Projecta Enters Lithium Battery Market

After a comprehensive three-year development and testing period, Projecta has launched a new 12V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery range, providing powerful, yet safe and reliable performance for a range of applications including 4x4, RV, trade and emergency services.

While lithium battery storage is a new product category for Projecta, parent company Brown & Watson International has extensive lithium iron phosphate know-how through products such as jump starters and work lights, where similar technology is applied.

The range’s LiFePO₄ chemistry is the safest lithium technology available, and makes the new Projecta batteries inherently much safer than lithium cobalt competitors, a performance measure that was proven during in-house testing.

Projecta’s lithium batteries also feature a built in Battery Management System (BMS), which offers protection in the event of under/overvoltage and over/underheating. Additionally, BMS monitors individual cell voltages, balancing when required, and providing extra peace of mind for users.

Another key benefit of the Projecta lithium battery range is its longevity – capable of delivering over 2000 cycles, this is up to eight times more than lead acid batteries, offsetting the initial higher cost of a lithium battery over time to save money, as well as reduce waste. Compared to equivalent size lead acid batteries, Projecta's lithium batteries also offer superior charging and discharging rates.

On offer in the range are two models, the LB100 and the high discharge LB100-BT.

The LB100 delivers true 100 Amp discharge current, capable of powering 1000W inverters as well as a fridge and is equivalent to a 160Ah lead acid battery. Lead acid batteries can only withstand 50 per cent depth of discharge without detrimental effects, the LB100 can be discharged to 20 per cent without reducing the life of the battery.

In-house side by side testing against multiple competitor units revealed that most were not able to discharge current at a rate equal to their Amp-hour capacity, and therefore may struggle supplying sufficient power for larger inverters and appliances, where Projecta's units remained true to their claimed 100 Amp and 150 Amp discharge rates.

Users needing even greater power can select the high discharge LB100-BT, which delivers an impressive 150 Amp discharge current – it’s the ideal battery for four-wheel drive and caravan owners, and is even capable of powering 2000W inverters.

For additional convenience, the LB100-BT allows owners to monitor the battery status via smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. Available information includes voltages, current, state of charge (in per cent) and any alarms that may have occurred. This battery is also fitted with a power level indicator, allowing owners to see the state of charge at a glance.       

Both batteries are housed within traditional N70 casings allowing them to easily fit a variety of mounting locations. Additionally, the Protecta lithium batteries are around one third the weight of equivalent lead acid batteries, making them easier to install while also helping to reduce vehicle gross weights.

Other benefits include carry handles for easy transportation and M8 bolts for simple connection. For added versatility, the LB100 and LB100-BT can both be paralleled with up to four batteries as well as installed in up to four batteries in series.

Projecta’s new lithium iron phosphate LB100 and LB100-BT batteries are backed by 2 and 3-year warranties respectively, and are available from leading automotive, camping, caravanning and four-wheel driving outlets nationwide.