Safety - Lithium batteries have a reputation for catching fire.  This is not so with LiFePO4, a very different technology.  The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) monitors the state of charge of each cell group and manages the temperature, charge and discharge rates.  The BMS will prevent over-charging and over-discharging by disconnecting from the source.  There are no toxic chemicals or gases as in many types of lead acid batteries.  The batteries can be mounted in any direction; bottom or side.

Compatibility - While the optimal charging parameters vary between LiFePO4, AGM and lead acid battery technology, the BMS built into CMPower LiFePO4 batteries compensates for this.  Thus, our LiFePO4 trolling motor batteries are compatible with most lead acid battery charging systems. 

Bluetooth Battery Monitoring -CMPower LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with Bluetooth for monitoring battery State of Charge (SOC) through a Smartphone or tablet app - ideal for trolling motors and fishing boats in general. This is important because unlike lead acid batteries, LiFePO4 lithium batteries maintain a constant voltage between 13 and 13.4 volts so a voltmeter is not an accurate indicator of SOC.   A built in Bluetooth capability enables real time monitoring of each battery through an app on either an Android or IOS smartphone or tablet.  The app displays the state of charge (SOC) of the battery, the amp draw and voltage level, the temperature, the time to full charge and the number of charge/discharge cycles.  This capability is nearly equivalent to having a built in battery bank monitoring system like a Link 2000. No worries about being stuck out on the lake unable to start your engine. And knowledge all day long as you fish about how much battery life you have left.

Winter Operation and Storage -CMPower LiFePO4 lithium batteries can be stored in temperatures from -10°F to +104°F (-25°C to +40°C).  It is recommended they not be heavily charged and discharged at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) .   It is recommended that the negative terminals be disconnected during winter or long term storage so there is no chance of draining the batteries while in storage.  LiFePO4 batteries should be recharged at a minimum every 6 months while in storage.

Long Term Investment - Keep Them for Life - Because the number of charge cycles of well cared for CMPower Lithium batteries is in excess of 2,000 they can be a long term  investment you can take with you from boat to boat or boat to camper.  Also, because the batteries have a built in cycle recording system, the batteries can be resold at a value based on their number of charge cycles.  For example: The owner of a sailboat purchased three LiFePO4 batteries two years ago; two for house and one for engine starting.  After two years of cruising the starting battery had 2 charge cycles and the house batteries, wired in parallel, had only 20 charge cycles as shown on the Bluetooth APP.  These batteries are like new and can be taken to their new boat or sold as quality longlife used batteries.  In fact, if and when CMP LiFePO4 batteries become available from our customers, we will post them on our website for purchase.

Cost -CMPower Lithium trolling motor batteries are 2 to 4 times the cost of comparable lead acid or AGM type batteries.  Cost justification is often based on convenience, performance and longevity.  Factors to consider in evaluating cost include the number of charge cycles, power to weight ratio, charge and discharge efficiency and compatibility.  Over the long term, these batteries are often considerably more cost effective than lead acid or AGM batteries.

Bottom line CMPowerLithium marine batteries have the following advantages:

1. lighter than lead acid - lightweight, generally less than half the weight of lead acid
2. can be drawn down 90% vs 50% - more useable capacity
3. hold steady voltage through 95% discharge - constant power and voltage
4. generally plug compatible with lead acid chargers - drop-in replacement
5. charge more quickly and efficiently than lead acid batteries - excellent for solar systems
6. have up to 10 times more charge cycles than lead acid and AGM batteries - could last a lifetime
7. nontoxic and safe, very low fire risk - no toxic gases emitted, many built-in protections
8. low self-discharge - easy winter storage, long shelf life
9. Bluetooth equipped to monitor battery State of Charge with free app - built in battery monitor​
10. cost effective in the long run​

They are more expensive than lead acid however their advantages and longevity often outweigh the additional initial investment.