Austrian engine manufacturer BRP-Rotax this month introduced a range of EarthX batteries carrying the Rotax brand.
EarthX is a US-built lithium-iron phosphate battery that Rotax has evaluated as safe and reliable for use with their aviation engines.
The batteries weigh only 1.8 – 2.2kg, depending on voltage, which is one-third the weight of the typical lead-acid batteries currently in use.
According to Rotax, the EarthX has higher cranking amps, which means significantly better cold-start performance, has a life of up to 2-3 times longer than current typical lead-acid batteries and will discharge at a rate of about 1-2% per month.
Most batteries currently in use will discharge at a rate as high as 30% per month.
"After rigorous testing across all Rotax 4-stroke carbureted and fuel-injected engines, this battery is now part of the Rotax accessories portfolio available through [the] global network," the company says.
Rotax will offer the 12.4-AH 680C and the 16-AH 900 batteries, all of which come with a battery management systems that includes an over-discharge protection, redundant charge and discharge protection circuits, local LED battery fault light indicator and remote battery monitoring connection via EFIS or panel-mounted LED light.
The batteries can be installed on all four-stroke Rotax engines that fitted with a 12V starter and fuse box; however, they don't form part of the engine type design, meaning aircraft manufacturers become responsible for the battery certification.
More information is on the BRP-Rotax website.