Daniel Seifried, Author at Hub Power

HUB POWER – Winter Newsletter

Daniel Seifried — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:21:32 +0000

Powering You Through the Season

As winter settles in across North America, we know how important it is to have reliable power for your RV, work truck, boat, cabin, or off-grid system. Many customers will be winterizing their summer cabins or storing vehicles and boats, so now is the perfect time to ensure your batteries are properly maintained.

Cold temperatures can significantly impact battery performance and lifespan. To protect your investment, follow the storage and maintenance recommendations below, based on your battery type.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries perform best between 0°C and 50°C. However, Hub Lion Lithium Batteries are engineered to operate from –20°C to 50°C thanks to an integrated heating pad.

Discharging: When temperatures drop below 0°C, the battery can discharge down to –20°C. If the internal temperature falls below –20°C, the battery will stop discharging to prevent damage.
Charging: When temperatures are below 0°C, charging is disabled until the internal heater raises the temperature above freezing. To charge, simply apply a charging source above 5A and wait until the battery warms to above 0°C—charging will then begin automatically.

Winter Storage Procedure

If you will not be using your lithium batteries during the winter:

Charge the batteries to 50–60% state of charge (SOC).
Remove the batteries from the application and store them at room temperature, if possible.
If removal isn’t practical, charge to 50–60% SOC and disconnect all loads and charging sources (e.g., solar).

Sealed Lead Carbon and Sealed AGM (Lead-Acid) Batteries

Hub Power’s Lead Carbon and AGM batteries are designed to operate from –40°C to 60°C. If you plan to store them for the winter:

Winter Storage Procedure

Fully charge the batteries.
Remove them from their application and store at room temperature if possible.
If removal isn’t possible, fully charge and disconnect all power sources (loads and charging sources).

Winter Power Tips for Maximum Performance & Longevity

Keep Batteries Warm – Extreme cold reduces performance. Use an insulated enclosure or heater.
Check Connections – Clean and tighten terminals to prevent corrosion and power loss.
Maintain Charge – Keep batteries topped up periodically with a charger or solar system.
Inspect Quarterly – Check your battery charge at least every 3 months to avoid over-discharging.

If batteries seem to drain faster than normal, it may be time for a replacement.

Solar Solutions for Short Winter Days

Even with limited daylight, solar power can keep your systems running. Hub Power offers high-quality flexible and rigid solar panels engineered for year-round performance. Pair them with a Hub Lithium battery for a reliable winter solution.

Recently, our partners at Dueck Electric installed a 16 kW solar system in Adams Lake, BC using Hub Power sourced components.

We’re proud to collaborate with skilled solar installers across British Columbia to help homeowners and professionals design efficient solar systems tailored to their needs.

Why Choose Hub Power?

Trusted experts in batteries, solar, and power conversion since 2001
Serving RV, marine, fleet, and off-grid customers across Canada
Dedicated to providing the best value and reliability for your power needs

From all of us at Hub Power, we wish you a safe, warm, and energized winter!

604-420-7737
sales@hubpower.ca
www.hubpower.ca

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Thinking About Switching from AGM to Lithium?

Daniel Seifried — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:56:11 +0000

Talk to the experts at Hub Power Ltd.

As power demands grow—from off-grid solar and material handling to fleet vehicles—choosing the right battery technology is more important than ever.

Here’s why lithium batteries are quickly becoming the top choice over traditional deep cycle AGM:

Longer Lifespan
Up to 6x the cycle life at 80% depth of discharge (DOD), meaning fewer replacements and a lower cost per cycle than AGMs.

Lighter & More Compact
Typically 50% lighter than deep cycle AGMs—ideal for weight-sensitive and space-limited installs. Lower GVW matters.

Faster Charging
Lithium charges up to 5x faster, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.

More Usable Capacity
Use up to 100% of capacity (vs. ~50% for AGM) without damage. For best results, we recommend limiting DOD to 90% to extend cycle life.

Low Maintenance
No fluid top-ups or sulfation management. Just install and go.

Smart Battery Management
Integrated BMS (Battery Management System) ensures safe operation and protection from overcharge, over-discharge, and temperature extremes.

At Hub Power, we help you get the most from your energy system. From HubLion Lithium batteries to solar and power conversion, we’re your one-stop shop—trusted by OEMs, installers, municipalities, and end users across Canada and the US.

With thousands of lithium batteries in the field, we deliver proven performance in harsh climates.

#HubPowerLtd #LithiumBattery #BatteryTechnology #EnergyStorage #AGMBattery #Sustainability #MaterialHandling #OffGridEnergy #FleetManagement

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Inverter/Charger Buying Guide

Daniel Seifried — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:15:59 +0000

If you own a boat, RV or Work Truck and you are thinking about upgrading your inverter to an inverter/charger or just replacing your current inverter/charger, here are some of the key things to think about:

Consider What an Inverter/Charger Does

An inverter/charger combines three functions:
1. Inverter – converts DC (your battery bank) to AC (to run household‑type appliances).
2. Charger/Converter – takes AC (from shore power or generator) to charge your batteries.
3. Automatic transfer switch – switches between power sources when needed.

