It costs a little bit more than nickel plated steel but it has much lower resistance. When it comes to the nickel strip you’ll be using to connect the 18650 batteries together, you will have two options: nickel-plated steel strips and pure nickel strips. Lately though I’ve been using 18650GA cells like these, which are a little bit more energy dense, meaning more battery in less space.
For this reason, I like to buy my cells on and .įor this tutorial, I’ll be using the green Panasonic 18650PF cells shown above. Do this by checking feedback and using a payment method that ensures you can get your money back if the product isn’t as described. One caveat though: do your best to ensure that your source sells genuine cells and not knock-offs. I prefer the second option, as you’ll usually get a much better price going straight to the source, even when paying for international shipping. When it comes to buying your cells, you might be able to find a local source, or you can order them straight from Asia. Samsung ICR18650-26F cells straight from the factory I get my Samsung 26F cells from Aliexpress, usually from this seller but sometimes I’ve seen a better price here. These 2,600 mAh cells should cost somewhere around $3-$4 in any decent quantity and can handle up to 2C continuous discharge (5.2 A continuous per cell). A great entry-level cell is the Samsung ICR18650-26F cell. Name brand 18650’s cost a bit more, but trust me, they are worth it. These cells have well documented performance characteristics and come from reputable factories with excellent quality control standards.
I prefer to use name brand cells from companies like Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and LG. There are many different types of 18650 cells out there to choose from.
Depending on the size of the battery you plan to build, you’ll need anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred of them. These cells are distinctive due to their cylindrical shape and are about the size of a finger. For many years there were only mediocre 18650 cells available, but the demand by power tool makers and even some electric vehicle manufacturers for strong, high quality cells has led to the development of a number of great 18650 options in the last few years.
The battery used in the videos is the same voltage but slightly larger capacity. Note: At multiple points along this article I have inserted videos that I made demonstrating the steps involved in building a battery.
Finger scooter finger skate finger bike all in one pack professional#
Always seek professional assistance if needed. Please read this article in its entirety before attempting to build your own ebike battery. Building a DIY lithium battery requires a basic understanding of battery principles and should not be attempted by anyone lacking confidence in his or her electrical and technical skills. Safety disclaimer: Before we begin, it’s important to note that lithium batteries inherently contain a large amount of energy, and it is therefore crucial to handle them with the highest levels of caution. But it will definitely be worth it in the end when you’re cruising around on your very own DIY ebike battery! Now buckle up, grab a drink and get ready for some serious reading, because this isn’t a short article. With a limited number of electric bicycle battery suppliers and a myriad of different factors including size, weight, capacity, voltage, and discharge rates, finding the exact battery you are looking for can be challenging and lead to unwanted compromises.īut what if you didn’t have to compromise? What if you could build your own ebike battery to your exact specifications? What if you could build a battery the perfect size for your bike, with all of the features you want, and do it for cheaper than retail? It’s easier than you think, and I’ll show you how below. Unfortunately though, a good ebike battery is often the hardest part to come by – and the most expensive. Your motor is useless without all of that energy stored in your battery. A lithium battery is the heart of any electric bicycle.