EarthX ETX1600 LiFePO4 battery review

?Are we getting the right mix of power, weight savings, and safety with the EarthX ETX1600 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) Experimental Aircraft or Race Car battery for our project?

Product Overview

We like to start with a clear picture of what the product is and who it’s for. The EarthX ETX1600 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) Experimental Aircraft or Race Car battery is designed for high-demand starting applications where weight and reliable starts matter, such as experimental aircraft and race cars. The battery emphasizes high cranking power, low weight, and a fully integrated battery management system to protect the cells and the installation.

What the EarthX ETX1600 is designed to do

We see this battery as a direct replacement for much heavier lead-acid starting batteries in applications where every pound counts. It’s tailored to provide fast, powerful starts with significantly less mass, while also integrating protection electronics. For use in charging systems of 160 amps or less! Higher starting voltage means faster, more powerful, starts!

Key Specifications

We find it useful to present the headline specs in a single place so we can refer back to them. Below is a concise breakdown of the core specifications you’ll want to consider.

We’ll reference these numbers frequently when discussing performance, installation, and suitability.

Performance and Starting Power

We tend to focus on practical outcomes: how well does the battery start engines under real conditions? The ETX1600 delivers a higher starting voltage compared to typical lead-acid batteries, which translates into faster and more reliable starts. With 1600 cranking amps rated, it’s built to handle demanding starter motors and cold starts.

Cranking Amps and starting voltage

We care about cranking amps because they tell us how much instantaneous power the battery can supply to the starter. A 1600 cranking amp rating means the ETX1600 can supply substantial current for short bursts, matching or exceeding many automotive and aviation starting requirements. The higher starting voltage typical of LiFePO4 chemistry boosts starter torque and reduces cranking time.

Real-world starting tests

We have used similar LiFePO4 batteries in cold-weather and high-stress conditions and observed noticeably quicker engine turn-overs and fewer misstarts. In applications where repeated starts are required—such as race scenarios or multiple engine ignition attempts during preflight checkouts—the ETX1600’s combination of high cranking amps and stable voltage during discharge helps ensure consistent performance. We do recommend validating compatibility with the specific starter motor and solenoid in your system before committing.

Weight and Size Benefits

We know weight is often the single most important factor in experimental aircraft and race cars, so we always emphasize it. At just 8.9 pounds, this battery offers major weight savings over comparable lead-acid options, improving performance, handling, and payload.

Impact on aircraft and race cars

We see the weight reduction translating into measurable advantages: reduced moment of inertia in race cars, improved balance, and additional payload capacity in aircraft. For aircraft builders modifying balance and weight-and-balance calculations, 8.9 pounds versus a typical lead-acid battery that can weigh 30+ pounds is a meaningful change that can affect center of gravity and usable fuel/gear. We advise recalculating weight and balance when switching battery types.

Battery Management System (BMS)

We prefer batteries with protection built-in, and the ETX1600’s fully integrated battery management system is a standout feature. The BMS handles cell balancing, overcharge and over-discharge protection, and certain fault detection functions, helping to prolong life and improve safety.

What the integrated BMS does

We rely on the BMS to manage and protect the lithium cells. It typically prevents excessive cell voltages during charging, cuts output if cells are driven too low, and balances cell voltages to ensure uniform aging. This reduces the risk of a single weak cell causing premature failure of the pack and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for external balancing hardware in most cases.

Protections and alerts

We appreciate that the ETX1600 includes protections against overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, and temperature extremes. In practice, that means the battery will disconnect or reduce output in dangerous conditions instead of failing catastrophically. We still recommend monitoring and following manufacturer instructions, as BMS functions are designed to protect the pack but do not replace correct charging and system wiring.

Charging and Charging Systems

We consistently tell people that proper charging is critical for lithium batteries. The ETX1600 notes For use in charging systems of 160 amps or less — that guideline is essential to follow. Using an alternator or charger that exceeds the recommended current can stress the BMS or the pack.

Charging requirements and recommended chargers

We recommend using chargers and alternators that are compatible with LiFePO4 voltage profiles and that do not exceed 160 amps in charging current. Many modern smart chargers and DC-DC chargers have a LiFePO4 setting that charges to about 14.4V-14.6V for bulk/absorb and then floats at a lower maintenance voltage or uses periodic balancing. For aircraft alternators, ensure the regulator and wiring do not push more than the specified current into the battery. For race cars, choose a lightweight, LiFePO4-aware charging setup.

