Liacon, one of Europe’s largest battery manufacturers, has released a new, more versatile lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that can replace all Group 31-sized lead-acid units.

“Group 31 batteries are one of the highest selling in the market. Delivery fleets, marine vessels, recreational vehicles, renewable energy storage, and construction equipment all use this standard,” explains Philip M. Meek, CEO of Liacon. “Lead acid batteries typically get 200-400 cycles before they fail. In comparison our lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries have ten times the life, cycling over 4,000 times.”

The new Group 31 LFP 12.8V 150 Ah battery has two to three times the energy of a lead-acid battery, and 1,000 cranking amps for starting heavy-duty diesel engines, making it the most versatile solution where energy and power are needed.

No rare or expensive heavy metals needed

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries with oxide-based chemistries, Liacon’s doesn’t contain expensive and rare heavy metals such as cobalt and nickel, nor does it contain lead, which is toxic to the environment.

“It makes them a sustainable battery choice for end-users,” adds Meek. “The LFP chemistry is also more stable and safer, compared to lithium-ion batteries with oxide-based chemistries.”

The LFP battery’s energy storage capacity is superior to typical lead acid units, and its stable discharge curve mitigates damage to sensitive electronics. Group 31 lead acid charging infrastructure doesn’t need to change.

“The voltage output of lead acid batteries varies widely during discharge. The process can negatively affect the expensive instrumentation inside vehicles, including the starter,” explained Meek.

“Our LFP battery means companies get a high performance, safer battery that greatly reduces battery and electronics replacements, lowering the total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the application compared to lead-acid batteries,” added Meek.

“Liacon’s been developing its LFP batteries since before Trion acquired the company,” stated Timothy Mayne, CEO of Trion Battery Technologies, which owns Liacon. “We anticipate further disrupting the battery industry with Trion’s advanced materials that will result in superior cells, batteries, and systems to meet the world’s need for better energy.”

Liacon is attending the Battery Show Europe, from 23–25 May in Stuttgart, where it will be exhibiting its new Group 31 LFP 12V batteries along with other new products.