How to increase your vehicle’s charging voltage to over 15.6V for car audio systems

Here at Evolution Lithium, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of car audio performance with our LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) battery banks. We’ve seen firsthand the incredible power and reliability our custom-built SCiB cell configurations bring to high-discharge car audio systems, SPL competition builds, and even daily drivers right here in New Zealand. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and a critical factor in unlocking the full potential of your SCiB battery bank, revolves around charging voltage. Specifically, why raising your vehicle’s charging voltage to over 15.6V+ is so important in regards to capacity and output of a SCiB battery bank.

It’s not just about trickle charging; it’s about fully harnessing the unique characteristics of LTO technology. Unlike traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries, SCiB cells thrive at higher voltages, and understanding this principle is key to optimising your system’s output and battery lifespan. Let’s dive into why this seemingly small adjustment makes a monumental difference.

The SCiB Advantage: Beyond Traditional Batteries

Our LTO batteries, built with genuine SCiB cells, are a different breed. They offer rapid charging, exceptional cycle life (exceeding 20,000 cycles for an estimated 20+ years of life), and incredibly stable voltage under load, virtually eliminating the dreaded voltage sag that plagues conventional batteries. But to truly tap into this robust performance, your charging strategy needs to align with the battery’s chemistry.

Most vehicles are designed to charge lead-acid batteries, typically around 14.2V to 14.4V. While this voltage will technically charge an LTO battery, it won’t fully charge it. Think of it like trying to fill a bucket to the brim with a garden hose that only reaches halfway – you’re leaving a significant portion of its capacity on the table. For our SCiB cells, optimal charge voltage means optimal capacity and output.

Unlocking Full Capacity: Why 15.6V+ Matters

When we talk about capacity, we’re referring to the total energy your battery can store. For SCiB LTO batteries, the sweet spot for achieving full charge and maximum capacity is a resting voltage in the region of 2.6V per cell, which translates to a system voltage of around 15.6V for a 6-cell series configuration. If your vehicle’s alternator is only pushing 14.4V, your SCiB bank will only ever charge to approximately 80-85% of its potential capacity. This means you’re simply not getting the power you paid for, and your system’s overall performance will be limited.

Consider our 30Ah SCiB battery bank. With the correct charge voltage, it can support RMS power between 13,000-15,000. For our 60Ah bank, you’re looking at up to 28,000-30,000 RMS. These figures are only achievable when the battery is allowed to reach its full charge potential, which necessitates charging above 15.6V.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Maximising Output: Consistent Voltage Under Load

Beyond capacity, voltage directly impacts the output of your car audio system. Your amplifiers, like our robust Evolution Lithium Class D amplifiers (ranging from 2.0K to a monstrous 30K monoblock), are designed to operate most efficiently and deliver maximum power at stable, higher voltages. When your SCiB battery bank is fully charged to 15.6V+, it provides a higher baseline voltage, which translates to significantly less voltage drop under heavy load from your amplifiers. This means:

• More Consistent Power: Your amplifiers receive a steady, higher voltage, allowing them to deliver their rated power continuously, especially during dynamic musical passages or demanding SPL runs.
• Reduced Distortion: Voltage sag directly leads to increased amplifier distortion. By maintaining a higher voltage, your audio remains cleaner and more accurate, even at extreme volumes.
• Enhanced Amplifier Efficiency: Amplifiers work more efficiently at higher voltages, generating less heat and drawing less current for the same power output, leading to improved longevity for your entire system.

This is precisely why raising your vehicle’s charging voltage to over 15.6V+ is so important in regards to capacity and output of a SCiB battery bank. It ensures your system performs at its absolute peak, day in and day out.

The Science Behind SCiB Cells and High Voltage

Our genuine SCiB cells, including the widely used 20Ah SCiB (which we have in ample stock) and the exciting new 5.5Ah cells coming next year, have a flat discharge curve that maintains voltage much better than other chemistries. However, their charging characteristics are equally important. LTO cells have a nominal voltage of 2.4V per cell, but to fully saturate the cell and achieve 100% capacity, they need to be charged to approximately 2.6V per cell. For a typical 6-cell series configuration in a 12V automotive system, this means aiming for a system voltage of 15.6V or slightly above. Charging below this voltage means you’re simply not giving the cells the opportunity to absorb their full potential charge.

This is a fundamental difference compared to typical lithium-ion batteries and a massive advantage over lead-acid variants. We’re not talking about overcharging; we’re talking about proper, full charging as specified by the manufacturer for optimal performance and longevity.

Necessary Upgrades for Optimal Charging

Achieving a consistent charging voltage above 15.6V typically requires some modifications to your vehicle’s charging system. Many modern alternators can be regulated or upgraded to output higher voltages. This might involve:

• Adjustable Voltage Regulators: Some alternators can have their voltage regulator adjusted or replaced with one that allows for higher output.
• High-Output Alternators: For serious competition or extreme setups, a high-output alternator designed for higher voltage is often the best solution. We always recommend consulting with a qualified automotive electrician to ensure these modifications are done safely and correctly.
• Smart Charging Systems: In some cases, a dedicated smart charger designed for LTO batteries can be integrated for optimal charging cycles.

