acid batteries with the safest and longest lasting type of battery – Lithium Iron Phosphate. The Safari UT 250 has 256Wh, 20Ah and 12V and only weighs just over 5 lbs.

      Lion Energy|Safari UT 700/ 12V 56Ah LiFePO4 Battery

        LION SAFARI UT 250 CAN POWER


        Tech Specs

        Tech Specs

        Weight (pounds)

        5.2

        Dimensions - Inches (L x W x H) (Battery Posts add 1 inch in Height)

        7.1 x 3.0 x 6.6 (7.1 x 3.0 x 7.1)

        Warranty

        7 Years


        CHARGE RATE

        Maximum Charge Rate - Amps (A)

        Up to 20A

        Recommended Charging Voltage - Volts (V)

        13.9V - 14.6V


        BATTERY

        Battery Chemistry

        Cylindrical Cell LiFePO4, Lithium Iron Phosphate

        Battery Capacity - Watt Hours (Wh) / Amp Hours (Ah)

        256Wh / 20 Ah

        Battery Output - Amps (A)

        35A Continuous Discharge

        Life Cycles

        2,500+ at 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD)

        Charge Retention

        Up to 1 Years

        Charging / Operating Temp

        32 to 113°F / -4 to 131°F

        Series / Parallel

        12V to 48V / 20Ah, 40Ah, 60Ah+

        User Manual

        Videos

         

        Safari UT 1300 Deep Dive

        Ditch Lead Acid Batteries vs Lithium

        Trevor Smith - Ambassador

        Solar Powered Shed

        The Easiest Way To Set Up A Solar Kit

        How To Connect Batteries In Parallel

        How To Connect Batteries In Series

        Alaska A Road Trip

        Step By Step Process To Install

         


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          There are a lot of things to love about the Safari UTs: its light weight for easy use and transportation, its long lifespan to camp 2X longer, or its ability to recharge from renewable sources. It will provide renewable energy for years to come.

          LITHIUM BATTERY UT Series BENEFITS

          Weighs Less

          UT 1300: At only 23 lbs, and a standard group 24 size (small footprint), the Safari UT 1300 is about 1/2 the weight of traditional batteries yet exceptionally powerful.

          Safety

          Made from Lithium Iron Phosphate, it's the safest lithium battery on the market. You can use it indoors or outdoors. It doesn't use potentially volatile chemistry.

          Lasts Longer

          Long lasting life cycles at 3,500+ using full depth of discharge (DOD) and still has power to spare. It can hold a charge for up to 2 years.

          Renewable Solar Batteries

          Use the power of the sun to fully recharge the UT 1300 in as little as 7 hrs. That way you can stay as long as you want.

          Camp 2X As Long

          Standard lead acid batteries give you 50% usable energy or Ah. The Safari UT 1300 gives you 100% usage or all 105Ah. You'll be able to go camping 2X as long on a single charge as lead acid.

          Zero Maintenance

          No acid or water. No trickle charging. No mess. The Safari UT 1300 just works, day in and day out.  

          Expandable for More Power

          One Safari UT 1300 has 150A continuously and a 900A peak discharge. If you need more, they can be connected in parallel or in series to get even energy storage and more power.

          Lifetime Warranty

          The Safari UT 1300 comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is the last battery you'll probably ever need. Using Lithium Iron Phosphate technology, it can be drained and recharge over 3,500 times, years and years longer then Lead Acid batteries.

          Environmentally Friendly

          The Safari UT series produces zero emissions or carbon footprint during use, emits no greenhouse gases, and does not damage the environment. It's good for you and the planet.

          BENEFITS

          WHY WE USELITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE

          Safety

          Lithium Iron Phosphate is the safest lithium on the market. It will not explode or catch on fire. It is absent of potentially volatile chemicals that are found in other lithium cells.

          Long Lifespan

          Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries have up to 6,000+ life cycles without significantly decreasing performance. That means they last for years. By comparison, the average lifetime of lead-acid batteries is just two years.

