Converting to Lithium

[ncorry]

What is the process and what all is needed to convert a 48 volt cart currently running 8 6volt batteries to lithium? Recommendations on battery types, chargers, whatever the hell a BMS is, and any other tips and tricks, as well as traps to avoid.

I found some Li ion 48volt 45Ah 2KW batteries that came out of a Chevy Volt on eBay for what appears to be a reasonable price, $600. How many of these would be needed? I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, but i have very little clue on this.

If it matters, it will most likely be done t oa Bad Boy Buggy Classic.

[benjylafond]

Look at topslvette's and sportcoupe's thread on lithium conversions using the Nissan Leaf Hybrid batteries. Topslvette's has the info on where to buy them. I converted my 36v TXT to Lithium using the leaf batteries (60Ah). I would be concerned with run time at 45Ah.

[ncorry]

Thank you. The 45ah concerned me as well but I didn't know if using several of them would increase that rating.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by ncorry

Thank you. The 45ah concerned me as well but I didn't know if using several of them would increase that rating.

Connect the number of cells needed for the voltage you want in series, then connect second series string with the same number of cells in parallel with the first.


That would give you a 90AH pack.

[ncorry]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Connect the number of cells needed for the voltage you want in series, then connect second series string with the same number of cells in parallel with the first.


That would give you a 90AH pack.

Second series? Already over my head. If it takes two 48 volt, $600, 45ah batteries at about 40lbs each to get a bank at 48volt, 90ah, I think that's doable budget wise, but I am going to need a lithium version for dummies. The FLA batteries in it now are only a year old, but only have about a 10 mile range due to 4 wheel drive. Hoping that 2 or 3 lithiums at $600/ each could double that.

[DaveTM]

Well, when I look at "Elite Power Solutions" 100AH "Package" here http://elitepowersolutions.com/produ...roducts_id=164 you get the batteries plus a matching charger for a price of $3,225.

Now, if you go to the 200AH http://elitepowersolutions.com/produ...roducts_id=236 your up into some big bucks pricing.....like $6,895.....for that one.

But.....if I read their chart right http://elitepowersolutions.com/docs/...vs%20Speed.pdf and I set my controller to only give me say....a top speed of ten-mph, I should get well over 100 miles (according to them....200 miles) of travel out of one charge. And that's with the 100AH pack. Now, if that's the real case, then the money spent is probably worth it.

But again, I dunno how temp's such as 15 degrees has upon this. But even if that cut's the drive milage to 100, that's more than I'm going to go in one day. Other factors such as how much "stuck in the mud" energy will be consumed, and "how far is this mountain to the top" factor is also a consideration. In addition.....is the 200 mile rating....is that bring the battery down to the "brick" level where it's now worthless? Or is that where it is at the "must be charged now or it will be a brick" level?

Dave

[Hollerdog]

I just joined and dont know how to PM members yet. Sportcoupe, Do you still have the 6 Leaf lithium batteries?

[Oneunder]

Originally Posted by Hollerdog

I just joined and dont know how to PM members yet. Sportcoupe, Do you still have the 6 Leaf lithium batteries?

I can answer that for you because I asked him the same. He sold them on ebay.

As to the question of duration. My first LifePO4 pack I got for my ezgo is still going strong in the third year. I monitor the pack voltage during use and it has not dropped a bit since I got it. Zero maintenance is also a plus as my teenager drives it mostly.

I put leafs in my Clubcar and couldn't be happier. They are Magic. Time will tell how they do.

[UncleJerm76]

So jealous of you guys. My trojans are not giving up anytime soon, when they do ...I hope the prices of Lithiums have dropped to a point that I can afford.

[Volt_Ampere]

Keep in mind that you really have to know what you are doing to successfully run with Lithium batteries. They require balancing and the proper charger and you must NEVER run them down below their minimum voltage. The guys that have done it here have the knowledge. I plan do to this a few years in the future when my current FLA batteries need replacement. For now I am just studying what folks here are doing. I expect that there will be lots more good info and more batteries available by the time I am ready to convert.