Vatrer 12V 460AH 250A BMS Bluetooth RV Lithium Battery
The Vatrer 12V 460Ah 250A BMS Lithium Battery is designed to provide robust and reliable power for RVs, campers, and other off-grid applications. With its advanced lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology, Vatrer 12V 460Ah 250A BMS Lithium Battery offers high capacity, impressive discharge capabilities, and advanced safety features, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
With Bluetooth monitoring and a built-in battery management system (BMS), the battery provides optimal performance under various conditions. This relatively compact and lightweight battery is engineered for long-lasting use, with over 5000 charge cycles, making it a solid choice for those seeking reliable energy storage for high-demand appliances.
Published: September 21, 2024.
Vatrer 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery Features and Specifications
The Vatrer 12V 460Ah Bluetooth RV battery is based on a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) chemistry, with 8 cells internally connected in 4S2P configuration, combined with an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) - it is a high-performance lithium battery designed for off-grid power applications, such as RVs, motorhomes, boats, for light-industrial and various off-the-grid applications.
Compared with similar LiFePO4 and especially lead-acid batteries, this model offers substantial improvements in terms of efficiency, safety, and longevity, making it a viable replacement for traditional lead-acid batteries.
The nominal voltage of the Vatrer 12V 460Ah Bluetooth RV battery is 12.8V, but in real-life situations, the actual voltage may be even slightly higher, depending on the discharge current and the battery temperature.
Thanks to the nominal capacity of 460Ah(!), the battery is capable of storing 5888Wh(!) of energy. And that is a lot...
The maximum continuous discharge current is 250A, providing power for up to 3200W. The maximum continuous charging current is 120A (~0.38C), but the maximum continuous recommended charging current is 92A (0.2C).
Note: even 92A is a strong current. For example, at a charging voltage of 14.2-14.6V, this is still a respectable 1300-1350W.
The physical dimensions of the battery are (L x W x H) 18.9 x 10.82 x 9.84 inches (~48 x 27.5 x 25 cm) and it weighs ~105 pounds (~47.5 kg) - thanks to these dimensions, Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery belongs to the battery group 8D.
Obviously, the battery is far from being lightweight in terms of being carried around by a single person, but considering the fact that it is built using steel plating (very robust casing, resilient to mechanical impacts), and that is stores ~5.9 kWh of energy, the battery is relatively lightweight.
The battery comes with a pair of handles, allowing users to move it to shorter distances and to place it on a permanent position - again, that is 105 lbs battery and two adults are highly recommended.
Vatrer 12V 460Ah Battery Charging/Discharging Cycles
When the actual battery capacity drops down to 80% of its nominal capacity, the battery is considered ready to be replaced with a new one. The number of charging/discharging cycles mainly depends on the DoD (Depth of Discharge), and in the case of the Vatrer 12V 460Ah lithium battery, this means:
- 100% DoD: 2000 cycles,
- 80% DoD: 3000 cycles,
- 50% DoD: 5000 cycles,
- 30% DoD: 8000 cycles.
That means that the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery is designed to withstand, for example, over 5000 cycles at 50% depth of discharge (DoD) with the capacity loss down to 80% (~370Ah) of the original capacity (460Ah).
However, if the charging/discharging cycles are kept within 20% and 80% DoD (from 92Ah to 368Ah, with ~276Ah usable capacity), number of charging/discharging cycles can be even higher - the actual number depends on the charging method, charging and discharging current, temperature, battery age, etc.
Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery temperature ranges are:
- Charge: 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C)
- Discharge: -4°F to 131°F (-20°C to 55°C)
- Storage: -14°F to 122°F (-10°C to 50°C)
- Low temp cut off protection (Charge): 32°F ± 7.2°F (0°C ± 4°C)
In short, to keep your battery happy, always keep it at room temperature or at a slightly lower temperature.
An advanced built-in Battery Management System (BMS) protects the battery against overcharging (15V), over-discharging (10.8V), over-current, short circuits, and high/low temperatures. Also, one of the tasks of the BMS is cell balancing, which prolongs the battery's lifetime.
Also, BMS ensures that the battery can be connected in series and parallel. When connecting batteries in parallel only, up to 10 batteries can be connected, ensuring a total capacity of 4600Ah and a continuous discharge current of 2500A.
However, many modern DC systems are already operating at 24V, 36V, and very often at 48V (51.2V) - such systems may benefit from the fact that Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery supports connecting batteries up to 4S4P - 16 batteries connected in series/parallel providing 48V (51.2V) 1840Ah battery pack which is able to store 94.2 kWh of energy.
