Alain Gagnon
Fast charging times and reduced weight are just some of the benefits of Aventura.
Words by Alain Gagnon
Most overlanders I’ve met always ask me what kind of secondary power system I use for my fridge and other 12V accessories in my off-road trailer. Up until recently, my answer was always ‘my dual AGM Odyssey batteries with a 4000 W power inverter supported by a 100 W solar power system.’
I have used this setup on various occasions to run my SnoMaster compressor fridge, charge my smart devices and of course, my wife’s must-have milk frother when she joins me on longer trips. Last year, after researching how to hook up a seven-pin travel trailer plug so my vehicle’s alternator would automatically charge my dual batteries during travel, I found some lithium batteries that piqued my interest and I began to realize their many benefits.
After reading some consumer reviews about using lithium batteries for overland travel, there were also some negative comments. The first one was that they don’t recharge very well in temperatures less than 10°C (50° F) and the second complaint was their hefty price tag.
Regardless, following more research, I found the Aventura LIFEPO4 12 V 100 AH self-heating/Bluetooth lithium battery from Volthium Energy. I called the company’s client service rep who provided me with some insightful information and I decided to order one.
Volthium
The battery features a thermal casing, which protects the cells in cold, winter weather.
More Power Less Weight
After receiving it a few days later, I replaced my existing battery setup (that had a combined weight of 37 kg (82 lb)) with the lighter Aventura (group 24 format) that weighed an impressive 11 kg (25 lb). So far, I don’t regret my decision. I now have twice the power with half of the weight. The Aventura also charges five times faster and lasts four times longer than the Odyssey. As a result, it’s perfect for my overland needs.
Not long after learning about all of its capabilities, I tested it during a week-long overland trip. Fully charged, the Aventura offered 13.3 V and ran my fridge continuously and efficiently powered the batteries of my digital SLR, drone, and smart devices - and of course, my wife’s milk frother.
Even after all of this use, the voltage remained around 12.9 V with a 65 percent state of charge, which meant there was no degradation in performance for any of my equipment.
According to Volthium, if all of the power is depleted, the battery can be recharged to 100 percent of its capacity and more than 2500 times (cycles) with no memory effect while still maintaining constant voltage regardless of the load. Lead-acid batteries are normally rated for 600 cycles at 50 percent of discharge. With its Bluetooth function and Volthium App, I can closely monitor its real-time voltage, current, internal temperature, number of cycles and overall condition.
Cold Weather and Cost
When the battery is connected to an energy source like solar, it will first use the energy to create internal heat (up to the appropriate temp of 11°C (51.8°F)) and then start charging. To offset challenges in colder temperatures, the battery features a thermal casing, which protects the cells in winter weather. So, if it has an internal temperature of -20°C (-4°F), it would take approximately two hours to bring it up to 11°C (51.8°F) for it to start charging.
All lithium batteries come with a high price tag. This Aventura was a little more than $1,300 CAD plus $25 for shipping (anywhere in Canada) and includes a 10-year limited warranty. It is a lot to pay considering a good deep-cycle battery is about $200. For my purposes, it was a good choice for the gear I use and the fact that I like to stay off the grid for as long as possible.