Anyone using lithium batteries?

[interstate]

Is anyone using lithium batteries of any kind? I'd love to hear about it, good or bad.

[Revolution]

I would love to run lithium. But the safe ones are too much money. I can't justify 3 to 5 thousand on batteries and chargers.

[benjylafond]

There is a thread on using the Nissan Leaf Batteries in the EZGO Section. Cost using these batteries seems comparable to Lead Acid based on my conversations with owner of company that sells them.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...sion-lipo.html

[sportcoupe]

I plan on building my next cart with Calb lifepo4 batteries.

http://en.calb.cn/Product/?id-116.html

[caokgafamily]

So Sport,

What do thing its going to cost you? We talking 48volt? So I guess you need a special charger and the Lith batts? Thats it.

Thanks,
Steve

[sportcoupe]

Cost? Probably expensive.

Yes I need a special charger and possibility a BMS (battery monitoring system) depending on what type of balancing I choose (top balancing verses bottom balancing). I like Quick Charge on board charger and luckily they can provide one with a lithium charge algorithm.

[Peachtree]

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!

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

I plan on building my next cart with Calb lifepo4 batteries.

http://en.calb.cn/Product/?id-116.html

Changed plans and will be using Nissan Leaf batteries, much cheaper then the Calb's in the same capacity.

Here's what 120AH, 48V worth of lithium looks like. 120 lbs total.

[interstate]

More details, please, Sportcoupe. Prices? Source?

I'm about to pull the trigger on batteries and need to decide real quick if I am buying lead acid or going lithium.

Most importantly, I am interested in the battery management needs and component pricing for batteries and bms.

What is the battery configuration, how many cells in series/parallel?

I happen to fly radio controlled model airplanes and helicopters. I have an iCharger 4010 duo lithium charger that can really pack a punch and monitor up to 10s battery packs. I wonder if this charger would be usable. It is capable of 70 amps output and is smaller than a package of hotdog buns.

Check it out at buddyrc.com

Tyler

[sportcoupe]

http://hybridautocenter.com/HAC4/ind...ies&Itemid=605