International Dealer News IDN 138 August/September 2017 | Page 44

PRO GuIDe
Lithium battery technology
headed for centre stage
As far back as 2009, battery maintenance and
diagnostics specialist TecMate realised that the
initial ‘niche’ aftermarket trend of fitting lithium
batteries into powersport vehicles was something
that had the potential of becoming mainstream.
Straight out of the box, lithium battery technology
was delivering up to four times higher cranking amps
than the replaced lead-acid battery, and, as Martin
Human, CEO/CTO of TecMate, says: “It prompted our
engineering team to learn everything they could
about lithium batteries, in particular Lithium Iron
Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP). That is the safest and only
lithium battery technology used in modern SLI
(starter-lighting-ignition) batteries.
TecMate released their OptiMate Lithium 4s 5A
(TM290 series) charger at the start of the 2011
season. The major step forward in terms of the
available technology for managing lithium batteries
at the time was the unique OptiMate Lithium
charging algorithm that included 10 steps of safe
battery saving, charging, testing and maintenance –
at that stage it was, and remains, “way ahead of the
competition,” says Martin Human.
Fast forward to 2017, and lithium as OEM
recommended battery technology is now a reality;
KTM, Husqvarna, Honda and Yamaha have
introduced lithium starter batteries in some of their
high-performance motorcycles, and all four of these
OEMs have preferred OptiMate Lithium chargers as
their charging partner of choice.
Indeed, increasing numbers of customisers and
performance engineers are already embr acing
lithium, and with the OEs gradually allowing the
technology to propagate through their ranges, there
will come a time when it will only be a short leap for
“cost-effective, yet still
highly advanced battery
saving charger and
tester””
them to start trickling down the technology into their
mainstream offers - especially as more of them also
embrace the lithium mind-set as an enabler for their
e-bike projects and platforms; once that starts
happening the unit cost will tumble, the technology
will refine and conventional lead acid and AGM tech
will be the preserve of the restoration market.
The flagship OptiMate Lithium 4s 5A boasts an
advanced SAVE mode that will safely recover a
lithium battery discharged below the critical level of
10V, even from as low as 0.5V. The propriety
algorithm continuously tests during this critical
recovery period, comparing the result against the
ideal charge curve of a perfect battery. If the charger
detects a deviation, it will immediately stop charging,
as continued charging will cause a damaged cell to
heat up rapidly and even melt down.
The charge steps include ‘AmpMatic’ technology that
will adjust the charge rate according to battery size
and condition, and the ‘OPTIMIZE’ step’s unique cell
balancing method guarantees the battery arrives at
full charge, ready to deliver the incredible cranking
amps that even the smallest lithium battery is
capable of.
“The OptiMate Lithium 4s 0.8A (TM470 series) is a
cost-effective, yet still highly advanced battery
saving charger and tester. The 4-bank version
(TM484/485) is ideal for dealers to prepare lithium
batteries before fitment. New shipping laws being
introduced will require that lithium batteries are
shipped at no more than 30% charge, so the
batteries should be recharged before fitment. All
OptiMate Lithium chargers can reset the BMS in an
advanced lithium battery.
“The OptiMate O-127 smart battery lead gives the
rider peace of mind even during riding, with a
warning light that will flash rapidly if the vehicle’s
charge voltage exceeds the critical level of 14.6V,
above which lithium batteries will quickly suffer
permanent damage.
“The OptiMate State of Charge tester (TS-126/127)
helps dealers and their customers understand that
lithium is a special, high energy battery that operates
at a higher voltage than lead-acid; the voltage
ranges of STD and AGM lead-acid and LiFePO4
batteries are clearly marked.”
OptiMate Lithium products make it easy for dealers
and riders to enjoy the benefits of this new
technology, and TecMate promises that there are
more to come!
TECMATE
Tienen, BELGIUM
Tel: [phone]
www.tecmate.com
www.optimate1.com
BOOTH#
961
Martin Human, CEO and Chief Technology Officer
for TecMate, says: “Lithium Iron Phosphate
(LiFePO4/LFP) is the safest and only lithium
battery technology used in modern SLI (starter-
lighting-ignition) batteries”
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017