Value Conversion Batteries

[George S.]

I think batteries are the critical component on an ebike. With a kit, there are more options. Since a nice BBS02, Golden, or MAC motor can be had for around $300 -$500, what battery can you get for under $500, to keep the thing around $1000? If you have a bike to convert, or can dig something up, the final price can be very low. But I think you end up with an extremely capable bike for a great price:

Two batteries I own. Information in the graphics.

In Blue: The Sun LiFePO4, a battery you can find on Ebay, generally ocean freight from China

In Black: The Luna Cycle version of the shark pack, with high capacity Panasonic cells

 

[MLB]

Need more detail! Capacity and price?
Bigger batteries will become the "hop up" - "performance mod" going forward I think.
Thanks!

 

[George S.]

MLB

Click on the pictures. It's written on the batteries.

 

[MLB]

HOLY smoke that's cheap! And big!

 

[Bike_On]

George,

do you have the weights?

Good value here.

D

 

[George S.]

George,

do you have the weights?

Good value here.

D

Blue 13
Black 7.5 w/ cradle

 

[i-Zapp]

Here's a nice little summary, from two "George S" (I am one too!).

The reason for my visit to this thread is exactly this topic: finding a battery for my prospective ebike project. (and btw why does THIS site's spell check not recognize 'ebike' as a real word...) Anyways, I think I've settled on a 36v mid-drive system for my Specialized Rockhopper and need a slick battery. Ideally, something that looks the part (like the black 340o above) similar to a Haibike or the sort.

I guess I was hoping/expecting this site to have a nicely organized section just for batteries, since it's a component that many research and buy separately from the rest of their kits. Certainly not a criticism, maybe just an idea?

Any suggestions for a 36v battery? Need not be readily removable/swappable. But would like it to LOOK slick and purpose built. Mounted in the triangle. My intention is two 12 mile commutes per day, with re-charge in between if necessary.

thank you. great site.

name ---Pouch Batteries---NCR B 3400
make?------------Sun----------------Panasonic
color-------------blue------------------black
type-----------LiFePO4-----------complex NCR
volt--------------36 ---------------------48
Ah----------------15--------------------13.4
weight----------- 13 ------------------- 7.5
cost ------------$260-----------------$430
watt-hrs---------540-----------------640
watt-hr/lb------41.5------------------85.3
$/watt-hr------$0.48 --------------$0.67
link------- sun-ebike.com

 

[JoePah]

The price of reliable lightweight batteries is coming down....

I would tend to buy from a domestic supplier who will actually honor the warranty in reasonable fashion.

Luna Cycle has a lot of great buys.. Here is one.

http://lunacycle.com/batteries/packs/52v/52v-12-5ah-samsung-inr-18650-25r-52v-12-5ah-high-power/

• HIGH POWER 25r PACK
• 52 volts means more capacity and more power than 48volt
• Includes a Luna Voltage meter and battery gauge
• 52 volt 12.5 h = 560watt hours (read article on watt hours)
• 14s5p = 70 Genuine Samsung 25r 18650 cells (see breakdown on 18650 cells)
• 50amp continuous 80amp burst BMS
• Beefy XT-90's lead wire connectors with spark resistor! (included is female for controller)
• XT-60 connector for charging (charger plug included)
• 12.5 ah in a pack designed for high power
• Light Weight: 8,5 pounds
• Battery Dimensions: 11x4x4 inches
• Add a high quality Charger for wholesale price!

$499.95


Shipping:
$40.00 (Fixed shipping cost)

 

[George S.]

http://lunacycle.com

If you are locked into 36v this would be the choice from Luna, in a real case. EM3ev has come down on his battery prices, and he has some 36v Dolphins. His shipping can be high. The Chinese LiFePos may have had their run. They are big and the weight is about double the standard 18650 cells. I noticed they now have a 36v version of their really nice charger that will charge to 80 or 90 percent, and extend the life of the packs. I charge to 90%.

Up to now there hasn't been too much need to discuss batteries. Everyone was locked into very high prices. I'm not sure when the whole universe of retail batteries will come down to what we can guess the cell prices are. With the new motors, high discharge is another issue.

If you don't mind a heavy LiFePo on the back, or in a big triangle bag, there are several Chinese vendors who seem OK. I used this store front, top.pathfinder:

http://stores.ebay.com/cycling-2013...5093010&_sid=1025722010&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

When I ordered the battery, the 36v 15ah, nothing could touch the price. Three months for shipping. They aren't shipped hazmat.

