LiFePO4 battery maker (US)

[superman879]

Hello,

I'm looking for prebuilt battery packs for my small boat. I understand the new battery to use are the LiFePO4 battery because they last longer and are lighter. The problem is they are also very expensive compared to the old lead acid. I've searched google and it seems most of the online vendors are based in China or Hong Kong. I don have the expertise to build a battery from scratch so I want to buy a prebuilt, ready to use pack from a US maker so I can get support. I looked around and found a company called Bioenno Power in California that has some LiFePO4 battery at a price that I can stomach. I've called them and the sales people seem knowledgeable. My question is, has anyone used this company's stuff before? What are some other US battery maker I should look at (not looking for wholesale places but actual companies)?

Thanks to anyone that replies.

[roetter]

Balqon lists these.

Balqon Electric Vehicles Manufacturer

60Ah - $300.

I don't know what is inside. Download the brochure on the same page and see what it says.

I have just put together 8 x 160Ah Balqon cells for a friend and was able to get 185 Ahs out of it in testing. So in real life these are good to deliver 160Ahs for the user and still be away from the danger points at the end. From 160Ah lead acid under cruising conditions you can only count on about 50Ahs usable.

I just tested my own installation of LiFePO a few weeks ago and was able to recharge while motoring from 205 Ahs down to fully charged in 3 hours using the 115A alternator.

I would not recommend buying the 'ready batteries' though. You can not check on the individual cells, which is vital to see if they are drifting apart. If so it is quite simple to correct that.

I guess it is time for all the 'early adopters' of these for house banks to get tother to write and publish a 'How to guide' for the electrically challenged sailors. You can do it very complicated and comfortable or very simple with some manual intervention.

[Zil]

EVTV Motor Verks Store

[senormechanico]

I have been waiting for eight 400 aH cells from Balqon since late MAY !!
They have the 50% down payment and promised delivery in 6 weeks.
It's impossible to communicate with them, as they hide behind an answering machine.
Beware of Balqon.

[DeepFrz]

Well, the batteries are apparently made by SOL industries, so I guess you are SOL...

[senormechanico]

The factory is in China, as all the others are as well.

[vRUN]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

(in China)... as all the others are as well.

EV Lithium-Ion Battery List Topped By LG Chem, Johnson Controls, & AESC

...I am afraid you are right nevertheless

[tomtriad]

Genasun | Power + Efficiency + Reliability down to a science.

American LiFePo4 battery maker, as well as charge controllers for all types of dc installations.

MIT engineer owner makes them.

[senormechanico]

Our home's backup power supply order for 8 400 aH cells took a long time.
Then Balqon's CEO heard from me.
Within a week we got upgraded to 8 700 aH cells.
It was worth the wait!

[roetter]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

Our home's backup power supply order for 8 400 aH cells took a long time. Then Balqon's CEO heard from me. Within a week we got upgraded to 8 700 aH cells. It was worth the wait!

Balqon acted professionally when my 8 250Ah cells only delivered 180Ah each. They sent me 8 180Ah cells at shipping cost only. Ordered my 8 700 Ah cells last week. Apparently, they have been picked up the next day and should arrive this week. They appear to have some employees that need to be fired. I had delay problems with certain individuals there too. No answers for long stretches of time. Nothing happens for a while. Samra is the one who makes things happen.