Fortunately we had a test of Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah Mini LifePO4 battery. Upon unboxing, we were impressed by the quality of the materials and the aesthetics of the battery. This LiFePO4 battery offers a large capacity for its price and is particularly lighter compared to lead-acid batteries.
Having used the LFP battery during a road trip, we can say that the LiFePO4 battery is ideal for our powered van conversion.
Our capacity test confirmed Power Queen's claims and underlined their transparency and reliability. We particularly value the LiFePO4 technology for its durability and efficiency.
If you want to learn more about our experience with the Power Queen solar battery, read our full article. Otherwise, here is a brief summary of our experience.
First impressions
Our Power Queen lithium battery arrived after a week of waiting. We first opened the package. The instructions for use in German and English welcomed us. We were also gifted with some cool stickers.
The battery, well protected by styrofoam and plastic, turned out to be a modern and robust device. Details like color-coded poles and a sturdy carrying strap reinforced our positive first impression.
Unboxing this 8.96kg LFP battery showed its portability and impressive 1280W capacity. The compact size demonstrates Power Queen's efforts to optimize cell layout and energy density. It is the ideal companion for van adventures and combines energy autonomy and handiness. We were excited and ready to test this battery!
Functions of the LiFePO4 100Ah mini battery
The Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah Mini LifePO4 battery is a true power plant. Thanks to its ability to deliver a continuous current of 100A, it can power multiple devices simultaneously with up to 1280W. Even energy-hungry devices such as a hair dryer or a blender can be operated without any problems.
This 100Ah mini solar battery can even reach a peak current of 280A for 5 seconds. That's raw power at your service! However, it is unlikely that you will need all of the energy at once.
This is where Power Queen's exceptional energy management comes into play. It offers a usable capacity of 100Ah, which means it can deliver 1280Wh of energy. That's more than enough to power a laptop, fridge, lamps, smartphone and more on long trips.
As we are digital nomads, we use the battery for power supply:
- An inverter 12V - 230V
- Two laptops
- A 4G router
- Two mobile phones
- A drone
- Two LED lamps
- And other occasional small devices
With a capacity of 100Ah and a 385W solar panel, we are able to fully power ourselves.
However, to prolong the life of your Mini LiFePO4 100Ah battery, we advise you not to discharge it more than 70% - 80%. That still leaves you with an impressive 80Ah reserve to use as you please!
Practical application and capacity test
Determine your energy needs
Before you invest in the Power Queen LiFePO4 battery, you should be aware of your daily energy consumption. You can estimate this by listing all your electrical devices, their power and their daily usage time.
To simplify this calculation, we have developed an online tool that can be accessed with just one click. Just visit our blog "Objective van life" and click on "Electric Simulator" in the menu.
In our case, the daily consumption was around 750 Wh, so a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery was suitable.
Test actual battery capacity
An off-grid life requires a reliable source of energy. To verify the Power Queen's true capacity, we ran a rigorous test that included a full battery charge, a full discharge from everyday use of typical van equipment, and constant battery temperature monitoring.
For the test, we used a 385W solar panel, a 500W inverter and various devices to discharge the battery.
We used two laptops, two phones, multiple lights, a Kindle e-reader, and even a drone on a daily basis. In total, we used almost 1210Wh over two days.
Test Results
Despite intensive use, the battery temperature was never above 40℃, i.e. well below the upper limit of 60℃. Our test confirmed that the actual capacity of the Power Queen is between 1205 and 1220Wh, which is about 95% of the capacity stated by the manufacturer.
Our conclusion is that the Power Queen LiFePO4 battery offers exceptional performance for its price. It provided constant power for all our devices without overheating. If you're looking for a reliable battery for your van, the Power Queen seems like an excellent choice.
To date, we are testing the battery daily to update our article.
Positive aspects of the Power Queen LiFePO4 battery
Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah Mini LifePO4 Battery offers several qualities that we really appreciate. Their large capacity at a competitive price is certainly a great advantage. With a retail price of €469.99, this battery offers excellent value for those planning long vacations or life in a full-time van.
Their light weight is also an undeniable strength. Compared to lead-acid batteries, it offers a significant weight saving and thus facilitates installation in the vehicle. Before settling on the Power Queen, we tried a lithium battery, which was much heavier, and a GEL battery, which was almost three times the weight.
Finally, we particularly appreciate the fact that the Power Queen uses LiFePO4 technology. These LiFePO4 100Ah batteries are safer, last longer and hold their charge more efficiently than classic lithium-ion batteries.
Conclusion
In summary, Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah Mini LifePO4 battery impresses with its impressive characteristics and excellent price-performance ratio. Whether for an extended road trip or a nomadic van life, it proves to be a smart choice. Their light weight compared to other batteries on the market makes installation and handling easier.
It is also characterized by the use of LiFePO4 technology, which stands for safety, durability and energy efficiency. Although the initial cost may seem high compared to GEL or AGM batteries, the long-term return on investment is undeniable.
Having tried and tested the Power Queen, we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting battery for their adventures.