Couldn't agree more that batteries matter, maybe more than motors. Good things are happening.

http://electric-fatbike.com/2016/01...ew-18650-cells-vs-alkalines-ncrb-shark-packs/

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

What Lunacycles has done is absolutely incredible.
Great batteries at such wonderful price. Way to go..

 

[George S.]

Ravi,

I bounced this off Eric at Luna. Bigger cells from LG, and a $145 per kWh price:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/samabue...-dominating-ev-battery-industry/#7eed6a1d144d

He didn't feel it would have too much impact. Still, Eric really turned the industry upside down, so you never know. The pace of change. It's very fast, and ebikes don't exist in isolation.

 

[J.R.]

@George S.

This is a perfect thread for you with all your knowledge of batteries, all you need do is remove the "Two" from the title.

Thanks for all the information and updates!

JR

 

[George S.]

@George S.

This is a perfect thread for you with all your knowledge of batteries, all you need do is remove the "Two" from the title.

Thanks for all the information and updates!

JR

Done!

 

[Bike_On]

http://lunacycle.com

If you are locked into 36v this would be the choice from Luna, in a real case. EM3ev has come down on his battery prices, and he has some 36v Dolphins. His shipping can be high. The Chinese LiFePos may have had their run. They are big and the weight is about double the standard 18650 cells. I noticed they now have a 36v version of their really nice charger that will charge to 80 or 90 percent, and extend the life of the packs. I charge to 90%.

Up to now there hasn't been too much need to discuss batteries. Everyone was locked into very high prices. I'm not sure when the whole universe of retail batteries will come down to what we can guess the cell prices are. With the new motors, high discharge is another issue.

If you don't mind a heavy LiFePo on the back, or in a big triangle bag, there are several Chinese vendors who seem OK. I used this store front, top.pathfinder:

http://stores.ebay.com/cycling-2013...5093010&_sid=1025722010&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

When I ordered the battery, the 36v 15ah, nothing could touch the price. Three months for shipping. They aren't shipped hazmat.

Couldn't agree more that batteries matter, maybe more than motors. Good things are happening.

http://electric-fatbike.com/2016/01...ew-18650-cells-vs-alkalines-ncrb-shark-packs/

Batteries have ALWAYS mattered more than the motor.

 

[Fotokot]

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists) bougt a second hand (like new) 350w (36v/10ah) bike for 400USD from the Pawnshop. I have a feeling the old battery is half-dead, due to aging..... It drives about 10km distance @Full (max) assist level. My question - how to verify the %% Health Level of the battery ?

 

[JoePah]

@Fotokot
So is the bike a 2011 model? If it's 4 years or older, the battery is pretty much shot. Those older designs just don't last as long. The battery should be around 43volts hot off the charger.. Give it a 12 hour charge, but it's probably shot.

You can either have someone rebuild the old battery, or buy a new one from a dealer.

 

[Fotokot]

@Fotokot
You can either have someone rebuild the old battery, or buy a new one from a dealer.

The charger shuts OFF after some 4 hrs (turns Red to Green), but after 12 hrs live connection, the battery output is still = 41.0 vols/ Not 43 :-( One day I will pry open the old BATT to try to rebuild it myself....no experience. Considtring a NEWer 15-20 AH @36 V. To keep my bike running. The road feeling is similar to riding a scooter.

 

[Bike_On]

A 36v lithium should be 42v MAX! 41v means it is easy on the battery and doesn't overcharge . I think your battery is likely weak due to age. I would open up the charger and look for a small potentiometer and tweet up the voltage to 41.5-8. That will get a little more range.

 

[JoePah]

Yep @Bike_On is right.. Some LiFePO4 chargers go to 43v+, but mostly it's 42V for older bikes.

Veribest Charger set to 43.8vDC.. My old A2B Metro charger was set to 42.5vDC.. But most are 42v or a little less.

http://www.amazon.com/VeriBest-36V-...d=1456222695&sr=8-1&keywords=veribest+charger

 

[Fotokot]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/36v-20ah-LiF...438502?hash=item2a604f55e6:g:eFUAAOSwa39U0cAv finally decided to buy the 20 ah @36v for 318.21USD on eBay
item # 182004438502 free shipping included. May be (+ some) custom charges later ?
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2016/02/25 17:29 51805525,China International item mailed in originating country
2016/02/29 13:30 CNCANA,China International item has left originating country and is en route to Canada