LiFePO4 is now the default battery chemistry for van and motorhome builds. The weight and size advantage over AGM is significant, the usable capacity is roughly double for the same rated Ah, and the cycle life is far higher. The question is not whether to use lithium -- it is which size and which model.
These are all Renogy because that is what I have run in my build for two years. They connect directly to the Renogy MPPT, DC-DC charger, and ONE Core monitoring system without any configuration headaches. The pricing below was current at time of writing for both AU and US.
What this guide covers
Who this guide is for
- DIY van and motorhome builders sizing a primary battery bank
- AU and US buyers, with current Renogy pricing for both regions
- Solo, weekend and full-time builds (100Ah, 200Ah and 300Ah covered)
- Year-round builders weighing self-heating against standard models
Not for: AGM or lead-acid setups, starter batteries for the engine, or off-grid cabin banks above 600Ah.
Quick picks
Why LiFePO4 Over AGM
AGM batteries are cheap upfront but expensive over time. You can only use 50% of an AGM's rated capacity before you damage it, so a 100Ah AGM gives you 50Ah usable. A 100Ah LiFePO4 gives you 80-100Ah usable. For the same effective capacity you need twice the AGM weight and space.
LiFePO4 also handles partial state of charge better, charges faster, and lasts 2,000-5,000 cycles compared to 300-500 for AGM. The upfront cost is higher but the cost per cycle is significantly lower.
| Feature | AGM 100Ah | LiFePO4 100Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | 50Ah (50%) | 80-100Ah (80-100%) |
| Cycle life | 300-500 | 2,000-5,000+ |
| Weight (approx) | ~28kg | ~12kg |
| Charge speed | Slow (C/10 typical) | Fast (up to 1C) |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Cost per cycle | High | Low |
How to Size Your Battery Bank
A basic rule: work out your daily power draw in Ah, multiply by 1.5, and that is your minimum battery capacity. If you run a 50W fridge 24 hours (100Ah/day) plus lights and charging (20Ah/day), you need at least 180Ah. A 200Ah bank gives you a comfortable buffer.
For a weekend van, 100Ah is usually enough. For full-time living with a fridge, hot water, and regular device charging, 200Ah is the practical minimum. If you are in overcast climates or running a diesel heater controller, 300Ah gives you security.
Two batteries or one? Two 100Ah batteries wired in parallel give the same capacity as one 200Ah and cost a similar amount. The advantage of two is redundancy -- if one fails, you still have power. The 200Ah single battery is simpler and lighter.
100Ah Options
Renogy mini 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 (includes free battery monitor)
The mini series is smaller and lighter than the standard Renogy range. Comes with a free battery monitor, which alone is worth $50-70 separately. Good choice for a first build or a secondary battery.
Renogy 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 with Bluetooth
Standard Renogy form factor with Bluetooth built in. Monitor state of charge from your phone via the DC Home app without a separate battery monitor. Compatible with the Renogy ONE Core display.
Renogy 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 with Bluetooth and Self-Heating
Self-heating protects the battery in temperatures below 5°C. Without it, charging a lithium battery below freezing can permanently damage the cells. If you travel in winter or park overnight in cold climates, this feature is worth the premium.
Independent capacity test
A comparative van power test of the Renogy 200Ah LiFePO4 measured 188Ah of usable capacity, hitting 94% of rated capacity. The reviewer concluded "the Renogy is the best value at this price point" and rated the warranty support as solid.
Source: VanPowerCalc, 200Ah comparison test200Ah Options
Renogy mini 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 (includes free battery monitor)
The mini form factor in 200Ah. Lighter and smaller than the standard 200Ah, which matters in a van where space under the bed is tight. Includes a free battery monitor.
Renogy 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 with Bluetooth and Free Battery Monitor
The most popular choice for a full-time van or motorhome build. Bluetooth monitoring, a free battery monitor included, and enough capacity to run a fridge, lights, and daily charging without daily engine running.
Renogy 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 with Bluetooth, Self-Heating and Free Battery Monitor
Everything in one: 200Ah capacity, Bluetooth, self-heating for cold climates, and a free battery monitor. The best all-round option if you travel year-round and want to cover all bases.
Real-world cold-climate report
A multi-month winter van test of the Renogy 200Ah self-heating battery in the French Alps reported the battery maintaining near-full charge through sub-zero nights, with reliable power for heat, lights and devices. The self-heating engaged automatically below 5°C and prevented the charging damage that destroys non-heated lithium batteries below freezing.
Source: The Van Conversion, self-heating winter test300Ah Options
Renogy mini 300Ah 12V LiFePO4 (includes free battery monitor)
300Ah in the compact mini form factor. Right for a larger motorhome setup, a two-person full-time build, or anyone running high loads like an air conditioner or large inverter regularly.
Renogy 300Ah 12V LiFePO4 with Self-Heating and Free Display
The top-end Renogy option. Self-heating, a free battery display, and 300Ah of capacity. Built for serious off-grid use where you might be stationary for days without solar input.
Features Worth Paying For
Bluetooth: Lets you see state of charge, voltage, current, and temperature from your phone. Pairs with the Renogy DC Home app and the ONE Core display. Worth having on at least one battery in your bank.
Self-heating: Prevents charging damage below 5°C. Not needed if you never park overnight in cold weather. Essential if you do.
Built-in BMS: All the Renogy batteries listed here include a battery management system that handles overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and temperature protection. Do not buy a bare cell without one.
Dual battery kits: If you want two batteries wired as a bank, Renogy sells matched pairs with cables included.
Get the Full Electrical Guide
Every part of the 12V system. Batteries, solar, MPPT, DC-DC charger, cable sizing and fusing. AU and US parts lists included.
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