BullTron LiFePO4 Starter Battery 118 Ah 12.8 V, 2000 A at -20°C, L5 Case 355 x 175 x 189 mm - Charges down to -20°C, 9.9 kg
- BullTron LiFePO4 lithium starter battery 118 Ah, 12.8 V, 2000 A at -20°C, in an L5 case (355 x 175 x 189 mm). It weighs 9.9 kg, charges down to -20°C without heating and replaces a lead-acid, AGM or GEL battery.
The BullTron 118 Ah L5 is a 12.8 V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) starter battery that you fit in place of a standard lead-acid, AGM or GEL battery. It delivers up to 2000 A cranking current at -20°C and weighs only 9.9 kg. Special cells let it charge down to -20°C without a built-in heater and discharge down to -30°C, so the engine starts on a frosty morning too. The capacity of 118 Ah (1510 Wh) and very low self-discharge mean the battery copes well with longer periods off the road. The built-in BMS with a 5 A active balancer looks after the cells, and the IP65 case measuring 355 x 175 x 189 mm fits in place of an L5 battery. The manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty.
Key features
- cranking current up to 2000 A at -20°C
- capacity 118 Ah / 1510 Wh, nominal voltage 12.8 V
- charging down to -20°C without heating, discharging down to -30°C
- min. 2000 cycles at 100%% DOD or min. 3500 cycles at 80%% DOD
- BMS with integrated 5 A active balancer
- L5 case, 355 x 175 x 189 mm, IP65 protection
- weight 9.9 kg, up to 82% less than a conventional battery
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Which vehicles it suits
The manufacturer designed the L5 version mainly for vans and motorhomes based on the Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter and similar vehicles that come with a large L5 battery from the factory. According to the manufacturer the battery works in any vehicle, including those with start-stop and a smart alternator. Before you buy, measure the battery compartment and compare it with the dimensions 355 x 175 x 189 mm, and check which side the positive terminal is on your current battery so the cables reach the terminals.
Why LiFePO4 instead of lead-acid
- the battery weighs 9.9 kg, up to 82% less than a conventional lead-acid battery
- up to 10 times the service life of lead-acid, AGM and GEL batteries
- stable voltage even under high load and in bad weather
- very low self-discharge, so the battery keeps its energy during long periods off the road
- maintenance-free: no topping up with water, no electrolyte checks, and the case is resistant to vibration
Starting in frost
A standard lead-acid battery loses a large part of its cranking power in winter and accepts charge poorly. BullTron delivers up to 2000 A at -20°C and, thanks to special cells, charges between -20°C and +55°C without an extra heater. Discharging is possible from -30°C to +60°C and storage from -20°C to +60°C.
Charging
- end-of-charge (absorption) voltage: 14.2-15 V
- float voltage: 13.5-13.8 V
- recommended max. charging current: 200 A, max. charging current: 1000 A
- in the vehicle the alternator charges the battery, just like a lead-acid battery
- for mains charging use a charger whose end-of-charge voltage is within the range given by the manufacturer
Connecting several batteries
The battery is designed for 12 V systems. You can connect several in parallel to increase capacity. A series connection for 24, 36 or 48 V is also possible, but the manufacturer then recommends external balancers to equalise the voltage between the batteries. You can optionally monitor the state of charge via a shunt.
Fitting and replacement
- switch off the ignition and all consumers before replacing the battery
- disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive, and remove the old battery
- you can install the battery upright or on its side
- secure the battery with the hold-down clamp, just like a lead-acid battery
- connect the positive cable first, then the negative, to the standard round terminals with M8 thread
What you gain after the swap
- lower vehicle weight, which matters especially in a motorhome
- reliable starting in winter without warming the battery
- energy kept during a stand-still of several weeks
- a 1 to 1 replacement for a lead-acid, AGM or GEL battery
Other BullTron starter batteries
- BullTron LiFePO4 starter battery 55 Ah L3 - 55 Ah, 1400 A, L3 case 279 mm, 6.0 kg
- BullTron LiFePO4 starter battery 55 Ah L5 - 55 Ah, 1400 A, L5 case 355 mm, 6.5 kg
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BullTron |
| Model | LI118B2000-12-SPL |
| Nominal capacity | 118 Ah / 1510 Wh |
| Nominal voltage | 12.8 V |
| Cranking current | 2000 A at -20°C |
| Continuous discharge current | 600 A |
| Cycle life (80% capacity) | min. 2000 cycles at 100% DOD, min. 3500 cycles at 80% DOD |
| End-of-charge voltage | 14.2-15 V |
| Float voltage | 13.5-13.8 V |
| Recommended charging current | up to 200 A (max. 1000 A) |
| BMS | integrated 5 A active balancer |
| Connection options | 12 V, parallel; series 24 / 36 / 48 V with external balancer |
| Protection class | IP65 |
| Charging / discharging temperature | charging -20°C to +55°C, discharging -30°C to +60°C |
| Terminals | standard round terminals with M8 thread |
| Case | L5 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 355 x 175 x 189 mm |
| Weight | 9.9 kg |
| Warranty | 5-year manufacturer warranty |
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit it instead of a lead-acid battery?
Yes. The manufacturer intends it as a 1 to 1 replacement for a lead-acid, AGM or GEL battery. Just check that the dimensions 355 x 175 x 189 mm fit the battery compartment and that the cables reach the terminals.
Does it work with start-stop?
Yes. According to the manufacturer the battery works in any vehicle, including those with start-stop and a smart alternator.
Can I charge it in frost?
Yes. The battery charges from -20°C without a built-in heater and can be discharged down to -30°C.
How do I charge it outside the vehicle?
With a charger whose end-of-charge voltage is within 14.2-15 V and float voltage within 13.5-13.8 V. The recommended charging current is up to 200 A.
Can I connect several of these batteries?
Yes. In parallel in a 12 V system to increase capacity, and in series for 24, 36 or 48 V with external balancers.
Manufacturer
Bulltron GmbH, Bei den Linden 7a, 21449 Radbruch, Germany.