          High Efficiency

          Lithium Iron Phosphate has 100% of its capacity available for use. It can be quickly charged and discharged again and again, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. This makes it a great fit for a variety of applications.

          No Active Maintenance

          It does not require active maintenance to extend its service life. The batteries show no memory effects and can be stored for long periods of time because of the extremely low self-discharge rate (<3% per month).

          Flexible Use

          Because they emit no fumes or require little air flow, you can use them inside or outside. They can be stacked on top of each other or can be used in any position.

          Peaks and Valleys Energy Use

          Using Lithium Iron Phosphate for energy storage, we can optimize usages and help solve the peaks and valleys that occurs during high and low energy demand usages. This also can help to stabilize the grid from intense demand cycles by allowing you to use the stored energy when you need it.

          Renewable Power

          For the first time, green energy can be created and effectively stored and used as needed. You can harness the power of the sun and use it over and over again.

          Lightweight and Portable

          Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are relatively small and light weight. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium provides great energy density at about half the mass and weight.

          Energy Independence

          Energy storage allows you to be independent of the grid so you can have energy where and when you want it. So no worries about black outs, brown outs, or when the grid goes down.

          THE LION SAFARI UT Battery Series are made from Lithium Iron Phosphate.

          Because it does not emit any toxic fumes or gases, you can use it inside your home, tent, RV or any other confined area. Lithium Iron Phosphate is the highest grade, safest battery composition available and has no potentially volatile chemistry. The LION SAFARI UT Series goes through extensive testing from initial design through production and before it ever leaves Lion Energy.

          If you want to know more about how safe Lithium Iron Phosphate is, click below.

          Learn More about the Safety White Paper

          BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)

          Our Safari UT battery series comes with our own proprietary BMS that will protect your battery from harm. It's like having a person body guard for your battery.

          The Safari UT series all have an internal Battery Managment System (BMS) that acts as a safety net to shut down the battery if it out of parameters. This prevents the battery from overcharging or discharging as well as operating outside of the temperature range

          MONEY SPENT WISELY

          How do I justify the bigger investment of a lithium battery?

          First Factor – Size - Our UT 1300 lithium iron phosphate 105 Ah/1344Wh/100A battery, is a stanard 24 size, smaller than typical group 27 or 31 AGM / lead acid. This means that you may be able to fit an extra battery in your battery box!

          Second Factor - Weight - traditional lead acid batteries often weigh more than 50lbs. Our lithium batteries weigh 23 lbs. or less. When you travel or have to lift the battery, that extra weight makes a big difference.

          Third Factor- Usage - With the UT 1300 you camp 2x longer than using lead acid batteries because you can use all the energy stored in our battery compared to only being able to use about 50% in a lead acid battery. You can also use the UT 1300 on its side, end, or even upside down because there's no acid to worry about spilling out or emitthing toxic fumes.

          So, one lithium battery is basically equal to two AGM/lead acid batteries as far as everyday usage. The average price for two AGM/lead acid batteries is going to be about $500 to $600 and they don't last nearly as long so you'll have to replace them every 3-5 years. For example, an AGM/lead acid battery is limited to 200 -500 times, depending on how well it is taken care of and regulary maintained. Our LifePO4 batteries have 3500+ cycles. That is approximately 8X the life cycles. Considering these 2 factors – being able to run them 2X longer, and the fact that they have 8X more life cycles - our UT1300 is equal to nealry 16 AGM/lead acid batteries.

          Fourth Factor - Warranty - The average warranty for AGM/lead acid Batteries is 3-5 years. Even then, if it needs to be returned, it is a prorated refund. Our UT 1300 has a limited Lifetime Warranty. This means that once you buy one of our batteries, you're set for life.

          So, with a smaller size, lighter weight, longer usage, and a lifetime warranty, the Lion UT 1300 lithium battery is an exceptional value.

          WINTER USAGE TIPS


          The Safari UT lithium battery series performs better than lead acid batteries in most weather conditions. It can charge between temps of 32° and 113°F and can discharge between -4° and 131°F at 100% rate.


