1. What is the Lithium Battery Runtime Calculator?

This calculator estimates how long a lithium battery will power an RV based on the battery's capacity, voltage, and the power consumption of the RV's electrical load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Lithium Capacity} \) — Battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah)
• \( \text{Voltage} \) — Battery voltage in volts (V)
• \( \text{RV Load} \) — Total power consumption in watts (W)

Explanation: The equation converts the battery's energy capacity (Ah × V = Wh) and divides by the load (W) to determine runtime in hours.

3. Importance of Runtime Calculation

Details: Accurate runtime estimation helps RV owners plan their power usage, avoid battery depletion, and size their battery banks appropriately for their needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah), battery voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V for RV systems), and your total RV load in watts. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Actual runtime may be less due to temperature, battery age, inverter efficiency, and other factors.

Q2: Should I discharge my lithium battery completely?
A: No. While lithium batteries can handle deeper discharges than lead-acid, it's best to keep at least 20% charge for longevity.

Q3: How do I determine my RV's total load?
A: Add up the wattage of all devices running simultaneously, or use a power monitor to measure actual consumption.

Q4: Does this work for lead-acid batteries?
A: The calculation is similar, but lead-acid batteries have lower usable capacity (typically 50% of rated capacity).

Q5: How does battery temperature affect runtime?
A: Cold temperatures temporarily reduce lithium battery capacity, while high temperatures can accelerate long-term degradation.