Note: when connecting lithium batteries in series and parallel, ALWAYS connect them as recommended by their manufacturer using the very same batteries of the same age, preferably from the same batch!
Vatrer 12V 460Ah Battery Additional Features
Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery comes with several features that must be noted:
- Bluetooth connectivity: Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery is Bluetooth enabled, allowing the user to connect the smartphone via Vatrer's App to check the battery condition. The range of the Bluetooth could be better (it's not like WiFi), but there is no need for the user to physically access the batteries to check them.
- Terminal type: battery features classic M8 battery terminals, ensuring firm contact of the battery with the battery cables.
- Off/On button: when the battery is not in use, the user can turn it off, preventing any parasite drain.
- Built-in Hygrometer and Thermometer: Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery features two additional sensors helping users to keep the battery in (almost) ideal conditions.
Performance and Usability
The Vatrer 12V 460Ah lithium battery is engineered for high-demand applications, supporting up to 250A of continuous discharge. It is ideal for powering RV appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves without experiencing significant voltage drops.
Its 3200W discharge power ensures reliable operation of heavy loads during peak times.
With over 2000 cycles at full depth of discharge, this battery far exceeds the lifespan of traditional lead-acid batteries by 5-10x factor, offering a low total cost of ownership.
Additionally, the low-temperature cutoff feature ensures that the battery is not damaged by cold weather during charging, a key concern for those using their RVs in colder climates.
If you are looking for the low-temperature lithium batteries, Vatrer offers such batteries as well - they can be found on the Vatrer Official website (link opens in the new window) or the official Vatrer's Amazon store (affiliate link, opens in the new window).
Note: Vatrer Power features warehouses in the US, Canada, EU, and Japan, ensuring as fast delivery as possible.
Vatrer 12V 460Ah RV Bluetooth Lithium Battery - Cons
As one can see, the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery offers the user a strong, high-capacity, and reliable LiFePO4 battery. But, as always in life, all those features come at a certain cost, including:
- High Initial Cost: The Vatrer battery comes with a steep upfront price compared to traditional (wet/flooded), but also AGM and Gel lead-acid batteries. However, in the long run, this battery saves money due to higher energy efficiency, higher supported number of charging/discharging cycles (by 5-10x), lower weight, etc.
- Requires Compatibility Checks: Users may need to upgrade their charging systems or inverters to accommodate the lithium battery’s requirements - this is a requirement for all those people transitioning from lead-acid to lithium batteries, regardless of their lithium battery choice.
- Low-Temperature Limitations: While the battery includes low-temperature cutoff protection, this could prevent charging in colder climates without external heating systems - this is a requirement for all LiFePO4 batteries without an internal battery heater (which may increase the battery price, complexity, and increase parasite drain).
- Activation after BMS Cut-Off: To activate the battery after the cut-off, disconnect it and let it sit for 30 minutes, after which the battery will reconnect automatically. Although this is an excellent way of giving the battery some time to cool down, these 30 minutes may be way too long in certain situations. On the other hand, this is 250A BMS, and it takes a lot to force it to cut off the battery.
Note: if the battery's voltage drops too low for standard lithium battery chargers, the battery should be "kick-started" using either the battery charger that can "force" charge deeply discharged batteries or connecting the Vetrer 12V 460Ah battery to another battery, preferably lead-acid battery to avoid any issues with one more BMS. For more details, please check the Manual that comes with the battery.
How to Charge Vatrer 12V 460Ah Lithium Battery
As said before, the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery features a maximum continuous charging current of 120A, with 92A (0.2C) being the recommended maximum charging current.
The Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery should be charged using a charger that is intended for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, including:
AC-to-DC Lithium Battery Charger
AC-to-DC lithium battery charger uses either mains power or the power from the power generator to charge the battery. While larger battery chargers, for example, 14.2-14.6V 80-100A can recharge the battery rather quickly, they tend to be bulky and often relatively expensive.
But, when the battery is being charged at a rate of, for example, 60A, a fully discharged battery can be recharged overnight in 8-9 hours.
For the best offers and prices, feel free to check the 12.8V 60A Lithium Battery Charger Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
DC-to-DC Lithium Battery Charger
DC-to-DC battery chargers are typically used as battery isolators in dual-battery systems and are commonly found in RVs, boats, etc.
Battery isolators protect starting batteries from being discharged when the deep cycle battery (or battery pack) is being discharged and ensure that the deep cycle battery is being recharged as soon as the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is started.
