Retrofitting a lithium battery in the VW T5/T6 California – Greater self-sufficiency when camping off-grid

Anyone wanting to camp off-grid in their VW California T5 or T6 will quickly reach the limits of the standard AGM batteries. A cool box, auxiliary heater, and USB charging ports usually drain the batteries after just one or two days. Upgrading to a modern **lithium battery (LiFePO4)** under the driver's seat solves this problem.

### Why LiFePO4 instead of AGM?
1. **Double Usable Capacity**: AGM batteries should only be discharged to 50% to avoid damage. Lithium batteries can be discharged almost completely (up to 90%).
2. **Weight saving**: A lithium battery weighs less than half as much as an AGM battery with the same capacity.
3. **Fast Charging**: LiFePO4 batteries absorb the charging current much faster – the battery charges significantly faster while driving.

### Installation under the driver's seat
In the VW T5, T6 and T6.1 California, the second battery is installed horizontally under the driver's seat. Thanks to special housing designs, modern 100Ah or even 150Ah lithium batteries fit perfectly into this holder without requiring any modifications to the cables.

In our next guide, we'll show you the exact installation steps and what you need to pay attention to when choosing a charging booster.