Semi solid-state chemistry, extreme-temperature performance, and a 16-year service life make Renogy’s Pro S1 one of the most compelling power storage solutions available for serious overlanders.
Gear Review: Renogy Pro S1 Solid-State Lithium Battery
State-of-the-art lithium batteries, evolved.
Lithium batteries have become a mainstay in modern overland vehicles, powering everything from refrigerators and camp lighting to communications equipment and increasingly complex electrical systems.
Battery technology continues to evolve quickly, and Renogy’s new Pro S1 brings semi-solid-state cell technology to a compact 12V platform designed with mobile and off-grid use in mind.
Available in 120Ah and 240Ah capacities, the Renogy Pro S1 combines increased energy density, wide operating temperatures and an advanced battery management system in a package intended to withstand the demands of vehicle-based travel.
More Power, Same Space
One of the biggest advantages of the Pro S1 is energy density. Renogy says the battery provides approximately 20 percent more capacity within a comparable footprint and weight than competing lithium batteries, making it particularly useful in overland builds where available space is often at a premium.
Its semi-solid-state cells are also designed to operate across a broad temperature range, allowing charging and discharging from -4°F to 140°F. For travelers dealing with freezing winter camps, desert heat or large temperature swings, that flexibility can simplify an electrical system without requiring as much additional thermal management.
Longevity is equally impressive. Renogy rates the Pro S1 for up to 6,000 full charge-and-discharge cycles. In theory, even a complete cycle every day would represent more than 16 years of use. A seven-year warranty adds another measure of confidence for something that often becomes one of the more significant investments in an overland electrical system.
Built for Life on the Road
Battery durability matters when it is mounted inside a vehicle regularly subjected to washboard roads, rough trails and constant vibration. The Pro S1 uses a flame-resistant metal enclosure, while its internal cells are designed to withstand severe vibration and corrugations.
An integrated battery management system provides multiple layers of protection, including overcurrent monitoring and thermal management. CAN communication ports also allow compatible batteries to communicate with one another in more sophisticated multi-battery installations.
Battery information is accessible through Bluetooth using the Renogy Home app, where users can monitor state of charge, current flow and battery temperature without adding a separate display.
OVR’s Take
For overland travelers trying to maximize battery capacity without giving up additional cargo space, the Renogy Pro S1 offers an interesting evolution of the familiar LiFePO4 house battery. Its combination of increased energy density, broad temperature capability, rugged construction and long projected cycle life makes the technology especially appealing for vehicles expected to spend years traveling off-grid.
Whether semi-solid-state batteries eventually become the new standard remains to be seen, but the Pro S1 shows where overland battery technology appears to be headed.
Capacity: 120Ah / 240Ah
MSRP: $579 / $969
URL: renogy.com
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