Swapping a lead-acid battery for a lithium battery is a game-changer for a campervan. The chemistry of LiFePO4 lithium batteries offers more usable energy, lower weight, faster charging, better voltage stability and a longer service life than lead-acid batteries. The results are evident every day: greater real-world range, fewer worries and the feeling of having a “reliable” system, even under high power consumption.
With lead-acid, AGM and GEL batteries, it is recommended to use only 50% of the total capacity so as not to shorten their service life. With lithium batteries, this percentage of usable capacity rises to 80–90%. For example: a 12V, 200Ah AGM battery delivers around 1200Wh of usable energy; a lithium battery of the same capacity, 100Ah, already delivers around 1000–1100Wh of usable energy. And it’s not just that they have more usable capacity: lithium batteries maintain a more stable voltage, so sensitive devices such as fridges, inverters or routers operate more efficiently.
The key to comfort in a campervan is the usable power available for day-to-day use. Lithium minimises voltage drop during use: the fridge no longer “struggles”, the inverter delivers its full rated output and the regulator operates within its optimal range. This results in fewer deep discharge cycles and, consequently, a longer service life. Furthermore, lithium batteries charge faster: they can handle higher charging currents (provided the charger and BMS allow it), which is perfectly suited to modern alternators and DC-DC chargers such as the Victron Orion.
Lithium weighs between 50 and 70% less than lead for equivalent capacities. In a campervan, where every kilo counts, less weight means more payload for water, bikes or luggage. Furthermore, as LiFePO4 batteries can be installed vertically, horizontally or on their side, they offer greater flexibility when fitting them into the confined spaces of a campervan.
A good LiFePO4 battery has around 2,000–4,000 charge/discharge cycles at 80% DoD, whilst an AGM battery typically manages only 300–600. Lithium batteries require virtually no maintenance: no leaks, no electrolyte checks. You just need to ensure that the charger is compatible and that the charging voltages are set correctly when installing the battery. Otherwise, it just requires some ventilation and the occasional check to make sure everything is in order.
If you’re used to driving long distances between stops with your caravan, you’ll already know that the combination of alternator + booster charger, such as the Victron Orion models, is the best way to ensure your batteries always perform at their best.
Thanks to lithium-ion battery technology, you can make the most of every minute on the road: these batteries can handle high-power charging for longer, recharging the energy used overnight to power the fridge, lights and comfort features.
And when power consumption peaks, the voltage remains stable, giving you longer battery life and the real feeling of having a full battery all day long.
At the end of the day, lithium batteries are an investment that pays for itself thanks to their convenience, range and reliability.
When calculating a battery’s capacity, you should think in terms of Wh, not just Ah. A simple way to work out the capacity you need is to take your power consumption and add a 20–30% margin.
Follow these simple steps to find the battery you actually need:
As a rule of thumb
Victron lithium batteries are compatible with a wide range of chargers, although we always recommend using Victron’s own chargers as part of the Victron ecosystem.
When choosing a compatible charger, bear in mind that there are several options available, depending on the power source you intend to use to charge the batteries:
Although our first thought is that lead-acid batteries are cheaper than lithium batteries, it is fair to compare them in terms of usable Wh and cycle life. Switching from lead-acid to lithium may involve a greater investment, but in return you will have a system
A simple example (approximate figures):
To sum up: You pay more at the start, but in the medium term, lithium works out cheaper than lead because you don’t have to keep changing the batteries every two years.
With our Victron lithium conversion kits, you won’t need anything else. They include everything you need to replace the lead-acid batteries in your system with new, more durable and efficient lithium batteries. They are available in two standard capacities:
100Ah Lithium Replacement Kit Victron
Replacement Kit Lithium 150Ah Victron
Each comes with a battery and an Orion booster charger designed for its capacity. You’ll just need the additional cabling, which you can also find in our electrical equipment
A step-by-step guide to switching to lithium – summary
Although lithium batteries require very little maintenance, here are a few tips that are always useful for extending the life of your batteries and ensuring your installation remains safe:
| Feature | Lithium Battery | AGM / Lead-acid battery |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge depth | 90 % | 50 % |
| Life Cycles | +3000 | 300–500 |
| Weight | Very light | Heavy |
| Load efficiency | 99 % | 80 % |
| Maintenance | Void | Requires care |
In the long term, switching from lead-acid to lithium guarantees you maximum usable capacity at the best price. With the right capacity, a reliable BMS and compatible chargers, you’ll go from worrying about what to plug in to enjoying your journey with peace of mind. That’s the true value of lithium: travelling without limitations.
Get one of our lead-acid to lithium conversion kits and enjoy greater range on your journeys.
What capacity do I need to last 1–2 days without recharging?
Between 100 and 150Ah is usually enough for a fridge, lights and mobile phones. If you’re also working from home or using a microwave, aim for 200Ah.
Can I use my current solar regulator and charger?
Only if they support a LiFePO4 profile or are configurable. If not, change them so as not to shorten the lithium battery’s lifespan.
Is a DC-DC converter from the alternator required?
In smart alternators (Euro 5/6), yes. It protects the alternator and ensures correct and rapid charging.
Is lithium dangerous?
LiFePO4 is very stable provided the BMS is of good quality and the protective circuits are correctly rated. Fit fuses and use suitable cable.
Can I keep the lead-acid battery as a backup?
It’s best not to mix battery types in parallel. You can keep the starter battery separate and use the lithium battery solely as a backup.
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