First time ordering LFP Cells. Need Help!!!

[Tekz]

Hi everyone,

Looking for support and opinions ordering LFP cells for a 12v system. I am new and from Australia, local retailers are ridiculously expensive and won’t be an option. This has got my stressed with my money as I don’t want to invest in the wrong company and loose it.

Currently I have been talking to Docan Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Daisy Efast)

Are they a trustworthy seller and can I rely on them if any issues arise?

For EVE Grade A MB31 Cells
It is $479 AUD including DDP shipping

For EVE Grade A LF280K
It is $445 AUD including DDP shipping

Are these good prices or is one better than the other?

What questions should I be asking when talking to a representative?

Thanks in advance people

Update:

Just received my 4 EVE MB31 Cells today from Docan (Daisy) and they're flat, not bloated, QR Codes scan and voltages were all the same. Very happy with them and time they took to deliver. Hope this can help someone else out!

 

[robbob2112]

They are good - current us prices for 280ah cells is $85 each and for 314ah is $90... plus shipping most places.

I've ordered from these guys here and they were incredibly well packed eve grade cells - if they shipped there check the prices

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[42OhmsPA]

I've ordered 49 cells from Jenny Wu at Docan with no issues.

I don't know what cells go for down under, they seem a tad high for current prices stateside.

Ask if the test reports are available, if cells are grade A, is QR codes are re-lasered, what happens if there is shipping damage, etc.

Welcome to the forum.
Don't forget to order the BMS too.

 

[Tekz]

They are good - current us prices for 280ah cells is $85 each and for 314ah is $90... plus shipping most places.

I've ordered from these guys here and they were incredibly well packed eve grade cells - if they shipped there check the prices

SRIKO Batteries | Lithium Battery Suppliers US | Best Li-ion LiFEPo4 Cells

Get the best lithium cells from SRIKO Batteries, one of the top lithium battery companies in the USA. We supply top quality Li-Ion batteries at affordable prices. Order online now!

srikobatteries.com

Unfortunately they don't ship to Australia .

According to docan the us prices for individual cell are $52 for 314ah and $47 for 280ah.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Unfortunately they don't ship together.

According to docan the us prices for individual cell are $52 for 314ah and $47 for 280ah.

Those prices are before sea freight.
Current US stock with free shipping plus a 5% fee is $82 for MB31 and $71 for LF280K V3.

 

[Tekz]

Those prices are before sea freight.
Current US stock with free shipping plus a 5% fee is $82 for MB31 and $71 for LF280K V3.

Oh okay, that makes sense. Between those two cells, is there one I should lean more towards?

 

[42OhmsPA]

Oh okay, that makes sense. Between those two cells, is there one I should lean more towards?

The 280K have been around longer.
There is a difference in cycle life claims but I don't remember which is higher.
More than likely doesn't matter that much for what we are using the cells for.

 

[Tekz]

I've ordered 49 cells from Jenny Wu at Docan with no issues.

I don't know what cells go for down under, they seem a tad high for current prices stateside.

Ask if the test reports are available, if cells are grade A, is QR codes are re-lasered, what happens if there is shipping damage, etc.

Welcome to the forum.
Don't forget to order the BMS too.

Honestly its 1/2 to 1/3 the price of cells in Australia. I don’t mind paying a bit extra to ensure Im with a safe option.

I have asked a few of those questions and regarding the test reports, when are they provided?

I have considered a bms and have my eyes set on a JK-B2A8S20P

 

[robbob2112]

Bms are a debatable topic and we all have our own favorites. I like the JBD BMS myself.... one question is if you want communication between the BMS and the inverter... research it if you do...

 

[Tekz]

Bms are a debatable topic and we all have our own favorites. I like the JBD BMS myself.... one question is if you want communication between the BMS and the inverter... research it if you do...

Thanks mate, really appreciate your help

 

[42OhmsPA]

Honestly its 1/2 to 1/3 the price of cells in Australia. I don’t mind paying a bit extra to ensure Im with a safe option.

Understandable.
I started 32 Eve, then added 16 Envision, then 16 REPT, next I'm more than likely adding 16-32 Hithium; haven't had issues with any. In other words LiFePO4 is a very safe chemistry.

I have asked a few of those questions and regarding the test reports, when are they provided?

Honestly I've never gotten them or asked for them. I've read here that some sellers provide reports before purchase, some after. I figure any document like that can be easily faked.

I have considered a bms and have my eyes set on a JK-B2A8S20P

I only have experience with JBD and really like them. The original JK are quite popular among various members.

 

[robbob2112]

Thanks mate, really appreciate your help

My wife is from Adelaide ..so I always help an mate from down under

 

[Tekz]

Understandable.
I started 32 Eve, then added 16 Envision, then 16 REPT, next I'm more than likely adding 16-32 Hithium; haven't had issues with any. In other words LiFePO4 is a very safe chemistry.

Honestly I've never gotten them or asked for them. I've read here that some sellers provide reports before purchase, some after. I figure any document like that can be easily faked.

I only have experience with JBD and really like them. The original JK are quite popular among various members.

Thanks for the insight, Daisy provided me a test sheet now so I guess Im going to have to learn how to read them.

 

[robbob2112]

One thing I will note -- JBD has better documentation online than JK does in my opinion

I would consider this if you want your batteries to communicate with the inverter -- there is a stl file on thingiverse for an enclosure if you want to do a server rack style...

https://www.jbdbms.com/products/up16s010?sku=18065560601113028297122470

This is the JK version

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806454099802.html

JK PB2A16S20P JK-PB2A16S-20P - JK BMS

Specification Confirmation Form Customer Name: Customer No.: Customer Part No.: Product Model JK-PB2A16S-20P Version V14.0 Date Accessory List No. Name Model Qty 1 BMS Board JK-PB2A16S-20P 1 2 Display Screen LCD-3.2-RS485-V1.0 1 3...

www.jkbms.com

 

[robbob2112]

Another reason to prefer JBD over JK... if you need a replacement cable for it you have to buy the cables and can't make one. The connector is available from digikey but the crimper is insanely priced.