Recent content by webfootguy

I would add http://a123rc.com/ as selling A123 20Ah cells as well (but I don't know their source). The pictures show "made in Korea". Phil H.

The M1 cells are "hard" to solder to directly. You need high heat and high thermal mass to heat the end quickly and solder the tab to it. If you heat it more than a few seconds, the insides of the cell get too hot (some of the internals are plastic) and they melt damaging the cell. The damage...

Here is what I would do: 1) charge all cells to 3.65 until current drops to C/20. You can do this cell by cell or in a big parallel group if you have good temporary connetions. Let cells rest for 24 hours. Measure voltage again. Good cells will still be 3.45 to 3.5 while marginal cells will...

The reality is that A123Systems has about 5 months of cash on hand (go read their shareholder reports). If they do not find more financing or reduce costs (layoffs, drop products,etc.) or suddenly sign a big contract with up front $$, they will probably go Chapter 11 in 6 to 12 months. This...

I have a Twike designed in the mid 90's. It weights 520lbs with 112lbs of battery (and no driver or passengers). It is made from aircraft aluminum and plastic. Not as fancy as the Aptera but highly efficient for a commuter vehicle. I have some pictures that were taken at the factory in...

Has anyone seen or used this new battery monitor device called the BVM-8s? It showed up on ebay this week. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200682907061

I just noticed that someone is selling 50 of the A123 20Ah pouch cells on ebay (with full tabs). Price is a very reasonable $34.75 plus shipping (expensive shipping unless you buy lots). They are listing them as NEW but in the picture I would have my doubts as the cell looks like it has had at...

Thanks to those that attended and took the opportunity to support EV's and meet Chris Paine. It was cold and wet outside but warm and friendly inside.

Looking forward to your analysis of how it did ;-)

Just a quick note to folks local to Portland, Oregon area. The movie "Revenge of the Electric Car" that is a follow on to "Who killed the Electric Car" will be shown starting Friday, 11/4/2011 at 7pm and 7:30pm at the Hollywood Theater. There is a EV Road rally scheduled just prior to the...

The way I read the specs, the lowest scale is 0 ~ 199.9 mOhm and each digit of the scale is 0.1 mOhm which should be plenty of resolution for any cell under 1 mOhm. I'm not confusing accuracy with resolution here (I have no idea how accurate it is but it appears to have the resolution needed)...

Hey, I charge at 425 Volts every day off a 120 volt mains on my TWIKE. It was designed for 240v mains from Europe and was converted to 120v by using a 1-2 step up transformer (internally mounted) but with a bit of work, I can put in a J1772 and charge faster off the free chargers going up all...

I bought mine already converted to US standards and with a VIN number. The VIN number is critical to getting a legal Title and plates from DMV and *insurance* (required in most states to legally drive on the roads). In Oregon it is registered as a motorcycle so Insurance is cheap. I toyed...

I have one and I rebuilt my battery packs. Because the charger and controller are integrated and proprietory, homemade lithium solutions are a challenge. Factory lithium solution is available but about 10k.

I bought a couple of 20 Ah A123 pouch cells, some M1 cells, and some 18650 cells to test. All arrived as described and since they take paypal, I felt protected from fraud. Ok in my book.