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Old 02-13-2012, 07:45 AM   #6 (permalink)
Daox
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As far as different types of lead acid deep cycles there are kind of two. They make true deep cycle batteries and starting deep cycle batteries which is kind of a hybrid between a starting battery and deep cycle. You would want a true deep cycle as it'll last longer when deep cycled.

You can use an alternator to charge the lifepo4 pack, it just won't be charged fully. This isn't a big deal like it is with lead because lithium batteries are actually quite happy only partially charged where lead acid batteries will sulfate and that will kill them eventually. If you simply wanted a pack that lasted longer for engine off coasting but still charged via the alternator you should be fine going to lifepo4.

However, IMO a lead acid deep cycle, even flooded cell which is the most typical and cheapest, is just fine. It'll still last at least a couple years. I think I'm on year 2 or 3 with mine. Its a group 24 flooded lead acid. When I got it I had a 42 mile total daily commute and it held up just fine (less than 50% discharge each day). The past year it is back to normal duty of being charged via the alternator due to my wife driving the car. It definitely won't have the life of a lifepo4 cell, but the cost is significantly less too. In the long run a lifepo4 might be cheaper, but the payback will be quite long.
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