On Youtube it's getting harder to find the electric vehicles catching fire while charging because of censorship. There were multitudes of videoa a few months ago. Not now.
I am scared of lithium batteries because of all of the fires during use and during charging.


excitement starts at 9 min into next video

 

I'll pass on the lithium batteries based on the possible increased fire hazard AND frankly, I've had great luck with AGM batteries. The saying, "If it ain't broke don't f*ck with it" seems to be solid advice. Incidentally, I always plug them into the tender soon after returning to the garage.

Here's my current flavor of choice: Drag Specialties Premium Performance 12-Volt AGM Battery

Of course, I'm also one of those guys who would always choose a Ford Superduty F-350 as my truck of choice and not be caught dead anywhere near a Tesla CyberTruck... So take my thoughts as you may.

 

These are Yuasa batteries rebranded for Drag.

 

Don’t know if it makes any difference but Dave0176 says in post #12 it was a Lithium battery for RC, maybe RC car. Terrible deal no matter what, but I think they actually sell fire proof bags just for charging those things. I think it is a known problem.
I was always curious how much lighter lithiums were than lead, acid for the bike.

 

For those asking about the weight difference -

The X2 from Batteries + is listed at 4.4 pounds, a Duracell from Batteries + is listed as 22.25 pounds, and the Big Crank is listed at 21.5 pounds.

 

That was a lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery that caused the fire and not a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). It's tragic but they are different batteries.

 

weight is more of a factor, to me, on off road and race vehicles. I have heard they can start big engines better, which would for someone who needs it, would be a big plus. Price, and that I have had good luck with harley, is why I run harley.

What I am curious is how they hold up in the heat. I have not heard discussion of that. For some people that would be a huge plus, if they do better. All I really hear is 4 years, which may simply be due when people started using them. In my climate, 4 years is not a selling point.


I would think at some point I will have one since they seem to be slowly gain popularity. Though as electric vehicles demand more, hard saying if lithium prices will drop.

My garage is full of lithium batteries, our phones and GPSs. A fireman did tell me not to leave my GPS on dash, because it gets hot and causes fire. Whenever I see stories of lithium catching fire, I wonder if anti EV crowd. Not saying I don't want to hear concerns.


I am surprised how much lead acid is out there, my rec vehicles all have it.

 

Again I am curious if there is any advantage in the heat. If you got a big or high compression engine, there seems to be an advantage.

 

What I'm curious about is how they hold up in the cold. I have not heard a discussion about that.
I'd be interested to hear with the other HDForum members are curious about.

 

I ride year-round in NC and have had the Antigravity battery in my Sporty for over 4 years now and still going strong. Coldest I've ridden the Sporty is in the low 40s many times. Fires right up. From the manual, Antigravity has the operating temps and what to do if start is sluggish. I've not had to do the warm-up on the battery, but I don't know what they define as "very cold weather".