          ALL types of batteries need to be above freezing in order to charge them. As a result, it is best to use the batteries in a climate controlled location (not on the tongue of a trailer or using a lead acid battery compartment that has to be ventilated, thus allowing freezing air to circulate around the battery).


          The Safari UT and other lithium batteries can be placed in an insulated space, inside the RV or other climate controlled areas. Some users have suggested using a Battery Heating Pad that you can find online. We recommend using the battery in a climate controlled location.


          If you want to use some type of heating element to keep the battery above freezing, you may want to do an online search or check out sites like OffGridPowerPack.com

          Life on Your Terms

          This very well could be the last battery you ever have to buy. Easily replace traditional lead acid batteries to power your motorhome, RV, Overlander, bus, tiny home, houseboat, trolling motor, outbuildings and more.

          Be Prepared To Power Anything

          In addition to powering all your toys, you can also use your Safari Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries to be prepared for any emergency.

          The Lion Energy DIY Solar Kit lets you harness the power of the sun, store the energy in your Safari UT 1300 batteries, and convert it to power for your devices, tools, lights, and many other power needs. Use the DIY Kit for your shed, cabin, gazebo, campsite, or outdoor adventure.

          WHY USE LITHIUM BATTERIES AND WHICH ONE IS BEST?

          All batteries are not the same. There's the traditional lead acid battery and there are superior lithium battery (yah, we're a little biased but we'll share the facts with you so you can see why).

          WHY USE LITHIUM BATTERIES AND WHICH ONE IS BEST?

          Looking for more power? Bundle and Save with UT 1300 Custom Kits

          Add as many solar panels, charge controllers, battery warmers, etc as needed. Save up to 24%.

          HOW THE ADVENTURE STACKS UP TO OTHERS

          • The Adventure is the lightest Lithium Iron Phosphate battery in its class by more than a bunch. This make a HUGE difference when you're looking at overall weight capacity for your RV, Trailer, or outdoor rig. 
          • Because we use prismatic cells vs cylindrical cells, we can pack more power in a smaller unit. 
          • The Adventure has a 10-year warranty. It may be the last battery you'll ever buy. Everyone else offers only a 3 to 11 years warranty and are often prorated.
          • When you look at the price per watt basis and the extended life and usage capacity, the Adventure give you outstanding performance.
          • Lion Safari UT 1300

            12V 105Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

            12V / 105Ah / 1,344Wh

             

          • Lion Safari UT 700

            12V 56Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

            12.8V / 56Ah / 716Wh

             

          • Lion Safari UT 250

            12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

            20Ah / 35A/ 256Wh

          • 12V Lithium Battery 105AHSolar Power System 

          • 12V Lithium Battery 210AHSolar Power System 

          SAFARI UT FAMILY RESOURCES

          Lion Energy Safari UT Series Frequently Asked Questions

          What is the Safari UT Series?

          The Safari UT Battery Series are the latest in Lithium battery technology. It replaces traditional deep cycle lead acid batteries with the safest Lithium Iron Phosphate. It is a drop in or "plug and play" battery because you can remove the deep cycle lead acid battery from your RV or boat and replace it with this superior preforming battery. It is used for auxiliary power and home energy storage too. It is not designed for cold cranking or as a startup battery for vehicles.

          What does the Safari UT Series Battery power?

          The Safari UT battery is an amazing Lithium Iron Phosphate battery that can be used for auxiliary power in RV's trailers, motorhomes, boats, cabins, sheds, gazebos, dump trailers, and where you need a reliable sources of stored energy. It replaces lead acid batteries and provides twice the energy because all of its energy (amp hours) can be used instead of only ~50% like lead acid batteries provide. For example, use it in an RV to power slide outs, lights, microwave, TV, AC, etc and get 2X the camping time on a single charge than a lead acid battery. Want to use it to power a trolling motor? No problem, and you'll get not only a longer use time, but it also weighs less than half a lead acid battery and that's a big deal in a boat. How about using it to store energy at a cabin so you can power lights, TV, and more? Yes, you can use it for that too. It can use 100% of the Ah stored in it and can be recharge over 3,500 times and still have 80% of its capacity left. (Note: The Safari UT battery is not a battery to use for starting vehicles.)

