Instead of replacing them with a new set of lead-acid batteries, it is time to consider replacing lead acid with lithium ion, the newer renewable energy storage option. And when you do, here is how you do that. Can I Replace Lead Acid Battery with Lithium Ion? Replacing lead acid batteries with lithium ion is possible.
Lead acid batteries require a simple constant voltage charge to the battery while lithium ion chargers use 2 phases; constant current and then constant voltage. Unlike lead acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries have an extremely small capacity loss when sitting unused.
Discharge Characteristics: Lithium-ion batteries can be discharged deeper than lead acid batteries without damage. This means you can utilize more of the battery’s capacity, but it’s crucial to avoid discharging below the recommended levels to maintain battery health.
Lithium batteries are a lot more power dense than lead acid or AGM batteries, so this means that a replacement lithium-ion battery of the same capacity will be much smaller than a lead acid battery. So, buying or building a lithium-ion battery for a lead acid scooter is a relatively straightforward affair.
The first step in upgrading a 12-volt lead acid battery to lithium is to choose the cell chemistry and configuration. This is a necessary step because regardless of the chemistry you use, lithium-ion batteries have a voltage that is much lower than 12. This makes it so you will have to put some amount of them in series to achieve 12 volts.
If your lead acid battery was charging directly from your car’s alternator, you need to make some changes. Lithium batteries have a low internal resistance. It will demand as much current from the alternator as it can handle, leading to overheating or even burning out of your alternator. Victron did a great video about this: