Has anyone tried one of these alternative 12V batteries?

[SpongeBad]

Thanks for the responses, all.

Sounds like, in a nutshell, the LiFePo batteries are a bad idea for a variety of reasons. I do have an OBD dongle and can check LVB status with that, it's just not super convenient. I'm not so worried about a dead battery (I know how to open the frunk to get at it in that scenario) - more about the issue with the "not quite dead" batteries, since that can result in a full lockout and - knowing how batteries and Murphy's Law are - it's almost guaranteed to happen when I'm outside somewhere with no shelter and it's -40C.

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[Runningslow]

The monitor pairs with a phone via bluetooth and doesn’t connect unless the phone is within 30 feet so it’s not constantly using energy.

It needs to constantly draw power to keep the transceiver on, otherwise it wouldn't be able to connect to the endpoint (phone)

 

[Snakebitten]

It needs to constantly draw power to keep the transceiver on, otherwise it wouldn't be able to connect to the endpoint (phone)

It's such a teeny tiny draw that it literally has no measurable drawdown over multiple days of a vehicle sitting unused. Here's a 5 day stretch.

 

[ipca204]

I have 2021 Mach e. I was worried about the 12v battery as well. To access the battery is a small project if you ever need to jump it. So what I did was get a 12v splitter that plugs into the outlet in the console which also displays that battery voltage. The splitter was needed also as I have plugged in a seat heater as well as dash cam . Really both the camera and heated seats should have came with the car for what I paid for it, it
is California 1 edition. I have had the splitter / display adapter for quite some time the battery voltage is good so far 3 plus years now.

oh boy...you're in for it now...the infamous 3 year mark..

 

[PLR]

oh boy...you're in for it now...the infamous 3 year mark..

No problems yet. Tire wear was poor but I think that is because the tire manufacturing using soft rubber on new cars. Can't make a claim either on new tires from manufacturer. My cost of ownership is almost nothing wipers and fluid and tire rotation.
Most of the hassle were recalls and OTA updates.
Warranty is gone but went with extended ford warranty which I got form dealer in the mid west, much cheaper then in New York.
I also had ice car/ Honda which cost $800 in ac compressor.
Overall I like the car. There was learned curve on several nuances of this EV.

 

[ScoobyDoo27]

It's such a teeny tiny draw that it literally has no measurable drawdown over multiple days of a vehicle sitting unused. Here's a 5 day stretch.

What bluetooth monitor and app are you using?

 

[Rt1AWD]

Do not buy the Ohmmu lithium battery. It’s overpriced junk ($500) and is not comparable with Ford’s BMS which is calibrated for an AGM only. You are much better off to buy a new OEM battery. You can replace the Ford AGM three times for the price of one Ohmmu.

A $30 Bluetooth battery monitor would be a much better idea, but keep in mind that it will not always give advance warning of faults. And may add a small additional battery draw.

Besides the Ford battery, there are a couple other AGM batteries from other sources that are compatible. But it must be a 35 Ah AGM. Please see my 12V FAQ for details on those.

A combination of proactive 12V replacement every 3-4 years and knowing how to deal with a failure (know how to jump the Mach-E) is the best strategy.

Why does one need that battery monitor if SoC information is available through ODBII port

 

[Rt1AWD]

Only one cover to get to the jump points.

which one?

 

[Maquis]

which one?

The one on the driver’s side. But I was reminded that the center cover overlaps the ones on the sides, so it’s best to remove the center cover first.

 

[Ciferguson37733]

Do not buy the Ohmmu lithium battery. It’s overpriced junk ($500) and is not comparable with Ford’s BMS which is calibrated for an AGM only. You are much better off to buy a new OEM battery. You can replace the Ford AGM three times for the price of one Ohmmu.

A $30 Bluetooth battery monitor would be a much better idea, but keep in mind that it will not always give advance warning of faults. And may add a small additional battery draw.

Besides the Ford battery, there are a couple other AGM batteries from other sources that are compatible. But it must be a 35 Ah AGM. Please see my 12V FAQ for details on those.

A combination of proactive 12V replacement every 3-4 years and knowing how to deal with a failure (know how to jump the Mach-E) is the best strategy.

Curious if this post is based upon first hand experience.
I have two of these batteries (one in the Lightning and one in the MME). Installed for about a year - a bit more. The information above does not align with my experience.

 

[Snakebitten]

What bluetooth monitor and app are you using?

 

[MacherAWD]

Do not buy the Ohmmu lithium battery. It’s overpriced junk ($500) and is not comparable with Ford’s BMS which is calibrated for an AGM only. You are much better off to buy a new OEM battery. You can replace the Ford AGM three times for the price of one Ohmmu.

A $30 Bluetooth battery monitor would be a much better idea, but keep in mind that it will not always give advance warning of faults. And may add a small additional battery draw.

Besides the Ford battery, there are a couple other AGM batteries from other sources that are compatible. But it must be a 35 Ah AGM. Please see my 12V FAQ for details on those.

A combination of proactive 12V replacement every 3-4 years and knowing how to deal with a failure (know how to jump the Mach-E) is the best strategy.

What do you know about ohmmu sodium batteries? On the Bolt forum a few owners have them in the Bolt, zero issues yet.
https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-sodium-battery-for-ford

 

[JJR]

Wouldn't those have a constant draw on the battery, defeating the whole point of using one because you were worried about a low battery?

I have one that pairs to my phone and it only transmits when my phone is with 30 feet. The electric current usage has to be in microamps.

 

[Mach-Lee]

What do you know about ohmmu sodium batteries? On the Bolt forum a few owners have them in the Bolt, zero issues yet.
https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-sodium-battery-for-ford

WHAAA…Sodium Nickel Chloride Battery? I don’t think so, NaNiCl2 is a molten sodium battery. Which has to stay at like 200°C to operate. That makes no sense for a little 12V battery. More likely it’s a sodium ion battery (which is different). I don't know what to expect from this company, for all we know it could still be lithium ion inside (they prey on people that don’t know better).

As far as I know, sodium ion batteries are just barely hitting the market. I don’t think you can actually buy them yet. So this seems really suspicious to me.

 

[MacherAWD]

WHAAA…Sodium Nickel Chloride Battery? I don’t think so, NaNiCl2 is a molten sodium battery. Which has to stay at like 200°C to operate. That makes no sense for a little 12V battery. More likely it’s a sodium ion battery (which is different). I don't know what to expect from this company, for all we know it could still be lithium ion inside (they prey on people that don’t know better).

As far as I know, sodium ion batteries are just barely hitting the market. I don’t think you can actually buy them yet. So this seems really suspicious to me.

So bleeding edge tech/vaporware that is likely more risky then just leaving the original 12v in their?

Do I feel lucky....

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