Might this be an advantage for colder climates too?  I understand lithium
batteries don't freeze.  Is that true?  Since I don't drive the Vanagon when
salt is near, I'm usually attached my lead acid to a charger to keep it
alive over the winter.

On Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 11:54 AM, Poppie Jagersand <
poppie.jagersand@yahoo.ca> wrote:

> It used to be that LiPO4 batteries was for racing nuts only who shaved
> every ounce off their vehicles. However now it seems like it is coming down
> in price to not much more than an AGM:
>
> 12V, 30Ah, 2000 cycles at 70% DOD $265
> Weight 4kg !!
> http://www.evcomponents.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=H1230
>
> at 70% this gives 21 usable Ah
> by comparison a Lead Acid deep cycle should not be taken beyond 50%, giving
> the typical group 41 50Ah battery about 25 usable Ah
>
> Comparing the 2000 deep cycles to the typical 200-300 of a Lead Acid
> the LiPO4 battery is actually cheaper over the long run.
>
> Now I'd wouldn't run out and buy one right away. While the cell technology
> is mature by now, there's electronics inside these batteries to control
> charging, discharging currents and maintain cell voltage balance. I'd like
> to see how this electronics hold up in automobile service first. But the
> promise for the future is great. A battery weighing 1/5 of the Lead Acid,
> lasting 10 times longer and not costing much more.
>
>
>      __________________________________________________________________
> Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!
>
> http://www.flickr.com/gift/
>