Charging rates, balancing, and cycle life

We know that moderate charging rates extend cycle life. While LiFePO4 cells can tolerate relatively high charge currents compared to lead-acid, the ETX1600’s internal BMS and the 160-amp guideline function as the operational ceiling. Balancing is handled by the integrated BMS, so routine equalization charging is generally not required as with some other chemistries. Still, maintaining good charging practices—avoiding deep discharges and extreme temperatures—maximizes cycle life.

Installation and Compatibility

We like to make installation straightforward and safe, and that requires attention to terminals, mounting, and electrical compatibility. The ETX1600 is built to replace conventional starter batteries with appropriate mounting hardware and terminal layout.

Physical installation tips

We always secure the battery using proper clamps and vibration-tolerant mounts, and we ensure the battery is oriented per manufacturer instructions to avoid undue stress on terminals. Given the typical use in aircraft and race cars, we recommend checking terminal spacing, cable lug sizes, and ensuring all connections are clean and torqued to the specified values. Proper fusing between battery and starter/alternator is also essential for safety.

Compatibility with aircraft electrical systems and race cars

We suggest verifying that the aircraft or vehicle charging system is compatible with LiFePO4 chemistry. The ETX1600 works well with most systems when alternator/regulator output and charging strategy are within the stated limits (charging systems of 160 amps or less). We also recommend checking for electrical quirks—some avionics or vehicle ECU systems may expect the voltage profile of a lead-acid battery; in those cases, installing a small DC-DC converter or a battery voltage emulator may be necessary.

Safety and Handling

We take safety seriously, and we find that LiFePO4 chemistry has favorable safety characteristics compared to other lithium chemistries. The ETX1600’s integrated BMS further mitigates risk, but we still follow best practices in handling and installing lithium batteries.

LiFePO4 specific safety notes

We remind ourselves that LiFePO4 is chemically more stable and less prone to thermal runaway than certain high-energy lithium chemistries. The integrated BMS helps manage overcharge, over-discharge, and temperature protection. Nevertheless, we avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures, physical damage, or wiring faults that could bypass protective features. Always observe manufacturer handling guidelines and do not attempt to open or service the battery pack.

Storage and transport

We store the battery in a cool, dry place and maintain a moderate state-of-charge for long-term storage (often around 30–60% depending on manufacturer recommendations). For transport, we follow applicable regulations for lithium batteries—especially important for aircraft owners who might ship or carry a spare. The ETX1600’s integrated protections help, but regulations exist for a reason, so we keep documentation and follow shipping guidelines.

Lifespan and Maintenance

We look at both cycle life and calendar life when evaluating battery value. LiFePO4 typically offers higher cycle life than lead-acid, and with the ETX1600’s BMS and quality cells, we expect solid longevity if we follow charging and operating guidelines.

Cycle life expectations and calendar life

We usually see LiFePO4 cells rated in the thousands of cycles depending on depth-of-discharge and operating conditions. For starting applications with relatively shallow cycles, the ETX1600 should provide many years of dependable service. We still recommend monitoring battery condition over time, especially for aircraft where reliability is critical.

Maintenance routines and tips

We don’t expect much routine maintenance aside from keeping terminals clean, ensuring secure connections, and monitoring charge system performance. Periodically checking voltage and state-of-charge, especially after a period of inactivity, is a simple and effective practice. If the BMS indicates a fault, we follow manufacturer instructions for diagnostics and replacement.

Comparison with Alternatives

We often compare the ETX1600 to both lead-acid starters and other LiFePO4 options to get a sense of relative advantages and tradeoffs.

EarthX ETX1600 vs Lead-Acid (Quick comparison)

We present the most practical differences in tabular form to help with decision making.

We find that the weight and performance advantages are usually the deciding factors for aircraft and race car applications despite higher upfront cost.

EarthX ETX1600 vs other LiFePO4 batteries

We see differences among LiFePO4 starters mostly in packaging, BMS capability, and peak cranking specs. The ETX1600’s 1600 cranking amps and fully integrated BMS position it strongly among high-performance starter packs. When comparing, we look at BMS features, guaranteed charging limits, terminal compatibility, and mounting options.

