Li90-20k vs Vertiv EXS-V 20 kVA
The Xtreme Power Li90-20k and the Vertiv EXS-V 20 kVA are both online double-conversion three-phase UPS for critical facility infrastructure. The EXS-V is a compact standalone UPS typically paired with an external VRLA battery strategy; the Li90 integrates lithium modules in a compact cabinet to improve lifecycle performance, raise power density, and reduce long-term maintenance.
Why engineers evaluate the Li90
- Integrated lithium (LiFePO₄) battery modules — no external cabinets
- Up to 15-year battery design life
- Online efficiency of 94.5%
- Compact 12.6-inch cabinet — higher power density
- Greater internal runtime without external battery cabinets
- Roughly one-third the installed weight
- Designed for retrofit modernization
20 kVA / 20 kW three-phase UPS comparison
| Feature | Xtreme Power Li90-20k | Vertiv EXS-V 20 kVA | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS architecture | Lithium-integrated compact standalone | Compact standalone with external VRLA strategy | Both compact standalone |
| Capacity | 20 kVA / 20 kW (unity PF) | 20 kVA / 20 kW (unity PF) | Equal usable capacity |
| Topology | Online double-conversion | Online double-conversion | Equivalent protection |
| Battery technology | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) | VRLA (lead-acid) | Li90 — extended lifecycle |
| Battery design life | Up to 15 years | Typically 3–5 years | Li90 — fewer replacements |
| Internal runtime | 15 min (2 modules) / 22 min (3 modules) | 11 minutes | Li90 — greater internal runtime |
| Runtime expansion | Integrated modular lithium | External battery cabinets typically required | Li90 — simplified planning |
| Online efficiency | 94.5% | 93.4% | Li90 — higher efficiency |
| Cabinet width | 12.6 in | 23.6 in | Li90 — higher power density |
| Installed weight | 387 lb (2 battery modules) | >1,200 lb (by configuration) | Li90 — reduced installation burden |
| Installation model | Retrofit modernization | Conventional replacement | Li90 — simplified upgrade |
Specifications based on publicly available manufacturer data; verify against current Vertiv documentation. Both are online double-conversion; the Li90 uses LiFePO₄.
Choosing between them
Many facilities still run VRLA-based three-phase UPS that need periodic battery replacement, environmental conditioning, and ongoing maintenance. The Li90 is evaluated as a modernization path — integrated lithium for longer service life, a compact cabinet for better electrical-room utilization, and reduced maintenance intervention versus a conventional VRLA platform like the EXS-V.
Choose the Li90 if you need
- Integrated lithium with long service life and low maintenance
- A compact footprint and higher power density
- Internal runtime without external battery cabinets
- A retrofit-oriented modernization path
- Reduced installation burden (much lighter system)
Choose the Vertiv EXS-V if you need
- Standardization on Vertiv / VRLA battery infrastructure
- A conventional capacity-replacement project
- Alignment with an existing Vertiv installed-base ecosystem
Related Li90 comparisons
Plan your three-phase UPS modernization
Xtreme Power supports facility engineers and planners with lithium UPS modernization strategy, lifecycle cost modeling, and retrofit planning.