INSTALLING AMPTRON LIFEPO4 BATTERIES IN A CAR
CAN I INSTALL THIS UNDER THE BONNET IN A CAR ENGINE BAY?
** Important Note ** Installing AMPTRON LiFePO4 batteries in the engine bay of a vehicle is not recommended and will void the warranty on the battery. Also note AMPTRON LiFePO4 batteries are deep cycle batteries these batteries are not suitable as a starter/engine crank battery
The main issue around installing batteries within vehicle engine bays is heat. Our batteries are designed to operate up to 60 degrees C. Under normal commuting conditions installed correctly this wouldn’t pose an issue. However, in Australia it is common for cars to be driven long distances in hot weather where the engine bay temperature would pose an issue. This is compounded when a vehicle is towing a load as they are working harder and creating more heat.
Our battery management system does contain a thermal disconnect that would disconnect the battery should it overheat to protect the battery. However, regular exposure to excessive heat can significantly reduce the battery life even if the battery isn’t in operation.
If you do wish to install your AMPTRON LIFePO4 battery in the engine bay (not recommended), we suggest installing it in a position furthest away from the engine or turbocharger and somewhere it will receive good airflow to help cool it. Do not directly connect in parallel to the starter battery, always use a lithium compatible DC-DC charger to charge lithium batteries as they have very different operating and charging voltages to lead acid starter batteries. Currently we do have several customers who have installed AMPTRON LiFePO4 batteries in the engine bay at their own risk, however they clearly understand the potential impact to the battery life cycle due to prolonged excessive heat exposure.