Lithium power supplies represent a fundamental shift in how campervan and motorhome electrical systems operate. This category includes all-in-one units like the Clayton Power LPS II range, standalone lithium batteries from manufacturers such as Victron Energy and Mastervolt, and extension batteries that expand existing systems. The technology centres on LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry, which delivers 2000-6000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge compared to traditional lead-acid's 300-500 cycles. You're looking at batteries that weigh 70% less, charge three times faster, and provide usable capacity right down to 20% state of charge without damage.
All-in-one systems like Clayton Power's LPS II units combine the battery, inverter, DC-DC charger, solar MPPT controller, and monitoring into a single housing. The LPS II 3000 packs 2kWh of storage with a 3000W inverter in one 28kg unit, charging from 0-80% in about an hour from your alternator. Standalone batteries from Victron and Mastervolt take the component approach, giving you flexibility to pair specific batteries with your choice of inverter, charger, and BMS. Victron's Smart lithium range offers Bluetooth monitoring built-in, whilst Mastervolt's MLI Ultra series handles extreme cycling conditions with integrated battery management that communicates via MasterBus or CAN protocols. Extension batteries like Clayton's Li-G4 range (100Ah or 280Ah) bolt onto existing systems using bidirectional DC-DC converters.
The primary consideration here is system integration. All-in-one units simplify installation but lock you into one manufacturer's ecosystem, whilst component systems require more technical knowledge to spec correctly but offer upgrade flexibility. Lithium batteries demand proper charging voltages (typically 14.2-14.6V for LiFePO4), and most need a BMS to prevent over-discharge and alternator damage. Temperature performance differs too - lithium won't charge below 0°C without heating, though it discharges fine in cold conditions. Capacities range from 100Ah entry-level batteries through to 330Ah monsters for high-draw applications like air conditioning or induction cooking. Compatible with 12V systems standard in UK campervans and motorhomes.
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The Clayton Power LPS2-3000 is a complete 2.05kWh all-in-one lithium p
The Clayton Power LPS2-2000 is an all-in-one lithium power supply that
The Clayton Power LPS2-2500 is an all-in-one lithium power supply that
The Clayton Power Li-G4 100Ah 12V lithium leisure battery uses LiFePO4
The Clayton Power Li-G4 280Ah is a professional-grade lithium iron pho
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you charge LiFePO4 batteries in freezing temperatures?No, you should never charge LiFePO4 lithium batteries below 0°C (32°F). Charging below freezing causes lithium plating on the anode, which permanently reduces battery capacity and creates internal short circuit risks. The optimal charging temperature range is 5°C to 45°C. LiFePO4 batteries will discharge normally in cold temperatures down to -20°C, but charging must wait until the battery warms above freezing. Some batteries include self-heating functions that automatically warm the battery before allowing charge to commence.What is the difference between all-in-one units like Clayton Power LPS II and standalone lithium batteries from Victron or Mastervolt?All-in-one units like the LPS II combine the battery, inverter, DC-DC charger, solar MPPT controller, and battery management into a single housing, simplifying installation and reducing component count. Standalone batteries from Victron and Mastervolt require separate inverters, chargers, and BMS components, giving you flexibility to mix manufacturers and upgrade individual components. All-in-one systems suit straightforward installations where simplicity matters. Component systems work better when you need specific power ratings, plan to expand gradually, or want integration with existing equipment from particular manufacturers.Do Victron lithium batteries need an additional BMS?Victron Smart lithium batteries have basic internal cell balancing and protection, but require an external BMS for most applications to provide proper system integration and alternator protection. The Smart BMS CL 12/100 is designed specifically for systems with alternators and limits charging current to protect both alternator and battery. The Lynx Smart BMS suits larger systems with inverters and provides comprehensive monitoring. The VE.Bus BMS V2 integrates with Victron inverter/chargers. Without proper BMS, alternator charging can damage both the alternator (from sustained high current draw) and the battery (from over-voltage).How many charge cycles can I expect from LiFePO4 batteries compared to lead-acid?LiFePO4 batteries typically deliver 2000-6000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, compared to 300-500 cycles for lead-acid at 50% depth of discharge. This means lithium batteries last 5-10 times longer in real-world use. For example, the Clayton Li-G4 280Ah provides 6000 cycles at 80% DOD, whilst Victron Smart lithium batteries offer 2500 cycles at 80% DOD. Mastervolt MLI Ultra series batteries exceed 2000 cycles. The actual lifespan depends on operating temperature, charge/discharge rates, and how well the battery management system maintains proper voltage limits.What voltage should I charge LiFePO4 batteries to?LiFePO4 batteries charge to 14.2-14.6V for 12V systems (nominal 12.8V). The exact charge voltage depends on manufacturer specifications and BMS requirements. Clayton Power LPS II units handle this automatically through their integrated charging systems. Standalone batteries from Victron and Mastervolt require your charger or DC-DC converter to be programmed to the correct lithium profile. Never use lead-acid charge settings (typically 14.4-14.8V) without verifying compatibility, as sustained overvoltage damages lithium cells and triggers BMS protection disconnects.Can I connect lithium batteries of different ages or capacities in parallel?Generally not recommended. Batteries should be the same model, capacity, and similar age when connected in parallel. Clayton Power Li-G4 extension batteries are specifically designed to connect with LPS II units of different capacities because they use a DC-DC converter to manage power transfer between different battery voltages. Victron allows parallel connection of identical battery models but advises against mixing batteries purchased years apart due to capacity drift. Mastervolt MLI Ultra batteries can parallel unlimited numbers but must be compatible models. Different capacity batteries will charge and discharge at different rates, causing imbalance and reducing overall system lifespan.How much lighter are lithium batteries compared to equivalent lead-acid capacity?Lithium batteries weigh approximately 70% less than lead-acid for equivalent usable capacity. A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery weighs around 11-13kg, whilst 200-220Ah of lead-acid (needed for same usable capacity due to depth of discharge limits) weighs 50-60kg. This weight saving proves significant in campervans where payload capacity matters. The Clayton LPS II 3000 with 160Ah usable capacity weighs 28kg total including inverter and chargers, replacing what would be 200kg of separate lead-acid batteries, inverter, and charging equipment.Do lithium power supplies work with standard alternators?Yes, but require proper current limiting to protect the alternator. Standard alternators will overheat and fail if run at maximum output for extended periods, which lithium batteries demand due to their low internal resistance. Clayton Power LPS II units include built-in DC-DC chargers that automatically limit alternator current to safe levels (typically 45A standard, 90A with Super Charger). Victron systems require a Smart BMS CL 12/100 or DC-DC converter like the Orion-Tr to protect the alternator. Mastervolt systems similarly need proper charge regulation. Without current limiting, most alternators fail within 5-10 minutes when charging depleted lithium banks.
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