Why We Only Use LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries in Our Campervan Conversions
- Jun 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Powering Modern Vanlife the Smart Way — with Safety, Performance & Long-Term Value
At Trekvana Campers, we design and build gasless VW T6 campervans that are made to explore Ireland and beyond in comfort — without compromise. Every detail in our vans is chosen for durability, safety, and ease of use.
One of the most important (and overlooked) parts of any camper conversion is the leisure battery system. That’s why we’ve chosen to exclusively use LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries in every camper we build.
If you're wondering why we don’t use AGM or lead acid leisure batteries, — this blog post is for you.
🔍 First, What’s the Difference Between Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium?
Most campervans on the road in Ireland today still use either flooded lead acid or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) leisure batteries. While both are based on lead-acid chemistry, there are key differences:
⚫ Lead Acid Batteries (Flooded)
The oldest type of battery, similar to a car battery.
Liquid electrolyte inside; needs to be kept upright.
Can leak or spill if damaged.
Must be vented because they emit gases when charging.
Can’t be discharged below ~50% without shortening life.
⚫ AGM Batteries
A sealed, “maintenance-free” version of lead acid.
Uses a fibreglass mat to hold the electrolyte.
Safer and more durable than standard lead acid.
Still heavy, bulky, and not ideal for deep, repeated discharges.
Also shouldn’t be regularly discharged below 50%.
🔋 LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
A completely different chemistry — lighter, more efficient, and safer.
Can be discharged nearly 100% without damage.
Some have Built-in safety features like a Battery Management System (BMS).
Faster charging, longer lifespan, and better performance overall.
✅ Why We Only Use LiFePO4 in Our Conversions
1. Massively Longer Lifespan
Lithium batteries last far longer than AGM or lead acid — by a factor of four or more. A decent AGM might survive 300–500 charge cycles if treated well. A LiFePO4 battery typically delivers 2,000 to 5,000 cycles, even under demanding use.
That means a lithium battery could last 10 years or more, depending on how often you use your van — while a traditional battery might need replacing every 2–3 years.
Result: Less waste, less maintenance, and lower long-term cost.
2. More Usable Power
This is a big one. A 100Ah lead acid or AGM battery realistically only gives you 50Ah of usable energy (because discharging below 50% shortens its life drastically).
A 100Ah LiFePO4, on the other hand, gives you access to nearly the full 100Ah safely. That’s double the usable power in the same footprint.
Ideal for gasless vans like ours, where you’re powering induction hobs, fridges, lights, and USB sockets — possibly all at the same time.
3. Faster, Smarter Charging
LiFePO4 batteries accept charge faster and more efficiently than AGM. When paired with smart battery-to-battery (B2B) chargers from Victron (which we use as standard), you can:
Recharge fully while driving
Plug into mains (EHU) for rapid charging
Add solar panels later without needing to change the system
No more waiting overnight to top up your batteries.
Whether you’re heading west for the weekend or driving across Europe, you’re always ready to go again — fast.
4. Less Weight, More Space
Lithium batteries weigh about half as much as a similar capacity AGM — which is no small thing in a campervan. Every kilogram you save means better fuel economy, improved payload, and more flexibility in your layout.
They're also physically smaller, so we can install them more efficiently, leaving more room for storage or other components in the van.
Our builds are sleek, modern, and space-conscious — lithium helps us keep it that way.
5. Built-In Safety Features
Every lithium battery we install includes a Battery Management System (BMS). This internal control system monitors:
Temperature
Voltage
Charging and discharging rates
Short circuit protection
Overload and thermal shutdowns
We can also integrate Victron SmartShunt monitors or other Bluetooth-enabled monitors so you can check battery performance from your smartphone — including charge level, power usage, and historical data.
Safety is never optional in a van. Lithium makes it smarter, safer, and more transparent.
6. Perfect for Gasless Campers & Modern Living
Our campers are designed for modern off-grid living — no gas bottles, no open flames. Instead, we install:
Induction hobs
12V compressor fridges
LED lighting
USB and 230V sockets
This all-electric setup demands a battery that can keep up — and LiFePO4 is the only chemistry we trust to power it reliably.
Whether you’re off to Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way, or just the Wicklow hills, you’ll have the power to cook, chill, and charge — with no compromise.
🔧 Quality Systems, Professionally Installed
We don’t just drop in a lithium battery and call it a day.
At Trekvana Campers, every electrical system is:
Professionally wired and fused
Sized for efficiency
Built with premium Irish-sourced components
Designed for future upgrades (like solar or inverters)
We use trusted brands like Victron, so you know your system is safe, smart, and serviceable.
Peace of mind comes from knowing your van’s electrics were done right — not just done.
🚐 Ready for the Road? We Are.
Choosing a campervan with a lithium setup means:
More time off-grid
Fewer worries about your power levels
Confidence in safety and performance
We’ve made the decision simple by including LiFePO4 lithium as standard in all of our Trekvana builds — no upgrades, no guesswork.
Explore our current vans, or contact us for a custom build with a power system that’s ready for anything.
👉 Visit www.trekvanacampers.ie to get started.
