Comment by imoverclocked
14 hours ago
I did this with a Polaris Ranger EV that had 8x12v Lead Acid in a 2x4 configuration that produces 48V. Instead of going with more 12V batteries, I switched to two 48v BigBattery LiFePO4. In doing so, I dropped the weight by about 600-700 lbs. I use it in very hilly terrain so that weight makes a huge difference to me.
Additionally, the original batteries were not sealed and required maintenance. Each battery has two ports which need to be filled individually. On top of those ports are supports/braces and wires in an already inconvenient space.
I'm so happy to not have to deal with refilling those batteries anymore. That alone made the conversion worth it to me. Also, lead-acid doesn't necessarily last longer. The new (LiFePO4) batteries have lasted about as long already and (knock on wood) seem to be doing fine. Maybe it's because I don't have to top them off with distilled water?
I couldn’t believe how light those 12V lithiums were. Same form factor as the lead and I could pick it up with one hand easily.
Yeah, such a big difference. I had a similar choice with a skid steer and the lithium version adds weight into the rear of the machine in order to stay useful.
Yep!
Tossed the lead-acid battery in my DR-Z400S motorbike, put a LiFePO4 in. The weight and mass placement difference was so significant that I had to re-set the suspension sag.
My DR-Z400S dual-sport motorcycle is like… 140kg?, kind of tall and narrow for a motorbike. The lead-acid battery is placed sort of high on a sort of fulcrumy point over the rear suspension. It's a very real difference. Didn't expect this dramatic a difference.