Important Features & Specifications

Continuous Power Rating (Watts or VA)

The inverter must support the constant load you expect. Add up all the wattage of things you’ll run (loads) simultaneously, with headroom (1.3‑1.5× expected load). Loads to consider in a Boat or RV are a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, air conditioner, and fridge to name a few. If an inverter/charger reports its output in VA, you will not get all of that power in Watts. Typically, you will get about 75% of reported power in VA in output power in Watts.

Surge / Peak Power

Many appliances draw more power when starting. The inverter needs to handle this without shutting down. Therefore, you need to consider the surge power that the inverter can handle and for how long. Air Conditioners commonly have high in rush currents.

Input/Output Voltage

Must match your battery bank (12V, 24V, 48V) and AC voltage (120V, 230V) depending on region/appliances.

Battery Type Compatibility & Charging Stages

Ensure that the charger can support for different battery chemistries (lead‑acid, AGM, gel, lithium). Look for multi‑stage charging (bulk, absorption, float, equalization) to ensure proper charging of lithium batteries.

Waveform / AC Output Quality

Pure Sine Wave is clean power like the grid; important for sensitive electronics. Modified sine wave is cheaper but less reliable.

Efficiency

Higher efficiency means less battery drain during conversion for DC to AC power.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Seamless switching between shore/generator and inverter supply. If the Inverter/Charger does not have an automatic transfer switch, you will need to buy one and install it ahead of the inverter/charger which adds cost.

Charging Amperage

Determines how quickly your batteries recharge (i.e a 150A charger charges batteries faster than a 100A charge). The charger must be safe for battery type and wiring. Some batteries can handle higher charge Amperages than others. Make sure that the output of the charger is adjustable. If upgrading your inverter/charger, make sure the existing wiring can handle the increased current. If not, it will need to be upgraded as well which as cost and complexity to the upgrade.

Protection / Safety Features

Overload, short‑circuit, over‑temperature, and low voltage cutoff are critical feature for the inverter/charger to have.

Environmental Durability

Marine use requires corrosion and moisture resistance. Does the output power de-rate when the temperature rises? Some inverter/chargers de-rate at 25C which means that you don’t get as much output power as the temperature rises above 25C. This is important to consider when understanding the total loads that you are powering and where you will mount the inverter/charger. If you are mounting the inverter/charger in a non-air conditioned space, expect that the temperature will rise as the unit operates and as the ambient temperature outside changes.

Physical Size / Mounting / Wiring

Consider space, ventilation, and wiring distances to minimize voltage losses.

Remote Monitoring / Controls

Helpful for tracking voltage, current, load, and errors via a remote panel or app.

Compliance / Standards

Look for UL, CE, ABYC or other relevant safety certifications.

Trade‑Offs to Consider

– Cheaper units may use modified sine wave, have lower surge capacity or efficiency.
– Higher output and more features increase cost, weight, size, and heat.
– Very fast charging may stress batteries unless they are rated for it.

When thinking about your next Inverter/Charger purchase, think no farther than Hub Power Ltd. We have you covered with a wide range of inverter/chargers from the best brands in the industry: Victron Energy, Xantrex, Samlex, Cotek, and Kisae. E-mail us at sales@hubpower.ca or call us at 604-420-7737.

#invertercharger #HubPowerLtd

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Lead Carbon vs Lithium Batteries – Comparison Guide

Daniel Seifried — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:55:10 +0000

A side-by-side look at the pros and cons of Lead Carbon and Lithium battery technologies.

Feature / Factor	Lead Carbon Batteries	Lithium Batteries
Upfront Cost	Lower purchase price – more affordable entry cost	Higher initial investment
Cycle Life	Shorter cycle life (2,000–3,000 cycles at 50% DOD)	Longer life (3,000–6,000+ cycles at 80% DOD)
Partial State of Charge (PSoC)	Excellent tolerance – minimal sulfation	Performs well but requires precise charging
Charging	Lower charge currents result in slower charging time.	Cells can tolerate higher charging current. Therefore, faster charging.
Temperature Performance	Works better in cold; can charge below 0°C	Charging below 0°C can damage cells, needs heating option
Safety	Non-flammable; no thermal runaway	Risk of fire/thermal runaway if mismanaged (need good quality BMS to prevent thermal runaway)
System Complexity	No BMS required – simpler system	Requires Battery Management System (BMS)
Energy Density	Heavier and bulkier per kWh	Much lighter and compact
Recyclability	Nearly 100% recyclable	Recycling options limited, still developing
Overcharge Tolerance	More tolerant of charging inconsistencies	Sensitive – requires precise control
Best Suited For	Off-grid solar, telecom, marine, RV, cold/remote backup power	EVs, residential solar, fleets, long-term storage

Summary: Choose Lead Carbon if you want lower upfront cost, safety, recyclability, and cold-weather resilience. Choose Lithium if you prioritize long cycle life, light weight, faster charging and long-term cost efficiency.

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