LiPo, LiFe, Li-On conversion?

MrFox243 · 01-10-2013, 03:34 PM

Hey guys! I just recently obtained my Insight and yesterday it decided to throw me the IMA light & the P1449 error code. I really don't want to replace the battery. Is it possible to convert my G1 over to a more advanced battery like LiPo's, etc?

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Mario · 01-10-2013, 04:38 PM

Possible? Definitely. Feasible? Er...

There have been some people that have tried. I'm not sure if anybody's actually completed a pack conversion yet, but there are some working on it. It's not an easy problem.

**IamIan** · 01-10-2013, 06:31 PM

yes it can be done ... not a drop in replacement ... more like a DIY kit type of project .... Peter has been running his for I think almost 3 years... his is a conversion using LiFePO4 20Ah pouch cells to replace the OEM 6.5Ah NiMH packs... I think the finished upgrade ended up being very close to the same size and weight as the OEM NiMH.

There was a group buy for more cells a few months ago ... and I think it is like a dozen people or so are slowly plugging away at following in a similar upgraded IMA battery direction.

ericbecky · 01-10-2013, 06:52 PM

If you plan on going ahead with the Lithium version and need some A123 20ah pouch cells, let me know.
Mid February we may be able to put in an order if cells are available.
~$29.50 per cell delivered.

MrFox243 · 01-10-2013, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mario

Possible? Definitely. Feasible? Er...

There have been some people that have tried. I'm not sure if anybody's actually completed a pack conversion yet, but there are some working on it. It's not an easy problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IamIan

yes it can be done ... not a drop in replacement ... more like a DIY kit type of project .... Peter has been running his for I think almost 3 years... his is a conversion using LiFePO4 20Ah pouch cells to replace the OEM 6.5Ah NiMH packs... I think the finished upgrade ended up being very close to the same size and weight as the OEM NiMH.

There was a group buy for more cells a few months ago ... and I think it is like a dozen people or so are slowly plugging away at following in a similar upgraded IMA battery direction.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericbecky

If you plan on going ahead with the Lithium version and need some A123 20ah pouch cells, let me know.
Mid February we may be able to put in an order if cells are available.
~$29.50 per cell delivered.

Thanks guys!! Is there a guide anywhere on how to perform this conversion? If I'm going to have to spend at least $2000 on a new battery, I would rather it be better than the stock NiMH.
Eric: Approximately how many cells will i need to make the conversion?

eq1 · 01-11-2013, 04:48 AM

Unless you were going to implement MIMA or something similar, I see no reason to go much beyond the performance and capacity of the original cells. MaxIMA NiMH, better performance and a bit more capacity, seems like more than enough for an otherwise stock Insight hybrid system...

**IamIan** · 01-11-2013, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrFox243

Thanks guys!! Is there a guide anywhere on how to perform this conversion? If I'm going to have to spend at least $2000 on a new battery, I would rather it be better than the stock NiMH.
Eric: Approximately how many cells will i need to make the conversion?

AFAIK no consolidated guide ... feel free to pull such together if you like for the benefit of everyone ... but the details and information are all covered on previous forum threads.

To see what has already been discussed / discovered / solved / etc ... These are a few threads I would recommend reading through ... but there are others you will find as well doing searches:

Phev Insight

Building a grid-charged A123 20ah pack. PP50 Project

Design and Fabrication of A123 Pouch cell case

BCM Master Board - PP50 A123 Project

Running a lithium battery pack in the mk1 insight...

A123 20ah Lithium Install

ericbecky · 01-11-2013, 12:06 PM

Most people buy 50-55 cells.

Before embarking on such a project, you need to be realistic with yourself about how much money you want to put in this project.

It will cost thousands of dollars and not really pass any Return on Investment models. Not to mention the immense amount of time you will put into it.

Do it for the challenge and enjoyment of it. Not to "save money".

Cobb · 01-11-2013, 12:29 PM

At that rate looks like my enginer kit has 2 grand in cells.

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retepsnikrep · 01-11-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericbecky

Do it for the challenge and enjoyment of it. Not to "save money".

That's what I did ; And I am still learning new stuff about the cars every day.