NEW GEAR

TIME TO UPGRADE TO LITHIUM?

Thanks to an ongoing tangible reduction in prices, the life cycle costs of lithium ion batteries are now close to those of conventional options. Upgrading an existing boat to the newer technology is therefore increasingly feasible.

Larger new cruising yachts, especially those at the quality end of the market, have been routinely fitted with lithium ion batteries for the past few years. Arcona, for instance, says up to 90% of their larger yachts now leave the factory equipped with them. Equally, the technology is increasingly embraced in the racing world, whether at the top end on IMOCA 60s and Fast 40s, or smaller IRC yachts competing in RORC’s offshore races.

Benefits include a huge reduction in physical size and weight, along with a radically increased number of charge-discharge cycles. Typically lithium ion units will withstand four or five times the number of cycles compared to most deep cycling lead acid batteries. This is a significant factor in reducing their long-term costs, although it has to be remembered savings will often not be realised until five years after installation, when conventional batteries may be nearing the end of their lifespan. As prices of lithium ion relative to capacity continue to fall, total life cycle costs are likely to drop below those of lead acid batteries.

However, lithium power is not