LiFePO4 Batteries: Discussion Thread

[dobryan]

I'd be willing to buy the Overkill for the customer support but I cannot wait an indeterminate amount of time. I ordered the Aliexpress version above.

Thanks!
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[Howesight]

I purchased the same BMS that Overkill sells, but from a local guy here in the Vancouver area who buys bulk orders of LiFePo4 cells, BMS units, etc from China and sells them as components or complete, assembled batteries.

I am happy with my BMS, but I now know exactly why the Overkill unit is so popular:

1. You get exactly what you thought you would get;
2. You get excellent tech assistance from Overkill (according to the people reviewing them);
3. You can get customized output wiring from them; and
4. The most important aspect - - they have an excellent manual!!! The manual addresses theory of operation, installation, and most important for me, how to use the Bluetooth capability of the BMS.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[fxr]

Aargh! Finally got a tracking number for Fedex from the Chinese seller - having ordered these 280Ah cells back on Dec 29th. Yup, they arrived over here in the US in February, got to within two miles of my house then vanished 400 miles away in San Dimas. Now in dispute with Aliexpress, as only the sender can claim a refund from Fedex.

Very cross, as I have all the rest of the installation done, just waiting for the battery. Loads of trips planned. Grr...

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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

Placing my AliExpress order and is there really a benefit to paying nearly $200 more for 120ah pack?

Are Grade A really worth it between these two packs?

Grade A US Ship - $442 ($339 for China ship)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001028578361.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.5.390ec0dcWcx2I9

VariCore pack China ship - $270.48
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001573306086.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.115a3c00EDwTll&mp=1

[Rorke]

My order for 12v BMS was just canceled by seller. (Overkill Solar)
I tried to get a Daly, but it was a baitnswitch with an old model.

Does anyone know where I can get 2 12v BMS like the Overkill? or an alternative?
They are the missing pieces to the project.

Thanks

[xoo00oox]

[Howesight]

[Christopholi]

[fxr]

[shagginwagon83]

My 310aH CATL cells came in from Shenzhen Basen Technology Co., Ltd.

Order placed on 2/15/21 and came in 4/7/21.

Everything looks good. These came with studs already applied to the cells. Also has anyone ever heard liquid in their cells? This is first I've heard liquid inside them.

All voltages are 3.27 but that doesn't mean much. They're in parallel and being top balanced right now.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[fxr]

[kguarnotta]

I think studs are the standard now? Mine essentially had a threaded insert on the top, along with some studs that you thread on with an allen wrench. I ended up ordering some shorter studs, to help with clearance between the lid and the batteries.
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[Howesight]

My 280A/h cells came with M6 studs. Upon looking at the terminals, it is clear that the flat surfaces on the terminals handle all the current and the studs (or bolts) only press your wire end terminals against the cell terminals.

That being so, I used a dab of blue Loctite on the bottom of each stud before screwing the stud into the cell terminal.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[shagginwagon83]

[Rorke]

Where we at with this?!? This is sweet![/quote]

Jokeraus is the man for sure. He is still working on it to my knowledge.

I am working on a similar project. But I think that the box can be a little bigger.
Certainly it can be made taller, but then you would need to add a false floor to raise the level. The trade off would be a thinner mattress over new level.

There is another thread where a Samba guy, Duncan, has reworked the throttle and coolant lines. He has increased this space by 50%. That is huge.
I don't have the time or skills to do that. Maybe if it was January.

I am trying to fit in the Start battery as well. Slightly smaller Optima brand with sufficient cold cranking amps. My aux battery is identical 280ah.

Here are the basics to understand.
The box is deeper on the drivers side. The Passenger side is blocked by the starter. I would trust Jokeraus's dimensions.
The box can be cut to about 39" athwartships (across-way).
The fore-aft length looks to max out at about 11.5"
Depth is variable as mentioned.

It is going to get warm in this space. not hot. It is fine for gasoline (syncro has tank there). It might be nice for aux battery charging as is should get up to temp faster.

[shagginwagon83]

That is super rad and would make use of empty space. However I intended to later down the road switch to SubaruGears trans. So that upgrade will have to wait for me.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[shagginwagon83]

I don't know if I recommend the 310aH cells from Shenzen. After investigation it seems the original QR code was scratched off.

From my research EVE 280ah (or 272ah) cells are the best - however you're going to be paying twice as much for that quality. Second best would be the Lishen 272aH.

I'm going to capacity test my 310aH CATL and will keep you guys posted. If you're interested in researching cell brands/sellers I'd recommend the DIYSolar forum.

Here is the thread talking about 310aH CATL cells from Shenzen Basen https://diysolarforum.com/threads/catl-310ah-grade-a-prismatic-cells-from-basen.17359/page-5
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[fxr]

Thanks for that, noted.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

Prices are starting to skyrocket.

[shagginwagon83]