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Old 04-20-2014, 06:37 PM   #7
Peachtree
Not Yet Wild
 
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Club Car
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Peachtree City GA
Posts: 3
Default Re: Anyone using lithium batteries?

Sorry I am a little late to this party...

I have 2 carts - Both Club Car DS, 48V IQ series. One is still FLA and the other is LiFePO4.

The lithium cart's specs:
  • 48v (51v nominal)
  • 60Ah
  • 100 lbs battery weight
  • BMS to monitor state of charge
  • CAN charger
  • 48v to 12v converter
  • All stock motor / controller (Speed 4)
  • All stock rims/tires/suspension
  • 22 mile range to 15% remaining charge with 290lbs load (not going to tell you how many passenger to make that load! :))

The cart is very quick compared to my FLA cart. I live in a hilly area, and it definitely moves up the hills quickly. I compared it to my FLA (regen disabled cart) side by side, and it pulls away on acceleration and up hills.

Next on my to-do list:
  • Mount the charger permanently in the cart with a retractable wall cord
  • Upgrade the controller / motor (starting with the controller - I'll go from there)
  • Install a home-made speed sensor divider circuit (removes speed limit and regen)
  • May ditch the voltage converter and run a 12v motorcycle battery for lighting - time will tell
  • Install front disc brakes / rims and tires
  • Paint and other "pretties"

If you are interested, here is where I sourced my batteries:
http://www.batteryspace.com/lifepo4cellspacks.aspx

Please note - The BMS is essential! I tried to get by with some of their cheaper solutions... don't do it. If you are like me, the wife lets me do this this as long as she can "set it and forget it" .

If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer!
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