Most popular DC-to-DC battery chargers are in the 40-60A range since stronger ones may require a stronger vehicle's alternator.
The general rule of thumb:
- Alternator <160 Amps: 20 Amps DC Charger
- Alternator 160-180 Amps: 40 Amps DC Charger
- Alternator >180 Amps (preferably 200+Amps): 60 Amps DC Charger
For the information about your vehicle or boat, check the documentation that came with it and/or consult the manufacturer directly.
Solar Lithium Battery Charger
Solar lithium battery charger is used to convert energy collected by solar panels into energy suitable for charging lithium batteries, in this case, large 12V 460Ah battery.
So, to be able to charge the battery with, let's say, 80A at 14.2-14.6V (~1136-1168W), a solar lithium battery charger with an energy efficiency of 90% must receive ~1262-1297W - for the sake of simplicity, let's round up these numbers to 1300W.
When the 460Ah battery is charged at a rate of 80A, it takes ~6 hours or slightly more to recharge it completely.
If we assume that the energy efficiency of solar panels is ~60-70% due to the angle, orientation, and weather conditions, that means that in this case, we need at least 1850-2200W solar panels - rounded to 2000W of solar panels - installed to be able to recharge this battery in 6-7 hours with average weather.
Maybe the installation of 2000W solar panels sounds like a lot of work and panels (and it is), but this is 460Ah(!) battery - it can power, for example, 800W microwave via 90% energy efficient power inverter for more than 6 hours.
And it fits the standard group 8D battery compartment...
Vatrer 12V 460Ah Battery Warranty
Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery is not a cheap battery, and hence, it is protected by a 10-year limited warranty - obviously, Vatrer Power company believes in their products.
And when they say 10-year warranty, they are actually providing 5+5 years warranty, meaning:
- Years 1 to 5: If a valid warranty claim is made and the batteries cannot be repaired, the manufacturer will replace the defective battery free of charge with a similar product.
- Years 6 and 7: If a valid warranty claim is made and the batteries cannot be repaired, a similar product will be offered at 40% off the retail MSRP at the time of the offer.
- Years 8 to 10: If a valid warranty claim is made and the batteries cannot be repaired, a similar product will be offered at 25% off the retail MSRP at the time of the offer.
Note: The text above is a copy-paste from the official Vatrer Power website. For the most up-to-date warranty conditions of Vatrer products, please check their 10-Year Warranty and Vatrer Power Extends Warranty Period to 10 Years for Select Products Vatrer articles (external links, open in the new windows).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vatrer 12V 460Ah lithium battery:
Can the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery be used in series or parallel?
Yes, this battery supports both series and parallel connections. You can connect up to four batteries in series for a 48V system, and up to 10 batteries in parallel. However, when connecting in both series and parallel, 4S4P is the maximum recommended configuration.
Is this battery suitable for marine environments?
Yes, the battery has a corrosion-resistant IP65-rated steel casing with a protective spray paint coating. However, additional waterproofing measures may be required in saltwater environments.
Also, some boats and yachts rely on the weight of low-positioned lead-acid batteries to ensure boat and yacht stability. When replacing such lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries, be sure to place additional weights low in the boat/yacht to ensure proper stability.
What are the storage recommendations for this battery in winter?
It is recommended to store the battery at 50% charge in temperatures between -10°C and 50°C, preferably at room or slightly lower temperatures.
The battery should be recharged every three months during prolonged storage.
Can the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery be safely mounted in any orientation?
Yes, the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery can be safely mounted in any orientation, even upside-down.
How long does it take to charge the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery using various charging methods?
How long does it take to charge the Vatrer 12V 460Ah battery depends on the battery discharge condition and charging current.
For example, if the battery is down to 50% DoD (230Ah remaining, 230Ah required to be fully charged), a 50A charger will recharge the battery in ~5 hours, regardless of the charging method.
Long Story Short: The Vatrer 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 RV battery is a premium option for RV owners who require high-capacity, long-lasting power storage.
Its combination of advanced safety features, robust BMS, and impressive cycle life makes it an excellent choice for serious off-grid enthusiasts.
While the initial investment is high, the reduced maintenance, longer life, and reliable performance can make it more economical in the long run and one of the most sought-after batteries in the 400Ah range.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Vatrer 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery Vatrer Power official website link (non-affiliate link, opens in the new window) or Vatrer 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery Amazon link (affiliate link, opens in the new window).