12-volt battery replacement - is lithium a possibility?

[HBGuy]

Hello, Mach-E Forum members. I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I may need to replace the 12-volt, lead-acid battery in my Mach-E.

Are lithium-ion or lithium-iron-phosphate batteries a possible replacement? I know they're expensive, but apart from that, what are the upsides and downsides?

Sponsored

 

[Maquis]

It has been discussed before. I think the conclusion was that the algorithm the car uses to maintain the battery is designed for AGM, so substituting lithium is probably not a good idea.

 

[Mach-Lee]

No, the BMS system of the Mach-E is tuned for the lead-acid AGM chemistry only. Using a LiFePO4 battery will make the % SoC readings inaccurate and could cause issues with the vehicle. Also the Mach-E will sometimes charge at up to 15.8V, this is too high for some lithium batteries and may cause damage or a fire.

Before replacing your 12V battery, read my topic on 12V reconditioning: How to Recondition/Service Your 12V Battery

There is a Delco AGM that will also fit if the Motorcraft BHAGM-H3 isn't available.

 

[bshaw]

Great responses above.

What’s the reason you’re considering a lithium replacement option? Weight savings?
With the DC to DC software working better since updates, it seems like the 12V stock battery is working just fine for most these days?

 

[Reign of Ravens]

I wonder what the forum's take on this would be: https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-ford-mustang-mach-e

The reason I'd favor a lithium-based battery over lead acid mostly has to do with longevity. I wouldn't swap out the current battery that is working fine, but would consider it when it's replaced.

 

[bshaw]

I wonder what the forum's take on this would be: https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-ford-mustang-mach-e

The reason I'd favor a lithium-based battery over lead acid mostly has to do with longevity. I wouldn't swap out the current battery that is working fine, but would consider it when it's replaced.

At that price, I would not consider it. The 4x lifetime claim seems like a stretch. If the stock battery lasts 3-4 yrs, then this one will be good for more than 12-yrs?

the car takes care of the 12V SOC pretty well ( at least for me), so don’t need the app and monitoring stuff that lithiun

the weight savings on a ~4800 lb car is also negligible.

 

[generaltso]

I wonder what the forum's take on this would be: https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-ford-mustang-mach-e

Maybe it would be okay in warm climates. But I'd have concerns about using an LFP without a battery heater in cold climates.

 

[HuntingPudel]

At that price, I would not consider it. The 4x lifetime claim seems like a stretch. If the stock battery lasts 3-4 yrs, then this one will be good for more than 12-yrs?

the car takes care of the 12V SOC pretty well ( at least for me), so don’t need the app and monitoring stuff that lithiun

the weight savings on a ~4800 lb car is also negligible.

Most of my 12V car batteries have lasted 5 years or so. The Optima in my Trans Am is over 20 years old and still cranks the big high compression Pontiac engine over like it’s a 4-banger with a 7:1 head. If those Li batteries last 4x that, well… Yeah, still not at that price. ??

 

[Mach-Lee]

I wonder what the forum's take on this would be: https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-ford-mustang-mach-e

The reason I'd favor a lithium-based battery over lead acid mostly has to do with longevity. I wouldn't swap out the current battery that is working fine, but would consider it when it's replaced.

LFP is totally going to mess with the BMS since the voltage setpoints are different between the two chemistries. It will not be able to manage the battery SoC correctly. It’s calibrated for AGM chemistry only, so you should only use an AGM in the Mach-E.

 

[sglewiswl]

I replaced the 4 lead acid batteries in my Ryobi riding mower with 4 LiFePO4 batteries. While it made the mower lighter and last longer the built in BMS can't control it when the voltage drops below a point keeping the controller working and when it drops below 32 degrees they shut off. I would be concerned something as complicated as the Mach-E would have issues.

 

[superdave80]

I wonder what the forum's take on this would be: https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-ford-mustang-mach-e

The reason I'd favor a lithium-based battery over lead acid mostly has to do with longevity. I wouldn't swap out the current battery that is working fine, but would consider it when it's replaced.

From the link:

The Ohmmu 12V LiFePO4 battery is lighter, more efficient, eco-friendly, has a higher usable capacity, and lasts 4x longer than a traditional sealed lead acid (SLA) battery.

• 4 Years Full-Replacement Limited Warranty

If the manufacturer doesn't believe their BS "4X Longer" claim, why should we?

 

[superdave80]

Also, I recall someone actually cracking open one of these 12v lithium replacements. The electronics inside it were, to put it kindly, poorly assembled.

Sponsored