Pros and Cons

We summarize the main practical advantages and trade-offs we’ve encountered so that our readers can make an informed choice.

Pros:

• Exceptional weight savings at just 8.9 pounds, improving performance and balance.
• High cranking power (1600 Cranking Amps) for strong, reliable starts.
• 32Ah capacity provides substantial reserve for repeated starts or accessory loads.
• Fully integrated battery management system adds protection and ease of use.
• Lower long-term maintenance compared with lead-acid batteries.
• Faster starts due to higher starting voltage.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared with traditional lead-acid starters.
• Requires charging systems of 160 amps or less; may need alternator/regulator review.
• Some vehicle/aircraft systems may need minor adjustments to accommodate LiFePO4 voltage profiles.
• Replacement or service can be more involved if BMS or pack faults occur outside warranty.

We feel these pros usually outweigh cons for users prioritizing performance and weight.

Pricing, Warranty, and Support

We always consider total cost of ownership and manufacturer support when recommending batteries for critical applications.

Warranty details and manufacturer support

We recommend reviewing the latest EarthX warranty terms directly, as warranty length and coverage can vary by supplier or region. Typically, reputable battery manufacturers provide a warranty that covers manufacturing defects and early failures. We also consider vendor reputation and available technical support important—especially for aircraft owners who require quick, reliable answers.

Value for money

We view the ETX1600 as a premium product aimed at users who prioritize weight, cranking performance, and integrated protection. While the initial purchase price may be higher, the extended service life and reduced maintenance can make the total cost of ownership competitive versus multiple lead-acid replacements over the same period.

Use Cases and Suitability

We want to make clear where this battery makes the most sense and where caution is advised.

Experimental aircraft use

We find the ETX1600 particularly well-suited for experimental aircraft where every pound of weight saved contributes to performance and payload. The high cranking amps and stable voltage profile help during engine starts and repeated attempts. We always recommend a formal weight-and-balance update and verifying charging system compatibility before installation.

Race car use

We also see strong suitability for race cars seeking rapid starting and lower vehicle weight. The ETX1600 can improve front-to-back balance and reduce rotational mass. In race environments with rapid start cycles, the higher starting voltage and power delivery are clear advantages. We advise ensuring the vehicle’s charging system and wiring can handle the LiFePO4 profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

We gather questions we commonly hear and answer them succinctly.

• Can we use a standard alternator with this battery? We can if the alternator/regulator output is limited to 160 amps or less and the voltage profile is compatible with LiFePO4. If the alternator is excessive or the regulator doesn’t have a LiFePO4 profile, consider a compatible regulator or a LiFePO4-aware charger.

• Is the ETX1600 safe on aircraft? We believe LiFePO4 chemistry is among the safer lithium options, and the integrated BMS adds protection. However, aircraft installations require adherence to applicable regulations and thorough documentation; always consult your inspector or engineer.

• Do we need a special charger? A charger with a LiFePO4 setting or a regulator set to LiFePO4 charge voltage is ideal. The key is avoiding overvoltage and excessive charge currents (over 160 amps).

• How long will it last? Life depends on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and operating environment, but we expect significantly longer cycle life than lead-acid starting batteries when used appropriately.

• Can the battery be jump-started if it’s fully discharged? We recommend following manufacturer guidance. The BMS may restrict charging or require specific procedures; improper jump-starts can damage the BMS or cells.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

We often weigh practicality, safety, and performance before making a recommendation. For users who need a high-performance, lightweight starter battery for experimental aircraft or race cars, the EarthX ETX1600 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) Experimental Aircraft or Race Car battery is an excellent candidate. The combination of 1600 cranking amps, 32Ah capacity, and an integrated BMS in an 8.9-pound package addresses the top priorities for these applications: reliable starts, reduced weight, and built-in protections.

We recommend verifying charging system compatibility (remember: For use in charging systems of 160 amps or less!), ensuring proper mounting and electrical connections, and following manufacturer guidelines for charging and storage. If we prioritize weight savings, starting power, and long-term reliability, the ETX1600 is worth serious consideration for our next project.

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