          How long does Safari UT 1300 last?

          More about the Limited Lifetime Warrenty.

          The life of this Lithium battery is about 14 times that of deep cycle lead acid batteries. The Safari UT 1300 is a lifetime battery and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It's that good! 

          Life Cycles – each of our Battery Warranties has a Cycle Count warrantee component – this is the number of cycles we warrant the battery to be able to withstand and still yield the stated percentage of original battery life. For example, our UT1300 Battery is warranted for 3,500 Cycles up to 100% Depth of Discharge with 80% of original battery life remaining. This simply means that the consumer can fully discharge this battery 3,500 times and we warranty that it will still have 80% of the original 105 Amp Hours (80% X 105 = 84 Amp Hours) Remaining.

          How long can the UT Battery hold a charge?

          It will maintain its charge for up to 2 years without having to charge it. This is known as shelf life or storage life. However, we recommend using it more frequently, in the house, outside, on adventures, and for emergencies.

          Can it store solar power?

          The Safari UT Battery is a great energy storage unit for solar power from panels on homes, cabins, businesses, and RV's. It can harness the power of the sun. You'll need a charge controller between the solar panel and the Safari UT battery to regulate the energy flow from the panel(s) to the UT.

          Do I have to maintain it?

          The Safari UT battery is virtually maintenance free, meaning you don't have to use it or even trickle charge it every 3-4 months, deal with messy acid or water since it doesn't have any, or remove it from your vehicle and store it for the next season. It can hold its charge for up to 2 years and can be recharged and used over and over again for years and years.

          Is it good in bad weather?

          The Safari UT battery performs better than lead acid batteries in most weather conditions. It can charge between temps of 32 to 113° F and can discharge between -4 to 131° F. Outside these ranges it can discharge at a lower rate. It is water resistant too.

          What's the rated capacity?

          The Safari UT 1300 is commonly referred to as a 12V, 105Ah (how much energy is stored in it), 1344Wh. Technically, it is called Nominal Voltage at 12.8V and 105Ah. It can output 900A peak, then approximately 250A for one minute and 150A continuously.

          The Safari UT 700 is commonly referred to as a 12V, 56Ah (How much energy is stored in it), 716 Wh. It's nominal voltage is actually 12.8V.

          Can it be put in series or parallel?

          Yes. You can increase the voltage in a Safari UT battery system by connecting them together from 12V up to 48V total (series). For example, 4 batteries connected together via + to - posts will make the four 12V become a 48V system. You can also increase the Amp Hours (Ah) from 105Ah up to 420Ah (parallel) by connecting them together via + to + and - to -).

          What are the battery charging parameters?

          We recommend setting all voltage to 13.9V, with a max of 14.6V. End amps or tail amps need to be set as low as possible and inverter low voltage needs to be set to 11.5V. Victron inverters charger and charge controllers should be set to 13.9V for a 12V inverter and 27.8V for 24V inverters. We recommend a good lithium charger.

          What is a BMS?

          The Safari UT 1300 has a smart internal Battery Management System (BMS) that acts as a safety net to shut down the battery if it is out of the parameters. This prevents the battery from over charging or discharging as well as operating outside of the temperature range.

          Can I use my standard charger?

          Yes! You could use a standard battery charger to charge the Safari UT 1300 and it will charge the battery. However, since most chargers are designed for a lead acid battery, they will not charge a UT 1300 completely. It usually puts the Safari UT 1300 at about 80-85% full. For best performance, we recommend a lithium charger, or a charger that can put 13.9V-14.6V into the battery

          Can I charge the Safari UT 1300 from an alternator?

          Yes. To prevent possible damage to your alternator, we recommend using the Redarc (Model #BCDC1225D), which is a DC-DC charger. It will safely charge your batteries while you are driving.

          Can I use a heating element to keep my Lithium batteries above freezing?

          If you want to use some type of heating element to keep the battery above freezing, you may want to use our Lion Energy Battery Warmer. We recommend you keep the batteries in an enclosed and/or insulated area.

