Use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in place of Lead Acid for FRC robot

[Mk.32]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Pretty much every downside you listed is of other lithium chemistries, not LiFePO4. LiFePO4 is as safe, if not safer, than SLA batteries.

If teams were to make their own packs by purchasing cells, yes they would be absurdly priced...

However, if someone were to make a battery for FRC in the quantities required they could make one that would be 10-12 Ah, source the required current, and be around $200.

Each LiFePO4 battery would then be equivalent to 2-3 FRC style SLA batteries, and last a good deal longer as they aren't nearly as affected by the deep discharge.

All the downsides apply to LIFEPO4 as much as any other lithium battery, the LiFepo4 stuff is probably safer when it goes off compared to a LiPo but it's still a pretty big hazard...

I'm all game for getting LiFepo4 packs but I don't think it's gonna happen anytime soon.