Hello everyone,
Over 10 years ago, you guys helped me to convert my 24' pontoon to electric.? I ended up with a Torqeedo Cruise 4, four group 31 AGM batteries and a 4 channel DualPro charger.? I've had ten great summers using this configuration on some inland lakes in Ohio. Last summer, I started noticing the battery capacity wasn't what it was when the batteries were new.? The Torqeedo would shut down due to "depleted batteries", but I was always able to turn it off and then back on where upon I could return home at a slower pace. That is one of the things I like about electric vs gasoline.? I have never been stranded.
Anyway, I suppose it is time to replace the batteries.? I can't complain about getting 10 years out of them.? As I see it, I have two options:
1. Buy another set of AGMs - a little under $1000
2. Buy LiFePo4's - at least double the cost, but less weight and more usable range.
As an engineer, I like using new technologies so I lean toward the LiFePo4's.? However, many of the posters I follow on this forum bought them directly from Chinese suppliers.? With all the COVID 19 disruptions to business and our government threatening to raise tariffs, I worry about placing an order that never gets filled.
I would appreciate any opinions on which way to go and any recommendations for low risk suppliers for batteries.
Thanks,
Pat
