Lithium Battery/Starter in Touring Bike
#31
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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".
#32
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
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#33
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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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nz5ijXcckI
excitement starts at 9 min into next video
(46) E-Bike explosion. T.O.B ebike burst into flame in first 3 miles. Beware of Mike Moser ebikes - YouTube
New Harley Electric bike up in smoke at Bike Week 2021 (youtube.com)
Electric bus bursts into flames, sets nearby vehicles on fire in China (youtube.com)
E-bike shop catches fire after lithiumIon battery explodes (youtube.com)
I am scared of lithium batteries because of all of the fires during use and during charging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nz5ijXcckI
excitement starts at 9 min into next video
(46) E-Bike explosion. T.O.B ebike burst into flame in first 3 miles. Beware of Mike Moser ebikes - YouTube
New Harley Electric bike up in smoke at Bike Week 2021 (youtube.com)
Electric bus bursts into flames, sets nearby vehicles on fire in China (youtube.com)
E-bike shop catches fire after lithiumIon battery explodes (youtube.com)
#34
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I can pull up a ton of videos of ICE vehicles catching fire. Per vehicle, the chance of an ICE vehicle catching fire is 3 times higher than a BEV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHJlBHONvw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHJlBHONvw
There are exponentially more ICE vehicles than EVs on the roads now. There are also 50+ year old ICE vehicles being used daily. The ICE vehicle fires can be extinguished. EV battery fires have to run out of fuel.
Last edited by Goose_NC; 02-12-2024 at 01:55 PM.
#35
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Based on percentages, gas cars catch fire more often than EV. It's probably due to gas being flammable. Maybe lots of old cars out there too
#36
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Lithium Polymer (LiPo) fires are class D fires. Molten metal. You can't smother or extinguish them with water. A Class D dry powder extinguisher is needed to put out a LiPo fire, and most extinguishers are only rated at Class A B C.
Even if ICE vehicles were more likely to catch fire, BEV cannot be put out once it catches. They are exponentially more dangerous. Personally, I don't see the advantage at this time, putting that battery in my bike and risking my shop.
Even if ICE vehicles were more likely to catch fire, BEV cannot be put out once it catches. They are exponentially more dangerous. Personally, I don't see the advantage at this time, putting that battery in my bike and risking my shop.
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#37
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#38
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The bottom line is that LiFePO4 batteries can operate between -4°F - 140°F (-20°C - 60°C). However, their optimal performance is between 41°F - 113°F (5°C - 45C). The issue is with charging the batteries. Most manufacturer's recommend against charging them below 32°F (0°C). In most cases, charging them below that temp can/will damage them.
When I did research about LiFePO4 batteries for RVs, many have heating elements that keep the batteries above 32°F for charging, to avoid damage.
Most of the PowerSports batteries have a BMS (battery management System) that keeps them from being too deeply discharged... a battery killer. I have not researched them enough to note if they have self-warming technology.
I have read that below 32°F they need to be charged slowly to avoid damage, some say the charge rate is too critical. Rather than tyring to control the cold temp charge rate, they suggest wrapping them in thermal blankets, or warming them to ensure they are 32°F or more during charging.
If you search about LiFePO4 batteries and cold weather.. you will find a lot of statements from manufacturers like:
Dakota Lithium Batteries/ 12/6/18:
"We also do not recommend charging our batteries below freezing temperatures. If you are planning to regularly charge your battery below freezing temperatures we recommend the DL+ 12V 135Ah battery which has an internal heating element and is optimal for use in cars, trucks, RVs, off grid solar, and any application where the battery will be charged regularly in extremely cold environments."
Renology 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery:
"A true 100A BMS with low-temperature cut-off.
Maximum Charge Current: 100A / Maximum Discharge Current: 100A
Charge Temperature Range: 32°F to 131°F (0°C to 55°C)"
These are just a few comments on temp that I shared.
I know most motorcycles are not ridden below 40°F, so it may be a moot point for most, but low temp charging of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and the possibility of damage is a real thing...
Last edited by hattitude; 02-12-2024 at 02:01 PM.
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#40
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get the Noco LiFePO4 battery, I had two lead acid, but eventually went with this battery. Cranks very well no issues, You need a charger though. But its MUCH lighter and would last longer. I have extensive experience with Lipo and LiFEpO4 from rc helicopters and only the Lipo I ever saw catch fire, they usually swell before this happens. Feel safe to get the Noco battery. The LiFePo4 is very stable and can be drained safely. Good battery. Check this:
https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-NLP20-Powersport-Motorcycles-Snowmobiles/dp/B091P96DDB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1OTGE36QJ4A7B&keywords=noco+battery+harley&qid=1707767587&s=automotive&sprefix=noco+battery+harley%2Cautomotive%2C465&sr=1-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0
Dont worry about aH too much unless you have a lot of accessories you leave running with the bike off. Other than that you will be fine.
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Dont worry about aH too much unless you have a lot of accessories you leave running with the bike off. Other than that you will be fine.