It makes sense that Redarc should finally release a lithium battery in North America to complement an already extensive range of electronic products, including monitoring and management systems for outdoor and military applications. This new product brings the company closer to being a “one-stop shop” with a complete range from relatively basic to highly advanced vehicle auxiliary electrical systems.
Boasting a host of impressive features, this cutting-edge lithium battery technology is said to transform the way we charge and power our vehicles, offering an impressive charging rate and discharge capacity, increased power density, enhanced weight efficiency, an extended lifespan, adaptability to extreme climates, onboard monitoring capabilities, and robust design for rugged terrains. Let’s have a deeper look.
Lithium batteries have a reputation for performing poorly in extreme cold, but adaptability to extreme climates is one of the most impressive features of the Alpha150 battery. With a wide operating temperature range, it can charge from as low as -22°F to 113°F and discharge from -4°F to 140°F thanks to built-in “self-heating.” Designed to withstand challenging terrain, the Alpha150 battery is encased in durable PC/ABS material with an IP56 rating. It can shrug off vibration, dust, and water, and the toughness of this battery, combined with its capacity to function in extreme climates, make it an appealing value proposition for the more courageous and adventurous overlander.
With its integrated battery management system (BMS), the lithium battery is protected from overcharging, overheating, and deep discharging, and, as there is no need for an external safety relay, the lithium battery is easy to install. Redarc claims that the Alpha150 battery offers a remarkable 70 percent increase in energy density compared to unspecified key lithium competitors. This means users can enjoy higher amp hours per cubic inch by delivering more power in a compact size. The Redarc Alpha150 battery excels in weight efficiency, providing up to 30 percent more amp hours per pound than key lithium competitors. This lightweight solution ensures optimal weight distribution in your vehicle setup, enhancing overall efficiency.
Redarc affirms that the Alpha150 battery excels in performance metrics and outshines other batteries in terms of longevity. With an impressive lifespan of over 5,000 cycles, this battery should outperform most lithium batteries and lasts ten times longer than equivalent AGM batteries. Users can enjoy a reliable and durable power source without needing frequent replacements and putting their money where their mouth is; Redarc offers a five-year battery warranty. Bear in mind that not all warranties are equal, and a five-year warranty from an established, highly reputed company is worth substantially more than a ten or fifteen-year warranty from a start-up.
One of the standout features of the Alpha150 is its fast charging capability; users can now charge their batteries up to 80 percent faster than before, thanks to its remarkable maximum charge rate of 135 amps. This feature reduces the charging time to a mere 1.1 hours under optimal conditions, ensuring a reliable and hassle-free charging experience. When it comes to discharge capacity, the Alpha150 battery offers a 200 amp continuous discharge rating and a 350 amp 10-second surge rating and can power most household appliances when combined with an appropriate inverter.
Keeping users informed and in control, the Alpha150 battery comes equipped with onboard monitoring capabilities via the BMS. Through Bluetooth connectivity and an intuitive companion app, users can easily access information such as state of charge and remaining capacity, providing real-time data.
The crunch is that, while packed with features, the Alpha150 is priced in the higher ranges for a lithium battery. That said, this one battery is capable of replacing an AGM dual battery setup (you will, however, need to retain a conventional vehicle starter battery), but the initial investment in the Alpha150 should save you money in the long run (in my experience, a hard-working AGM battery needs to be replaced once every 12 months).
$2,300
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