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Did LiFePO4 cells get this cheap?

chicagoted

chicagoted

New Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2020
Messages
26
Location
Chicago IL USA
chicagoted said:
This looks like an absolute deal, assuming these cells are halfway decent. Just ordered a set, we’ll see what turns up and when.

a.aliexpress.com

280.0US $ |4pcs Varicore 3.2v 90ah Lifepo4 Battery Can For 12v Batteries Lithium-iron Phospha 90000mah Can Make Boat Batteries - Battery Packs - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
a.aliexpress.com a.aliexpress.com

$200 for four cells, 90ah... these have got to be B grade cells that didn’t make the 100ah rating, right?
Click to expand...

Why didn't you ask the seller before you ordered them? I would be more concerned they are matched. Having said that as long as the cells are reasonably matched and you get 90 amps I would say it's a good deal. Especially since shipping was included. Good luck and please update this thread when you receive them.
 
Gazoo said:
Why didn't you ask the seller before you ordered them? I would be more concerned they are matched. Having said that as long as the cells are reasonably matched and you get 90 amps I would say it's a good deal. Especially since shipping was included. Good luck and please update this thread when you receive them.
Click to expand...
My experience asking questions before an order has not been great on AliExpress (normally unanswered or just repeats what's in the ad copy). That being said these had good reviews so I'm hoping it turns out well. Will definitely update once I receive them.
 
Ampster said:
I calculates to $176 per kWhr. In larger volumes I have seen prices as low as $116 per kWh.
Click to expand...

Oh, I'm sure if I was buying a pallet of cells they would be much cheaper (nb, I would really love to do this and set up some 48V home powerwall stuff).

But it seems like things went quickly from Battleborn ($1k) to Calb cells ($700) to other cells ($500) to these (sub-$200) for the 12v 90Ah home gamer versions. Really looking forward to putting these in my RV and hooking up my solar panels. If these work out well I will definitely double the capacity.
 
chicagoted said:
My experience asking questions before an order has not been great on AliExpress (normally unanswered or just repeats what's in the ad copy). That being said these had good reviews so I'm hoping it turns out well. Will definitely update once I receive them.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I asked if the cells were matched capacity on the AliExpress chat last night and they responded that they were.

I also bought this BMS from the same store. Has anyone else used it? Have a better option? After looking closely at this one it does not appear to connect via bluetooth, which is disappointing. Should have read the description better!
www.aliexpress.com

20.0US $ 20% OFF|4s 12v Bms 60a 150a 3.2v Lifepo4 Lithium Battery Pack For Energy Storage Solar System Pcb With Balance - Battery Accessories & Charger Accessories - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com
 
ruster34 said:
holy smokes... $52each for 200AH (and with the gall to say they are 202AH hahaha)

This product is no longer available.

This product is no longer available.
www.alibaba.com
Click to expand...
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Lf280 3.2v Lifepo4 High Capacity 280ah Rechargeable Batteries Lipo4 Battery Bank Prismatic Cell For Energy Storage Solar Ev Car - Buy Lf280 3.2v 280ah Rechargeable Lithium Battery 3.2v 280ah Lifepo4 Battery Cell lifepo4 3.2v Prismatic Cell Product on Alibaba.com
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So what are everyone's thoughts on using 24V in an RV in lieu of 12V?

I'm assembling this first pack for 12V 90Ah. Simplicity would tell me to put a second set in to double my capacity to 180Ah and keep the wiring "simple" but physically larger. Moving the leisure batteries to 24V would make some things more difficult (getting off the shelf components, figuring out charging from the alternator or genset) but would make the wiring around the batteries easier...

Also looking for a plug-in wall charger that I can use while on shore/genset power. I don't trust the built-in 3A charger to play nicely.
 
chicagoted said:
So what are everyone's thoughts on using 24V in an RV in lieu of 12V?

I'm assembling this first pack for 12V 90Ah. Simplicity would tell me to put a second set in to double my capacity to 180Ah and keep the wiring "simple" but physically larger. Moving the leisure batteries to 24V would make some things more difficult (getting off the shelf components, figuring out charging from the alternator or genset) but would make the wiring around the batteries easier...

Also looking for a plug-in wall charger that I can use while on shore/genset power. I don't trust the built-in 3A charger to play nicely.
Click to expand...

I struggled with this question as well but after deciding that I wanted 1260 watts of solar on my 5th wheel it made the decision easy so I could fully use the solar charge controller and use the thinner gauge wire that I already have.
 
Tball said:
I struggled with this question as well but after deciding that I wanted 1260 watts of solar on my 5th wheel it made the decision easy so I could fully use the solar charge controller and use the thinner gauge wire that I already have.
Click to expand...
Ah, you went 24V then. Do you have capability to charge from shore power? I assume you aren't using the 7 pin connector to charge from the alternator...?

FWIW I picked up 2.1 kW of solar panels (10 @ 210W each, 24V) from an outfit in Michigan City IN for dirt cheap and was looking to put at least 3 of them on the RV's roof. Might have room for up to 5 if I'm creative.
 
Last edited:
I will have the ability to charge from solar power once I get my new converter and autoswitch. From what I've read on here Lithium needs more power than the 20 gauge power wire can provide on the connector so many are making direct connectors from the alternator to their RV using 1/0 or 2/0 wire and a beefy connector.
 
I’ve got a 15 amp disconnect between the alternator and the leisure battery in the RV under the hood with 12 gauge wire running to the back.
 
chicagoted said:
FWIW, I asked if the cells were matched capacity on the AliExpress chat last night and they responded that they were.

I also bought this BMS from the same store. Has anyone else used it? Have a better option? After looking closely at this one it does not appear to connect via bluetooth, which is disappointing. Should have read the description better!
www.aliexpress.com

20.0US $ 20% OFF|4s 12v Bms 60a 150a 3.2v Lifepo4 Lithium Battery Pack For Energy Storage Solar System Pcb With Balance - Battery Accessories & Charger Accessories - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com
Click to expand...

Did they know if they were grade A? I saw the reviews. I think you will be fine....just have to wait and see. And of course 99% of the time batteries can be found cheaper on alibaba.

The BMS is cheap price wise and I didn't see anything about bluetooth in the description. Overkill Solar sells good ones if you can spare $115.00. He is a member of this forum and provides great support.


You can find the same one on aliexpress for less but you won't get the support he offers.
 
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