ExpertPower EP1250 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower EP1250 is a rechargeable deep cycle ultralight battery based on the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, with four cells connected in series internally, and controlled by an advanced Battery Management System (BMS).
ExpertPower EP1250 battery is a very versatile battery often used in off-the-grid applications, as a mid-range marine battery, as float/standby battery, and for applications where the battery cycles a lot.
Updated: August 20, 2024.
ExpertPower EP1250 Battery Features and Specifications
ExpertPower EP1250 battery is based on the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry and features physical dimensions of 7.7 x 6.5 x 6.6 inches (~19.6 x 16.5 x 16.8 cm) while it weighs only 13 pounds (5.9 kg).
According to the manufacturer, the ExpertPower EP1250 battery belongs to the BCI Battery U1 Group, but it is too large since group U1 batteries feature physical dimensions of 7.75 x 5.1875 x 7.3125 inches (~19.7 x 13.2 x 18.7 cm) - ExpertPower EP1250 is too wide by ~1.3 inches (~3.2 cm) to be considered a true "U1 battery".
The nominal capacity of the ExpertPower EP1250 battery is 50Ah (@25°C, 0.2C) with a nominal voltage of 12.8 volts.
Charging voltage should be kept around 14.4V - ExpertPower EP1250 is a lithium battery and as such, it is highly recommended to be charged using a lithium battery charger.
The maximum continuous discharge current is 50 Amps, with a maximum surge current of 100 Amps for up to 2 seconds.
The maximum continuous charging current is 25 Amps, allowing the user to recharge the battery relatively quickly.
ExpertPower EP1250 features F11/M6 battery terminals, ensuring a reliable connection between the battery and cabling.
Since it is a lithium battery, ExpertPower EP1250 comes with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), which protects the battery from unwanted events like overcharge, deep discharge, overcurrent, overheating, and short circuit.
Also, the built-in BMS prevents the charging of the battery below 23°F (-5°C).
As a deep cycle battery, ExpertPower EP1250 supports a large number of charging/discharging cycles.
For example, at 25°C 0.2C, the battery can withstand:
- 2500 cycles down to 100% DOD,
- 3600 cycles down to 80% DOD,
- 7000 cycles down to 50% DOD,
which is ~10x more than common lead-acid batteries.
How to Charge ExpertPower EP1250 Battery
As a lithium deep cycle battery, ExpertPower EP1250 should be charged using a dedicated lithium battery charger or with an advanced AGM battery charger that features a lithium battery charging mode.
With a maximum continuous charging current of 25 Amps, ExpertPower recommends their ExpertPower EPC125 (12V 5A) and ExpertPower EPC1220 (12V 20A) (Amazon links, links open in the new windows) lithium battery chargers.
Of course, other lithium battery chargers may be used as well - for example, a 10-12 Amps battery charger can recharge a fully discharged ExpertPower EP1250 battery in 5-6 hours easily.
ExpertPower EP1250 battery can also be charged using solar panels combined with a lithium battery charge controller - for example, 200W solar panels with 50% efficiency (weather, orientation, season, etc.) can recharge the fully discharged ExpertPower EP1250 battery in 7-8 hours.
If the battery has to be recharged faster, feel free to use more solar panels; just remember that the maximum continuous charging current is 25 Amps.
ExpertPower EP1250 as a Kayak Trolling Battery
ExpertPower EP1250 battery is often used as kayak battery for powering trolling motors (Amazon link, open in the new window), fish finders, navigation lights, radio, for charging other devices, and similar.
Considering its weight (13 pounds, 5.9 kg), the ExpertPower EP1250 battery stores a much larger amount of energy (~640 Wh) than the lead-acid batteries of similar weight.
Since most kayak trolling motors draw up to 30 Amps, ExpertPower EP1250 battery can power such unit for almost 95-100 minutes continuously. And if such motor is not used at full throttle, its runtime using this battery can be much longer.
The difference in weight of the ExpertPower EP1250 battery and some general-purpose deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, allow the kayaker to carry an additional solar panel with a charge controller, a smaller power station, or some other type of required gear.
ExpertPower EP1250 as an Off-the-Grid/Inverter Battery
ExpertPower EP1250 battery is commonly used in off-the-grid applications where the battery is recharged using solar panels, wind turbines, small power generators, or similar devices and then used to power various devices, very often using a power inverter.
With its nominal voltage of 12.8 volts, a maximum continuous discharge current of 50 Amps, and a maximum 2-second current of 100 Amps, the ExpertPower EP1250 battery is suitable for powering 500-watt power inverters (Amazon link, the link opens in the new window) with a maximum surge power of 1000 Watts.
For example, if the efficiency of the power inverter is 85% and the unit powers 300W load, that means that the battery is providing ~353W (~27.6 Amps @12.8V).
With such a load, the ExpertPower EP1250 battery can power such an inverter for up to 1h and 40-45 minutes, depending on the battery condition, initial charge, and temperature.
ExpertPower EP1250 Battery Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the ExpertPower EP1250 battery, consider the following tips and best practices:
- Proper Charging: Always use the recommended charger for the EP1250 battery to avoid overcharging or undercharging. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on charging currents and voltage to ensure safety and extend the battery's lifespan. Thus, use recommended chargers.
- Regular Use and Maintenance: Batteries tend to last longer when they are used regularly. Avoid letting the battery sit idle for prolonged periods. If the battery must be stored, ensure it is charged periodically to prevent capacity loss - keep the charge level between 40 and 80% DoD.
- Storage Conditions: Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. High temperatures can accelerate the degradation of the battery, while extremely low temperatures can affect its ability to hold a charge.
- Cleaning and Inspections: Regularly inspect the battery for signs of damage or corrosion. Clean the terminals and the surface of the battery with a dry cloth to ensure good connectivity and prevent buildup that can lead to power inefficiency.
- Deep Discharge Protection: Avoid completely discharging the battery as deep discharges can significantly reduce its overall lifecycle. It’s best to recharge the battery before it drops below 20% capacity.
- Balanced Usage: If the EP1250 is part of a battery array or bank (up to 4P or 4S), ensure that all batteries are equally charged and are of similar age and condition. This balance helps prevent excessive strain on any single battery.
- Safety First: Always handle the battery with care. Protect it from sharp objects and avoid physical shocks or impacts that can lead to internal damage. Also, ensure that the battery is installed in a location where it can vent properly to avoid overheating.
Following these tips will help maintain the performance and extend the life of your ExpertPower EP1250 battery, ensuring reliability and efficiency in its application. Also, check the Manual/Owner's Guide for more information about Expert Power EP1250 battery.
Long Story Short: ExpertPower EP1250 battery is a lightweight and versatile deep-cycle battery, suitable for various applications except as the starting/cranking battery.
The battery is able to withstand a large number of charging/discharging cycles, it is energy very efficient with the output voltage of 12.8 volts most of the discharge cycle, it can be recharged quickly, etc.
For all those reasons, the ExpertPower EP1250 battery is a very popular battery in its class, despite being more expensive than similar lead-acid batteries. But, in the long run, it saves money, time, effort ...
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the ExpertPower EP1250 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window).