Last Updated on May 22, 2025
Last summer, the owner received a 36 Volt LiFePo4 Lithium battery for their Newport NT300 electric outboard motor. After a season of use, it was stored away, only to be found completely dead after six months. In this post, the user will discover what was learned from this experience, and how the user can avoid making the same mistakes.
Key Takeaways
Regular Maintenance: Lithium batteries need to be charged every few months, even when not in use. It's crucial for the user to remember this.
Storage Guidelines: Store batteries at around 60% charge to prevent deep discharge. This will help the user avoid issues later.
Charging Challenges: Not all chargers can revive a deeply discharged battery. Keep this in mind when selecting a charger.
How to Properly Store and Maintain a Newport NT300 LiFePo4 Lithium Battery to Avoid Deep Discharge Issues
The owner was excited to use the Newport NT300 electric outboard motor, and the 36 Volt 40 Amp hour battery worked great throughout the summer. However, when winter came, the battery was stored in the basement, with the thought that it would be safe from freezing temperatures. The owner believed they had left it fully charged, but they were wrong.
The Problem With Long-Term Storage
After about six months of inactivity, the owner decided to check on the battery. To their dismay, it wouldn’t charge. The Newport charger was plugged in, but the light stayed red, indicating it wasn’t charging. It was learned that lithium batteries, especially LiFePo4 types, should not be left to sit for long periods without a charge. The manual even stated that they should be recharged every three months.
What Went Wrong?
Deep Discharge: The battery was left sitting for too long, which caused it to drop to a dangerously low voltage.
Lack of Maintenance: The battery’s charge level was not checked during the storage period.
No Reset Option: The Newport battery has no reset button or easy way to check its status, making it hard to manage. This made things more difficult for the owner.
Understanding Lithium Battery Care
Lithium batteries have a Battery Management System (BMS) that helps protect them, but they still require some care from the user. Here are some tips for maintaining a LiFePo4 battery:
Charge Regularly: Make it a habit to check and charge the battery every few months. This simple step can save the user a lot of trouble.
Store at 60%: If the user knows they won’t be using the battery for a while, charge it to about 60% before storing. This is the optimal level for long-term storage.
Use the Right Charger: Ensure the user has a charger that can handle low voltage situations. Not all chargers are created equal, so choose wisely.
Attempting to Revive the Battery
After realizing the battery was dead, the owner tried a few methods to bring it back to life. Two different 12-volt chargers were used, but neither worked. They both indicated that the battery was fully charged, but it clearly wasn’t. It was learned that many chargers aren’t designed to charge batteries that are completely dead.
What Was Tried:
Jump Box Charger: This didn’t work as it couldn’t detect the battery.
4 Amp 12V Charger: This also failed to charge the battery, as it wouldn’t activate.
Warranty and Next Steps
After posting about the situation online, Newport reached out. They mentioned that since the battery was less than a year old, the owner might have a warranty claim. This was a relief, but the owner was also hesitant because they had tried to charge it with other methods.
Next Options:
Buy a Specialized Charger: The owner could purchase a charger that’s designed to revive deeply discharged batteries.
Pursue Warranty: The owner could fill out the warranty information and see if Newport would replace the battery.
Conclusion
This experience taught the owner a lot about lithium battery care, and hopefully it taught the user something too. If the user owns a LiFePo4 battery, remember that they require regular maintenance, even when not in use. Don’t let them sit for months without checking their charge.
