How will 3.2V LiFePo4 batteries affect performance?

[EasyD]

Hello friends. So, I recently purchased a Nicron L71 flashlight, and was so impressed with its performance and features, I immediately bought two more for my dad and brother (who are both flashlight enthusiasts). Because of its versatility, I'd like to make this my dedicated car flashlight, i.e. kept in my center console. Problem is, living in sunny S. Florida, a parked car can heat up quite a bit. I'm thinking of switching out the 3.7V Li-ion battery with a LiFePO4, which possesses much greater thermal tolerance/stability: problem is, they seem to come only in 3.2V. How will this likely affect the performance of my flashlight, assuming it will still work at all? Thanks,
Easy

 

[bluflaam777]

IMO, you're making a good choice with the LiFePO4 cells. The light should work just fine, albeit with a volt lower starting point.
There's always a trade-off with different chemistry. The lithium iron phosphate is going to be much more stable and ask for less maintenance in the long run. Perfect for what you're doing. -IMO

 

[Macgravy]

You should check with Nicron. I looked up the model. It shows USB C charging port. I didn't see anything about the type of battery installed in the light. If it is set up to charge Lion, then it probably isn't advisable to install a LiFePO4 type battery since they are lower voltage. I would check with the manufacturer.

 

[vicv]

It may not run very well or at all. Generally lights that use a lifepo4 battery have a boost driver. Your light may work, but will probably be quite a bit less right. You'll have to find out. In all honesty if you're looking at a flashlight to keep in a hot vehicle, you should be looking at using lithium primary cells and an appropriate light.

 

[EasyD]

Thanks all. So, I first found some quality 3.2V LiFePO4 18650s, but only in flat top. I stuck a small (but quite strong) neodymium magnet on the positive terminal to make it compatible, and I'm happy to say that there is very little difference in light output, barely perceptible. After an ***-load of searching, I finally found some button-top LiFePO4s, so, hopefully, problem solved. I now have a new flashlight with every desirable feature I can think of for a dedicated, on-the-go car flashlight. Highly recommend, if anyone else is looking for a light with similar versatility/utility.