With battery technology changing on an almost daily basis, it is not surprising that OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, has gone Lithium. With excellent power, ultra light weight, and a very small footprint, these batteries are built to perform. While the first offerings are aimed squarely at the power sports market, they are available with up to 800 phca so we are hopeful that this means Lithium is coming to our performance cars as well. If you are in the market for one of these new 12v Lithium batteries from Optima, click the link below for more information.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPTIMA’s ORANGE TOP BATTERIES
(December 8, 2022) OPTIMA Batteries, a leading brand of Clarios, showcased its first-ever lithium-ion 12-volt battery, the ORANGETOP with HYPERCORE LITHIUM technology, at the 2022 PRI Show. The new ORANGETOP line will be available in six sizes that fit more than 95% of the powersports market, with quad terminals for more fitment options and easy installation.
The new ORANGETOP batteries feature multiple industry-first innovations like OPTIMA CPR, a built-in jump start function that reserves enough power to always start the vehicle and disconnects from any parasitic loads. The POWERLINK system shows battery status and provides a convenient connection for OPTIMA lithium chargers without having to remove the battery. An advanced microprocessor-controlled Battery Management System (BMS) monitors and governs all battery functions automatically. Available with cranking power from 190-800 amps, the rugged ORANGETOP is vibration resistant and IP67-rated against dust and water intrusion.
OPTIMA’s new ORANGETOP HYPERCORE LITHIUM batteries currently have 10 patents and are compatible with OPTIMA’s new Digital 200+ battery maintainer with the algorithm to charge and maintain lithium, AGM and flooded batteries.
Optima’s website has essentially zilch for information on these. As much as I’d love a drop-in lithium replacement for a lead-acid battery, I’m guessing these are not compatible for use with a vehicle with a conventional alternator. Even if the battery’s management system can one, protect the lithium from the 15 volts or so an alternator may put out, and two, use that voltage and current to charge the cells to their proper voltage, I seriously doubt there is anything there to protect an alternator from getting fried by the battery, which a lithium battery will usually do. These may be best for race cars and other applications without an alternator.