It’s an investment that pays dividends in performance and ensures you’re getting the most out of your SCiB battery bank. To assist with your voltage monitoring, tools like our FNISRI Handheld Oscilloscope can be invaluable when setting up and tuning your system.

Installation Best Practices with Evolution Lithium

Ensuring your SCiB battery bank performs optimally isn’t just about the battery itself; it’s about the entire electrical system. Here at Evolution Lithium, we preach clean installs and proper electrical design. This includes:

1. Proper Cabling: Use high-quality, appropriately gauged cables to minimise voltage drop. Our range of cables and copper cable lugs are designed for robust power delivery.
2. Secure Connections: All connections should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Consider our ferrules for professional, secure wiring terminations.
3. Balancing: While LTO cells are incredibly stable, using a balancer like our Heltec 5.5A 6S Balancer with display ensures all cells in your bank maintain equal voltage, extending the overall lifespan and performance. The longevity of over 20,000 cycles we achieve with our batteries is partly due to meticulous balancing.
4. Proper Grounding: A solid ground connection is as important as your positive feed. Don’t compromise here.
5. Fusing: Protect your system with appropriate fusing. We offer CNL Fibre Glass Fuses and robust ANL/CNL Fuse Holders.

By taking these steps and ensuring your vehicle’s charging voltage is appropriately set, you’ll truly experience the Evolution Lithium difference. From the highest peaks in SPL competitions to crystal-clear daily driving, our SCiB LTO batteries are engineered to perform, and proper charging is the cornerstone of that performance.

Conclusion: Power Your Passion with Optimal Voltage

For serious car audio enthusiasts and high-performance builders in New Zealand, understanding why raising your vehicle’s charging voltage to over 15.6V+ is so important in regards to capacity and output of a SCiB battery bank is not just technical jargon—it’s the key to achieving the maximum potential from your investment. Our custom-built SCiB LTO battery banks deliver unparalleled benefits, including rapid charging, exceptional cycle life, and stable voltage. However, without the correct charging voltage, you’re leaving a significant portion of their performance on the table. We’re here to help you unlock every ounce of power, ensuring your car audio system performs exactly as you envision. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our New Zealand-based team at 022 073 1730 or sales@evolutionlithium.co.nz for advice on optimising your setup.

Our commitment to quality, customer support, and innovation at realistic prices means we’re not just selling batteries; we’re providing solutions that make a real difference in your audio experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About SCiB Charging Voltage

What happens if I don’t charge my SCiB battery bank to 15.6V+?

If your vehicle charges below 15.6V, your SCiB battery bank will not reach its full charge capacity. This means you’ll have less usable power stored, shorter bursts of high output, and an overall reduced performance from your system. It’s like having a fuel tank that only ever fills to 80%.

Is a higher charging voltage safe for my vehicle’s electronics?

When done correctly by a qualified professional, upgrading your charging voltage for an LTO battery system can be safe. Most modern vehicle electronics are designed to tolerate some voltage fluctuation. However, it’s crucial to ensure your voltage regulator or high-output alternator is properly installed and monitored, ideally with accessories like our Heltec balancer for cell health. Always check your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications or consult specialist advice.

Will raising my vehicle’s charging voltage damage my Evolution Lithium SCiB battery?

No, quite the opposite. Charging to the recommended 15.6V+ ensures the SCiB cells achieve full saturation, which contributes to their incredible lifespan of 20,000+ cycles. Our batteries are built with genuine SCiB cells, designed to operate optimally at these voltages. Consistent undercharging, on the other hand, prevents you from experiencing their full benefits.

How can I tell the difference between “generic lithium” and Evolution Lithium’s genuine SCiB LTO batteries?

The key difference is the cell chemistry itself. Evolution Lithium specialises exclusively in LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) batteries, specifically utilising genuine SCiB cells. These offer superior low-temperature performance, a much faster charge/discharge rate, and an exceptional cycle life well beyond other lithium chemistries. We detail these benefits extensively on our site, and we custom-build our banks here in New Zealand. Other “generic lithium” batteries often use different chemistries like LiFePO4 or NMC, which have different voltage profiles, charge rates, and performance characteristics.

What Evolution Lithium products do you recommend to help with optimal charging and system monitoring?

For optimal charging, ensuring your alternator can achieve 15.6V+ is paramount. To monitor your system, we recommend our Heltec 5.5A 6S Balancer and Display for precise cell balancing and voltage readout. Our FNISRI Handheld Oscilloscope is also an excellent tool for diagnosing voltage drops and ensuring a clean signal to your amplifiers. Furthermore, ensure you use high-quality cables, lugs, and fuses for efficient power transfer.