Lithium ion batteries
 

Has anyone here attempted to use 6 8V or 4 12V lithium ion batteries in series to run a 48V cart? Seems like a good idea on face and would get rid of at least 300 pounds. Thoughts?

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

Look at these prices...http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/...m-ion-battery/

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

Roll Tide - here is a link to an EZGO TXT cart I just finished with a lithium pack. The second link is about the lithium pack in my own cart. The third link is to Hybrid Auto Center where I got the packs.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...m-upgrade.html

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...y-upgrade.html

http://www.hybridautocenter.com/HAC4...ing&Itemid=605

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

Diy'er pouches.
48v 60ah <$500 120ah <$1k
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232078430715...84.m1555.l2649

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

I got my pack from Hybrid Auto Center. Saved 250 pounds but made my wallet a lot lighter. Not cheap but they work great.

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

There's also a safety issue here. If not charged properly and monitored while doing so they can explode and catch fire. This is not uncommon either - the charger can malfunction, battery cell can fail get punctured, etc...

I run a lot of 1/8th and 1/5th hobby grade (not toys from walmart / radio shack) that use Lithium batteries - I've seen a number of guys packs explode and catch fire - and they've maintained them correctly. I charge mine in a double sealed fiberglass pouch (so if they explode thats all that happens - contains the fire)

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

These batteries are not the same as those for model use. I use both. A proper battery monitor is required to go with these batteries. The monitor gives you a backup if the charger doesn't shut down properly. It monitors all of the cells and won't let any overcharge. All of the fully electric cars out there use some form of Lithium battery with very few problems.

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

Sounds amazing. How difficult was the project? Is it something a normal guy can handle or does it take a degree in electrical engineering? What else did you have to buy/build in addition to the kit with charger and Orion bms?

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

Also another question :

In your pictures you show some kind of cross hatched metal on the outside of the modules. I think you said you fabricated that yourself? What is the purpose of it, and do you have to have that, in order do this installation?

About how thick is that metal?

Is that fancy metal piece, on all 4 ends of the modules, or just a total of 2?

Are you willing to give the specks you used to make those?

Thanks.

Re: Lithium ion batteries
 

All you really need are the batteries, BMS, Charger. I upgraded motor and controller as well. It helps to know what you are doing - and you have to be careful working on batteries. Lots of stored energy!