          How long does the Safari UT 700 last?

          The life of the Safari UT 700 Lithium battery is about 14 time that of deep cycle lead acid batteries and it comes with a 10 year warranty.

          How safe is the Safari ME?

          The Lion Safari ME produces no emissions - none. It has no carbon footprint during use, emits no greenhouse gases and causes no damage to the environment. It’s safe to use indoors. The Battery Management System (BMS) adds safety controls.

          CanI take this on a passenger airplane?

          No. The Safari ME needs to be transported on the ground or on a cargo plane.

          Whatis a BMS or Battery Management System?

          A BMS regulates the energy usage in the battery and protects it from over usage. The Safari ME has a top-line BMS.

          Is the Safari ME renewable?

          The Lion Safari ME is part of Lion Energy’s pride of products that creates clean, limitless, renewable energy sources to power your life. It’s designed to be recharged through traditional AC power or renewable sources—the SUN. And you’ll get a virtually unlimited supply of power.

          Is the Safari ME noisy?

          No, it is silent when running. Occasionally a tiny noise may come from the internal fan.

          DoI have to maintain the Safari ME?

          The Safari ME is virtually maintenance free — no gas or fluids to put in it, no messy oil changes or parts to change. It can even sit without using it for up to a year. However, we recommend using it more frequent than that (at least every 6 months) so you get all the benefits of using portable power every day, around the house, the yard, outdoor, and on adventures.

          What are the Safari ME and XP?

          The Safari ME and XP are the latest in Lithium battery technology for portable power needs. They replace traditional noisy gas generators with the safest Lithium batteries on the market today. They are light weight for the amount of power and stored energy they have. Think of it as a safe, silent, renewable generator and extra energy storage without the need for gas, pollution or all that weight.

          What does the Safari ME power?

          You can use it to power a wide variety of devices like cell phones, laptops, tablets refrigerators, freezers, TVs, lights, hot plates or grills, power tools, and the list goes on. Virtually any device you can plug into a standard wall outlet, the Safari ME can power it. And with the optional ME-XP expansion battery, you can power all that for longer.

          How can you figure out how long the Safari ME and XP will power specific devices?

          The ME has a continuous 2,000W of power output (watts of power output) and over 900Wh (922 watt hours) of stored energy. The ME-XP adds nearly another 2,050Wh more when connected to the ME. That means you can power devices that require up to 2000W of power for various periods of time. To calculate how long the ME can power a device, use this formula: Wh / W = Estimated Run Time. For example, if the device requires 50W of power and the ME has 922Wh then the device can be powered for approximately 18.5 hours (922 / 50 = 18.44) If you use that same device but now with the XP connected to the ME, you'll have 2,970Wh to use in this formula (2,970 / 50 = 59.4).

          How long can the Safari ME and XP hold a charge?

          They will maintain their charge for up to a year (ME) or two (ME-XP) without having to charge them. This is known as shelf life or storage life. They will lose about 2-3% charge on average each month (more in the first month and less in subsequent months), assuming the unit is fully charge to begin with. However, we recommend using the ME and XP frequently, in the house, outside, on adventures and for emergencies.

          Can the Safari ME and XP power an A/C unit?

          The Safari ME outputs 2,000W and can power some AC units depending upon the brand and the watts each AC unit requires. Like with most devices, the power consumption varies from brand to brand and model to model. So you'll need to determine if the AC unit is less than 2,000W.Check out our videos tab for a detailed review on the ME. Remember, if you connect the XP to the ME then you get an extra 2,048Wh of stored energy to power things longer.

          How can I connect the Safari ME and XP to my house?

          You would need a home integration kit, which is generally found at home improvement/electrical supply/hardware stores.

          Can the Safari ME and XP be used to store solar power or solar energy?

          The Safari ME and XP are a great energy storage combo unit for solar power from solar panels. Together they can store 2,970Wh (watt hrs) of energy.

          Why should I buy the Safari ME and XP?

