More and more boat builders and marine enthusiasts are switching to lithium battery systems for energy storage and it’s essential to make sure your power setup is reliable in all conditions. While lithium batteries offer many advantages, lighter weight, faster charging and deeper discharge capabilities, they still need a good and reliable recharging system while at sea or underway. Our Fischer Panda AGT6 Generator is designed to fill this gap.
In this post we will look at the benefits of using lithium batteries with our AGT6 Marine Generator, how to combine them, and why a generator backup is essential for power security on a boat.
Why Lithium Batteries Are The New Standard
Lithium-ion batteries, especially LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) are becoming the go to choice for modern marine vessels because of:
- Higher energy density and longer life cycles
- Faster recharge times
- Lighter weight and less space requirements
- Can discharge deeper without damaging the battery
However, all these benefits come with one key challenge: when the battery bank is depleted, you’ll need a viable and safe recharging system, especially while you’re offshore.
Why the AGT6 Is Ideally Suited for Lithium Battery Systems
The Fischer Panda AGT6 Generator is a small, water-cooled DC generator specifically designed to quickly and efficiently charge onboard battery banks. Rather than AC generators feeding power directly to appliances, the AGT6 delivers high-efficiency charging current directly to your lithium batteries, and your onboard inverters deliver AC power to your systems.
Here’s why the AGT6 pairs perfectly with lithium setups:
1. Automatic Charging Intelligence
The AGT6 has automatic start capability that self-monitors your battery voltage. Once battery voltage goes below a preselected value, the AGT6 automatically fires and closes when target voltage is reached, staying silent and energy-efficient.
2. Exceptional Fuel Efficiency
With low RPM operation and advanced engineering, the AGT6 needs significantly less fuel than a typical generator or engine charging system. This renders a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for charging.
3. Silent Operation
Generating only 54 dBA at 7 meters, the AGT6 allows you to recharge without the loud hum of traditional generators. It’s ideal for anchoring where quiet time is essential.
4. Lower Engine Idling
Outboard motors are often used for charging when no generator is available, but this produces carbon monoxide, adds unnecessary engine hours, and requires maintenance. The AGT6 eliminates this need.
How to Safely Integrate Lithium Batteries with Our AGT6 Generator
Pairing your lithium battery bank with the AGT6 requires proper setup for safe and optimized performance. Here are key steps and considerations:
Use a Compatible Battery Management System (BMS)
Ensure your lithium batteries have a high-quality BMS that supports generator charging. This helps avoid overcharging, overheating, or voltage inconsistencies.
Voltage Compatibility
The AGT6 is available in various voltage and amperage configurations. Choose the version that matches your lithium battery bank’s charge profile.
Inverter Integration
The AGT6 is not directly connected to your appliances. It charges your batteries, which then feed your inverter, allowing seamless AC power distribution onboard. As more and more consumers become available in 24V and 48V DC, the AGT6’s ability to efficiently charge high-voltage battery banks becomes even more valuable, as it can support both AC systems via the inverter and emerging DC loads that can draw power directly from the batteries.
Professional Installation
We recommend that installation be performed by certified marine electricians or experienced builders to ensure proper wiring, grounding, and load balancing.
Real-World Application: AGT6 in Modern Hybrid Boats
A growing number of electric-hybrid boat designs rely on lithium battery banks to power everything from propulsion to house loads. In a typical setup, a 38-foot hybrid catamaran might be equipped with a 600Ah lithium battery bank. The AGT6 can be integrated into the vessel’s energy management system and programmed to start based on input from a Battery Management System (BMS), for example, when the battery state of charge drops below 20%. This kind of setup can lead to:
- Noticeable fuel savings
- Reduced generator run time
- A quieter and more comfortable experience for guests and crew
Operators often report faster charging, minimal noise during operation, and the reassurance that extended anchoring is possible without needing to run the main engine.
Why a Generator Is Still Essential – Even with Lithium Batteries
Many assume that lithium batteries remove the need for a generator. The reality is this:
- Solar and wind aren’t always consistent
- Battery banks have limits
- Unplanned power draws (e.g., running air conditioners or electric cooking) can drain capacity faster than expected
- Outboard engines aren’t designed for charging and create safety concerns
The AGT6 solves all of these problems, acting as an intelligent, low-noise, auto-managed power source that keeps your system charged without compromise.
Ready to Upgrade?
Whether you’re designing a hybrid boat from scratch or upgrading your existing energy system, integrating lithium batteries with our AGT6 Generator ensures you’re equipped with a modern, quiet, and fuel-efficient backup system.
Contact us at 1-800-508-6494 or browse the AGT6 DC Marine Generator here to learn more.
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