Side by Side (sxs) EV Batteries

[ufi911]

I'm looking for direction on replacing (8) 12 volt batteries in an all electric Polaris Ranger.

Lithium is tempting but the "buy once, cry once" effect is high.

How about AGM batteries? They seem to take the cold (I'm in Wisconsin) and based on their performance in my boat they are impressive.

Can the experts weigh in and give me a hand?

Thanks,

-Johnny

 

[finn]

I'm looking for direction on replacing (8) 12 volt batteries in an all electric Polaris Ranger.

Lithium is tempting but the "buy once, cry once" effect is high.

How about AGM batteries? They seem to take the cold (I'm in Wisconsin) and based on their performance in my boat they are impressive.

Can the experts weigh in and give me a hand?

Thanks,

-Johnny

My SxS battery over nine years old now. It’s an AGM.

I think it needs replacing, though. It randomly failed to start last fall (3 times), but started within a few minutes of putting it on a charger. I will do more trouble shooting this spring though. Hard to believe it goes from no crank to starting fine is such a short time on the charger. Might be a relay, connection, or something other than the battery, but 9 years on a powersports battery seems like a long time.

New AGM Powersports batteries aren’t cheap. Something like $160 when I checked.

 

[jack stand]

It's an electric battery driven utv, no gasoline no starter.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Buying lithium to replace AGM can sometimes be "Buy 3 times, scrap the effing thing.". There's gotchas to changing ecologies. You've got to make yourself an expert, or find an expert with a guarantee, like the manufacturer.

 

[DennisK59]

AGM's seem to last about 8yrs, my brother has them on their boat with solar keeping them up, going 11 yrs. now, just talked to him tonight and he said they are done. I have them in our motorhome they just made over 8 yrs.

 

[finn]

So what construction are the Oem batteries?

Lithium batteries (and solar panels) are getting real popular in class B RV applications. When they do this at the factory, though, the batteries are relocated to the interior of the van, or are in heated compartments since they are difficult to charge below , I think, 37 degrees.

 

[duneslider]

Lithium can't be charged when the cells are below freezing. There are lithium batteries that have heaters built in so that when connected to a charger the charger first heats the cells via the heat strips then charges the batteries. I believe Renogy and battleborn have this option. I would assume there are lot of companies offering this now, it used to be just a couple. If you call and talk to one of the big names about what you are doing they will be able to give you exactly what you need. If you try to do it using chinese brands with no support you will be on your own to figure it out. Lithium will cost more but should be worth it long term.

Getting good true deep cycle batteries will also work, again I would try talking to an actual battery distributor about what you are doing and see what they suggest. Generally good deep cycle batteries will work well and last a long time and the lower up front cost is easier to swallow. Not using true deep cycle batteries will not last as long and is throwing away money. I love Lithium batteries but they are very expensive and in large consumption needs like this it can be hard to justify, or handle, the cost.

 

[Mandres]

Retrofitting lithium batteries will give you a crash course in electrical engineering, but it won't be cheap or easy. You'll need to redesign the charging system and install a BMS to protect the cells. There are tons of reasonably priced lithium battery packs available in the second hand market so you can add huge capacity and range if you're willing and able to undertake the project.

If not, just throw in a set of sealed lead acid golf cart batteries and get back on the road