          The Safari ME and XP are made from the highest quality and longest lasting battery technology – Lithium Iron Phosphate. The Safari ME and XP are safe, silent and renewable, unlike gas-powered generators. The ME gives your power anywhere, anytime. The ME-XP gives you more time to power those devices.

          Will the Safari ME and XP work with power tools?

          Yes, most power tools will work just fine with the ME and XP. Some require more energy at startup (a surge) and may need to have a "soft start" component added to the ME that can be found at home improvement, electric supply, or hardware stores.

          Get To Know The SAFARI UT Family

          GET TO KNOW THE
          SAFARI UT FAMILY


          Safari UT 1300 Deep Dive

          Ditch Lead Acid Batteries vs Lithium

          Trevor Smith - Ambassador

          Solar Powered Shed

          The Easiest Way To Set Up A Solar Kit

          How To Connect Batteries In Parallel

          How To Connect Batteries In Series

          Alaska A Road Trip

          Step By Step Process To Install

          Lion Energy Policy

          Lion Energy Return, Cancellation & Refund Policy

          Returns 

          Our return policy lasts 30 days from your purchase date. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund. 

          To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging or in packaging sent to you through Lion Energy’s Customer Service department. 

          To complete your return, we need a receipt or proof of purchase.

          There are certain situations where only partial refunds may be granted (if applicable):  

          • Any item not in its original condition,  
          • is damaged,   
          • is missing parts (for reasons that are not the fault of Lion Energy),  
          • is returned more than 30 days after the purchase date. 

          Refunds (if applicable) 

          Once your return is received and inspected (and approved) your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a reasonable number of days minus 5% processing fee.

          Late or missing refunds (if applicable) 

          If you haven’t received a refund, first check your bank account. Then, contact your credit card company or financial institution, as it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at info@ecopowerit.com

          Exchanges (if applicable) 

          We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange your item, send us an email at info@ecopowerit.com and include a receipt or proof of purchase, a serial number, and any pictures of damage (if applicable).

          Once your original unit is delivered back to Lion Energy and received into our computer system, the replacement unit will be cleared to be sent out from our warehouse. The time it may take for an exchanged product to reach you will vary depending on where you live. 

          Shipping 

          To return your product, you should contact us at info@ecopowerit.com and request a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) through our Customer Service department. 

          You will be responsible for paying your own shipping costs for returning your item, unless otherwise specified by a Lion Energy Customer Service representative. Shipping costs are non-refundable.  

          If you are shipping an item over $75.00 in value, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or buying shipping insurance. We can’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item. 

          (Updated July 27, 2022)

          Cancellation 

          All orders cancelled after 48 hours and before shipping are subject to 5% processing fees. Orders purchased after 30 days will not be canceled.

          Lion Energy 5-Year Warranty

          This Warranty Disclaimer ("Disclaimer") sets forth the terms and conditions governing the warranty coverage provided by Lion Energy ("we," "our," or "us") for designated products sold or distributed by us.

          • Warranty Coverage:
            We provide a limited warranty that covers factory defects in materials and workmanship ("Defects") for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase ("Warranty Period"). This warranty is applicable only to the original purchaser of the product ("Buyer").
          • Exclusions:
            This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear resulting from regular use of the product. Normal wear and tear include, but are not limited to, scratches, dents, fading, discoloration, or any other deterioration that occurs through customary use of the product. Additionally, this warranty does not cover damages caused by improper handling, misuse, neglect, accidents, modifications, or any unauthorized repairs or alterations made to the product.
          • Warranty Claims and Remedies:
            If the product exhibits a Defect during the Warranty Period, the Buyer must promptly notify us and provide proof of purchase. We, at our discretion, will either repair or replace the defective product, subject to the terms and conditions of this Disclaimer. Any repaired or replaced product shall be covered by this warranty for the remaining Warranty Period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.
          • Limitations of Liability:
            TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOST REVENUE, LOSS OF USE, OR COSTS OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
          • Governing Law:
            This Disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Utah, USA. Any disputes arising under or in connection with this Disclaimer shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Utah, USA.

          By purchasing or using our product, the Buyer acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Warranty Disclaimer.