Budget 90ah 48v lifepo4 battery build (under a grand)

[Pat911]

Good idea, and far cheaper than killing a Leaf module if things go haywire.

[augiedoggy]

if I were going to build another pack tomorrow I might try using 4 of these for a larger pack. https://batteryhookup.com/products/2...enclosure-fans

They also have the 24ah pack for $99 ..a person could build a 48v 96ah pack with 2 bms for around $700

[Volt_Ampere]

Those could be a good deal for a Budget pack. Good used cells are not that easy to find as they are in high demand.

[Bdub24]

I have studied this thread over and over and now diving into YouTube videos... I have virtually no training or knowledge of electricity... but I have a used cart that I bought for cheap as well...I have enjoyed creating/modifying/improving everything on it from welding frame reinforcements to a custom suspension design. 2 years ago I installed 2 chevy volt battery sections in parallel ~48v 100 amp hrs and followed step by step instructions to get the job done but I forgot to set my controller to cut off at low voltage...my kids ran it dead and now my favorite projects can only go 5 miles... so I'm back at the drawing board and am ready to pull the trigger on some batteries but don't want a drop in b/c nothing on this cart is drop in and I simply can't afford it.

All that being said would you still say go with the bigger packs or the batters you went with?...also any other changes you would recommend to simplify the unit for a beginner builder?

[augiedoggy]

Originally Posted by Bdub24

I have studied this thread over and over and now diving into YouTube videos... I have virtually no training or knowledge of electricity... but I have a used cart that I bought for cheap as well...I have enjoyed creating/modifying/improving everything on it from welding frame reinforcements to a custom suspension design. 2 years ago I installed 2 chevy volt battery sections in parallel ~48v 100 amp hrs and followed step by step instructions to get the job done but I forgot to set my controller to cut off at low voltage...my kids ran it dead and now my favorite projects can only go 5 miles... so I'm back at the drawing board and am ready to pull the trigger on some batteries but don't want a drop in b/c nothing on this cart is drop in and I simply can't afford it.

All that being said would you still say go with the bigger packs or the batters you went with?...also any other changes you would recommend to simplify the unit for a beginner builder?

I do not yet have my battery in my cart, I am still building/modifying thing on mine and it's been in the 20s here.. I am heading up to Canada for training on a new product at work for a couple weeks so realistically I may not have my pack in use till March. I prefer the 16 cell prismatic lifepo4 so far though as I've used them I n my rv solar battery pack with good results and the lifepo4 chemistry is a bit safer IMO.

[DaveTM]

Originally Posted by Bdub24

I have studied this thread over and over and now diving into YouTube videos... I have virtually no training or knowledge of electricity... but I have a used cart that I bought for cheap as well...I have enjoyed creating/modifying/improving everything on it from welding frame reinforcements to a custom suspension design. 2 years ago I installed 2 chevy volt battery sections in parallel ~48v 100 amp hrs and followed step by step instructions to get the job done but I forgot to set my controller to cut off at low voltage...my kids ran it dead and now my favorite projects can only go 5 miles... so I'm back at the drawing board and am ready to pull the trigger on some batteries but don't want a drop in b/c nothing on this cart is drop in and I simply can't afford it.

All that being said would you still say go with the bigger packs or the batters you went with?...also any other changes you would recommend to simplify the unit for a beginner builder?

I highlight 2 of the above comments. I think Chevy Volt batteries are similar to Nissan Leaf and both are Lith-Ion.

If your pack has a cell that dropped below the minimum charge....and from your statement of "only going 5 miles" I would suggest that you no longer charge or use these batteries, and dispose of them ASAP. Replace them with a set that can do what you want....along with a good Battery Management System.

Thermal runaway during a charge can cause catastrophic damage via a fire that won't go out. If your charging inside your home the results could be devastating and loss of property and perhaps life could result.

Not worth it IMHO.

[augiedoggy]

Originally Posted by DaveTM

I highlight 2 of the above comments. I think Chevy Volt batteries are similar to Nissan Leaf and both are Lith-Ion.

If your pack has a cell that dropped below the minimum charge....and from your statement of "only going 5 miles" I would suggest that you no longer charge or use these batteries, and dispose of them ASAP. Replace them with a set that can do what you want....along with a good Battery Management System.

Thermal runaway during a charge can cause catastrophic damage via a fire that won't go out. If your charging inside your home the results could be devastating and loss of property and perhaps life could result.

Not worth it IMHO.

I believe we all discussed this in another thread already which is why he's looking for a replacement.

[Bdub24]

Thanks...it has been brought to my attention...I have a battery management system in place but without a low voltage cutoff... none of the batteries swelled or changed in shape...and I only charge outdoors under my observation...do you think it is still unsafe to store these batteries in my cart in my garage when not charging?

[Volt_Ampere]

I absolutely would not mess with any Lithium batteries that have been over discharged! Too big a risk and it's just not worth it. Junk them and get replacements.

[Pat911]

Originally Posted by augiedoggy

I believe we all discussed this in another thread already which is why he's looking for a replacement.

I think that was a different member. Those were Leaf cells and were over discharged because the cart was out of service for an extended period. Either way, same point applies. Stop using the pack immediately to eliminate a risk of fire.