In this video, I demo and review a self-heating lithium battery from RELiBATT (Model RE12-100BL) I was interested to test out a lithium RV battery with low temperature charging capability. This option could come in handy for RVers that like to venture out camping or hunting in wintertime in below freezing temps. Lithium cells might be damaged if charged at temperatures below freezing. Quality internal battery management systems stop that from happening to protect the cells. But that may lead to no power it the RV during a prolonged cold snap!
In my tests, the heating functionality worked as advertised warming up the battery from -10C to 5C in about 1/2 hour. At that point, the internal BMS (Battery Management System) switched out of low temp protect mode, and recharging could begin. Input amperage was 4A for the 12V heater pads. I also tested and confirmed the 100 amp discharge current rating.
Overall the battery performed well in my tests. Given the features and components inside it's a good value compared to many others on the market. The RELiBATT comes with a Bluetooth app feature, low temp charging and new grade A+ cells. Not bad for a sticker price of $549. My only concern is the longer term warranty & support from a new company based in China. Will they be around in a few years if you need them? Time will tell.
Disclaimer: I received the RELiBATT battery as a complimentary review sample.
Pros:
Built-in heating pads for low temp charging
Bluetooth App
New Grade A+ LiFePO4 prismatic cells
Small Form Factor (10.3 x 6.7 x 8.5 inches)
Economically priced at $549
Cons:
Only a 5-year warranty
New company with no track record
Based in China with a USA warehouse
Sealed case - not self-serviceable
A couple of commenters from my original review video asked if I would disassemble the RELiBATT to see inside. They wanted to confirm that the parts inside were the same as other reviewers, such as Will Prowse, that had taken the battery apart.