Current LiFePO4 DIY vs Off-the-Shelf Price Comparison - April 2025

[Riverbug]

For those interested in a comparison of building your own LFP batteries vs buying off-the-shelf, thought I would share current info based on my new battery build (for my boat). Although I'm pricing this out for a boat, the comparisons apply for RV configurations as well. This is based on a 36V trolling motor. I chose to build a single 36V battery rather than three 12V wired in series. Saves on needing two additional BMS', cabling/terminals, and it's managing one battery with 12 cells vs 3 batteries with 12 cells.

Frankly, the price nowadays depending on brand of off-the-shelf battery has become cheaper than building my own. However, I enjoy the process, I know exactly what I'm getting, I get to choose all the components (and therefore capacities for cells, BMS', internal cabling, etc.), and I know how to test, troubleshoot, manage, and replace parts if needed. Here's the comparison:

DIY
12 EVE 105AH Grade A Cells = $799 (includes MN tax & shipping, buss bars, bolts)
JK 200A BMS = $105 (includes MN tax & shipping) (BMS includes dual temp probes, low/high temp cutoff, Bluetooth, heat buss, phone app for full control of all BMS settings, etc.)
Supplies for Battery Box = $60 (includes PVC board, box terminals & boots, cable & terminals)
Total = $965

Off-the-Shelf
2 Pack, Li Time 50AH 36V Trolling Motor Batteries = $832 free shipping, tax not included
(Priced 2 batteries to be wired in parallel for equivalent 100AH)
or
3 Pack, Li Time 100AH 12V Trolling Motor Batteries = $891 free shipping, tax not included
(Priced 3 batteries to be wired in series for equivalent 36V)
Total = $832 (since I would choose 2 50AH 36V batteries over 3 12V batteries)

So, I find that I would have saved over $130 by purchasing off-the-shelf. That said compromises would be made; Li Time does not currently have a 36V 100AH battery. Their batteries do not all have bluetooth and/or heat options, etc. I would need to break down the batteries to determine what exactly is inside for cells, BMS, cabling, etc., but that could certainly be done.

If a person (like me) really enjoys the process of planning, building, programming the BMS, etc., DIY is still a good way to go. But it isn't the cheapest any longer like it was a few years ago. And I assume that trend will continue. And a final note: Li Time batteries are not the cheapest out there by any means. I use them here because they are the low/mid-cost brand that consistently passes capacity and breakdown tests and has proven reliable (by the likes of Will Prowse and others). If I were to buy right now, it would likely be that brand. But there are certainly many less expensive options out there.

Not sure if anyone will find this interesting or useful, but thought I'd share just in case.

 

[Soundsailor]

Thanks, @Riverbug. That is a great write-up. It is amazing how much the price of batteries has come down. My battery bank is just a few years old. I'd pay half now for batteries that have Bluetooth and low-temp cutoff, which my older batteries don't have.

 

[huntindog]

Thanks, @Riverbug. That is a great write-up. It is amazing how much the price of batteries has come down. My battery bank is just a few years old. I'd pay half now for batteries that have Bluetooth and low-temp cutoff, which my older batteries don't have.

After reading the standards that a battery must meet to become UL compliant, it is now important to me.

sure, others may disagree.... I figure it is like seatbelts. One can go decades and hundreds of thousands miles not needing them. Or need them going around the block... When they are needed you either have them on or you don't.
There are no do overs.

 

[Butcher]

Often the problem starts when people think opinions are facts. They are not. Once you understand that their answer to their problem is different to your answer for your problem, there is nothing to get upset about.

One thing for certain, once the tariff issues get resolved, it's going to get to be expensive. Today is the time to make a deal, DIY or pre-made.

 

[Riverbug]

Often the problem starts when people think opinions are facts. They are not. Once you understand that their answer to their problem is different to your answer for your problem, there is nothing to get upset about.

One thing for certain, once the tariff issues get resolved, it's going to get to be expensive. Today is the time to make a deal, DIY or pre-made.

I am not sure if that was directed at my post. If so, I really wasn't trying to convince anyone that DIY is the way to go or anything like that. I was just sharing my observations, and obviously I do enjoy building my own. But it has taken a lot of research time to learn about it, then build, and maintain it all. I have no skin in the game if anyone disagrees with the approach. Appreciate the response. I'm open to constructive criticism.

 

[Riverbug]

Here's another update...prior to the build referred to in this thread, I have been purchasing Duracell Marine/RV AGM batteries for years. From the 36V bank I had one go bad while the other two are still above 80% State of Health - my fault. Thus, the new build. But I didn't mention above that I priced a new AGM that matches what I have and they are $300 each. So, LiFePO4 is even competitive with AGM these days - I still find that astounding considering where things were at just a few years ago...

 

[SolarPoweredRV]

Thanks for the updated comparison. I have been monitoring the drop in LiFePo4 battery prices for years now and have been quite pleased with the drop in prices as well as the increase in quality.

Brands like LiTime and Redodo have proven to build quality products with very favorable reviews.

Back in January, 2021, I wrote a post: "Cheap Batteries are Coming, Cheap Batteries are Coming...", at that time the lowest price 100ah 12v LiFePo4 battery I could find was $271. Today I found several batteries in the $139 range with free shipping. That is quite a price drop and even cheaper than a Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery.

Definitely, Lithium is the way to go!!!!

 

[SGT ROC]

I purchased this Weize Battery In March of 2023. I paid $319 for the battery, and it does have low temp cut off. After 2 years no issues, and I do not remove the battery from the camper, and it is plugged in all the time. No issues, and now that battery is exactly $100 cheaper. As Dave says above
"Definitely, Lithium is the way to go!!!!"

 

[Riverbug]

Thanks for the updated comparison. I have been monitoring the drop in LiFePo4 battery prices for years now and have been quite pleased with the drop in prices as well as the increase in quality.

Brands like LiTime and Redodo have proven to build quality products with very favorable reviews.

Back in January, 2021, I wrote a post: "Cheap Batteries are Coming, Cheap Batteries are Coming...", at that time the lowest price 100ah 12v LiFePo4 battery I could find was $271. Today I found several batteries in the $139 range with free shipping. That is quite a price drop and even cheaper than a Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery.

Definitely, Lithium is the way to go!!!!

I remember reading that post, boy the time sure flies! Next week I leave on a fishing trip up to Voyageur's Nat'l Park where we boat in and camp on an island for a week. Having good batteries is a must up there. I'm excited to try out my new 36V trolling motor pack.

I also decided to utilize the SOK 206AH battery I bought in 2021 for our first new camper (before I knew anything about LFP batteries). It's been sitting on the shelf since I built the 4 - 280AH batteries a few years ago. I replaced the BMS so I have more control over the settings and have Bluetooth. The SOK is going to power all my boat accessories so my starting battery will be basically just for starting the engine. Will be interesting to see how it all does over the week. We usually have the run the generator every other night to charge everyone's boats up. Maybe mine won't need to be plugged in for a few days...or the week.