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Old 09-19-2019, 02:06 PM   #1
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Thor collaborates on lithium battery system.

Thor seems to be moving towards lithium systems. It will be interesting to see how cost compares to Volta or Xantrex systems from other manufacturers.

https://rvbusiness.com/tmc-mastervol...-power-system/

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Old 09-19-2019, 02:24 PM   #2
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Lithium-ion batteries like the ones in Teslas ?
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Old 09-19-2019, 03:24 PM   #3
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No doubt: there's some stuff that still needs some serious figuring-out!
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Old 09-19-2019, 05:10 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Popfla View Post
Lithium-ion batteries like the ones in Teslas ?

No. It’s a different chemistry. Example below.

https://megadepot.com/product/master...SABEgL3IPD_BwE


Lithium batteries for cars have to use a very different chemistry because they have to produce incredibly high power outputs (like 400+ HP in a Tesla) which an RV doesn’t ever need. A 30-Amp service is only 3,600 Watts, or about 5 HP. Even with surge current to start an air conditioner, it’s still relatively low power compared to automobiles. Chance of fire is very low. I’m not aware of any — although it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Regardless, LiFePO4 is not comparable to Tesla type of battery.
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Old 09-19-2019, 05:20 PM   #5
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I assume that there will be differences in the equipment needed to charge these batteries: can you explain some of what those different requirements for charging might be?
Thanks...
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Old 09-19-2019, 06:20 PM   #6
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I assume that there will be differences in the equipment needed to charge these batteries: can you explain some of what those different requirements for charging might be?
Thanks...
The press release mentions two ways of charging batteries, which is typical of these systems. There is an inverter/charger which can charge when there is 115V AC power from either shore or generator, and also from a 280-Amp alternator. Some solar may be included also.

They mention using on Class B, so I expect it should be similar to Xantrex system. It’s a watered-down version of the 48-Volt Volta system.

It will be interesting to see if Thor keeps generator (which I doubt) or if they replace it with this lithium battery system.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Press Release
Supporting the Li-Ion batteries is an integrated power conversion system that is designed to provide power over long periods – even in off-grid applications. The Mastervolt CombiMaster inverter/charger provides a pure sine AC power source to operate all sensitive electronics on the coach. At the same time, it quickly and efficiently charges the Li-Ion batteries when plugged into an AC source.

When a dedicated AC source is not available, batteries are charged via a 280A alternator and Alpha Pro III regulator.
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Old 09-19-2019, 07:22 PM   #7
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Thanks for that!
By the way: this hit the news today also...
It seems that Amazon is ordering vans from Rivian...

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-a...-idUSKBN1W42JA
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:02 PM   #8
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MHSRV has a new Tuscany 45JA with the lithium battery modules. According to the guys on IRV2 it is a prototype. That is why it is so heavily discounted.
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:25 PM   #9
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I can hear the Salesgoober:
"C'mon kid: be the first one on your block..."
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Old 09-19-2019, 10:33 PM   #10
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I just took a good look at that rig:

https://www.mhsrv.com/2020-thor-moto...er-tx-i2530960

It is pretty darn gorgeous!
And for that money: it almost seems like a bargain!
(About 46% off retail!)
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Old 09-19-2019, 11:48 PM   #11
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That looks like the same prototype Thor showed a few months ago at an RV show. Maybe RVX? It has the triple Volta 3,600-Watt inverter system.

So Thor worked with Volta on a prototype, then turns around and collaborates with a different company? I’d love to know what happened there.
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Old 09-20-2019, 11:48 AM   #12
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This is easy to understand...

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Old 09-20-2019, 01:25 PM   #13
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Because they mention a 280-Amp alternator, it essentially rules out the system being based on 48 VDC. By using 12 VDC it should keep cost down compared to the Volta design. For small Class B van campers like the Sequence, that may be good enough for most buyers.

The Sequence Class B already comes with a 1,000-Watt inverter and two (2) Group 31 AGM batteries, so upgrading to a larger inverter and lithium battery isn’t that big a stretch. Adding a 280-Amp engine-driven dedicated second alternator probably adds considerable cost, but Thor may leave Onan generator off or offer it as an option. Thor seems to be following Coachmen’s lower-cost approach more than that of Winnebago’s with Class B vans.

Anyway, my thought is that Thor may have enough RV volume to keep both companies involved; saving the more powerful 48 VDC Volta for larger Class A motorhomes and using Mastervolt for smaller Class B and B+. Whatever happens it will be interesting to follow as motorhomes become less dependent on traditional generators.
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Old 09-20-2019, 01:40 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beau388 View Post
MHSRV has a new Tuscany 45JA with the lithium battery modules. According to the guys on IRV2 it is a prototype. That is why it is so heavily discounted.



I'll trade in my '14 Palazzo for that one....even steven! : )
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Old 09-20-2019, 02:10 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by TurnerFam View Post
I'll trade in my '14 Palazzo for that one....even steven! : )
Are you sure that you don't want them to throw in some worthwhile incentives?

You know: something like a nice Sprinter-Based Class C?
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Old 09-28-2019, 11:44 PM   #16
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They better up the game from the other companies using the Lithium system now. I have a Galleria from Coachmen. I have a 330 AH AGM in my rig but the guys that have the Lithium report a 4 to 6 hour AC run using the ProAir 12 volt AC. If you boondock and need AC you better have an onboard generator or be prepared to run the engine to keep the batteries charged. Just fine if you can do without AC.
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Old 10-24-2019, 09:48 PM   #17
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I got an email from MHSRV today...
This is where the link took me.

https://www.mhsrv.com/thor-motor-coach/thor-tuscany-rv
Click on the Tuscan Lithium link, and enjoy the view...
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Old 10-24-2019, 10:40 PM   #18
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...I watched, but now I'm even more confused....they taunt the 'lithium' as equivalent to 80 'regular' house batteries...o.k., but the video shows a GENERATOR up front, not some '40,000' amp hours of Lithium...and even MHSRV's own printed advertisement says '6 house batteries'. The ad even says '10k Generator', even though the video shows a 8k generator...

which is it????? Is it a LITHIUM powered coach, with NO generator, or is it just a Lithium 'House Battery' powered coach?
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Old 10-25-2019, 12:33 AM   #19
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They're dipping their toes into the "lithium waters"....
They're just not diving in!
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Old 10-25-2019, 01:01 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance View Post
No. It’s a different chemistry. Example below.

https://megadepot.com/product/master...SABEgL3IPD_BwE


Lithium batteries for cars have to use a very different chemistry because they have to produce incredibly high power outputs (like 400+ HP in a Tesla) which an RV doesn’t ever need. A 30-Amp service is only 3,600 Watts, or about 5 HP. Even with surge current to start an air conditioner, it’s still relatively low power compared to automobiles. Chance of fire is very low. I’m not aware of any — although it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Regardless, LiFePO4 is not comparable to Tesla type of battery.
The Life batteries are popular among RC'ers. It's a matter of time. Who would assume a RV doesn't require that much horsepower? I'd like to have few extra ponies under my foot, but that's just me. Some of those 'hills' can get steep.

Let me know if they're looking for a test pilot.
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