Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries

Last month we talked about a new battery called Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4).  These batteries have some advantages over traditional AGM and SLA batteries

• They are lighter
• Signifacantly more recharge cycles
• Higher current or peak-power rating

	LiFePO4	AGM
Capacity	42AH	46AH
Weight	12.13 lb	32.9 lb
Charge Cycles	2500*	50-150
Max Continues Discharge Current	20A	?
Cost	$289.99	$124.99
*The XLFP12-42C reaches approximately 80 percent of its rated capacity after 2500 cycles in laboratory conditions.

As you can see there is one large disadvantage and that is price.  However I believe increased charging cycles more then make up for that.

Discharge rates are nice as well.