How to Make a 52V 20Ah Triangle Battery with 18650 Cells

Learn how to make your own battery with my book DIY Lithium Batteries: amzn.to/2jbxvzS or check out my second book - The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide: amzn.to/2BGx4Fn
The battery building kit in this video is from www.Vruzend.com
Checkout EV Madrid! / damianbss
48V 14.5 Ah Hailong (shark) battery: goo.gl/jg429Z
36V 11 Ah bottle battery: goo.gl/Snja5H
All ebike batteries: goo.gl/FLC3cK
All 18650 cells: goo.gl/hYWnwU
Bafang BBS01 kit: goo.gl/6wi43g
Bafang BBS02 kit: goo.gl/GWLRxo
Bafang BBSHD kit: goo.gl/LgtBry
100W Flexible solar panel: goo.gl/dQPhQX
The parts that I use for building batteries:
18650 cells: goo.gl/hYWnwU
18650 positive insulating washer: goo.gl/HBVOuc
Nickel strip: goo.gl/VIrNQq
Spot welder: goo.gl/KN3Uaw
BMSs: goo.gl/S6gSQx
Silicone wire: goo.gl/xmpbKD
Black 18650 cell spacers: goo.gl/hQxWF6
Vruzend cell spacers: goo.gl/5ReLqA
Large heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/6v1ow9
Small heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/OU3Z6u
Foam sheet for protecting battery: goo.gl/5e71tE
Kapton tape: goo.gl/D6BT57
Chargers: goo.gl/js0T0V
350W hubmotor: goo.gl/K1mYvR
36V/48V controllers I used: goo.gl/nJBnJP
Throttle: goo.gl/UebsNC
Cycle Analyst: goo.gl/RsmE3N
**Question response book giveaway rules**
When you guys asks questions in the comments of my videos, I'll try to answer them. If there are questions that I think would make a good video response, I'll choose them to do a longer segment. If I choose your question for a video response, you'll win a copy of my book The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide (the paperback or the ebook), or my book DIY Lithium Batteries.
Here are some things that KZbin makes me say: This contest is not sponsored by KZbin and KZbin isn't affiliated with it. I'm supposed to provide a link to the community guidelines for KZbin (www.youtube.com.... KZbin is not a sponsor of this "contest" and by participating, you are releasing KZbin from any potential liability, whatever that might be. Privacy notice: I won't steal your info. If you do win, you can choose to send me your address so I can mail you a paperback copy of the book (or some other prize if that changes) or you can send me an email address and I'll send you a copy of the ebook. I will do everything in my power to immediately forget your personal information afterwards.

[@Richarmed88]

The most helpful guy on the web right now ... cheers man !!

[@tjacksondolph4026]

Just wanted to pop in after all this time and say I’ve been using this design over the years from my builds. I usually add an extra cell to each series though for to add extra amp draw capability when using mediocre cells. One thing I thought I should note, the extra lead wires connecting the cells are vital in the design. I got lazy and didn’t do it on one of my builds. Ran a 65a controller and the battery almost caught on fire due to current bottlenecking where the cells should have had the extra wires connecting them. Had to cut into the battery to remove the boiling cells otherwise I would have lost the whole pack in a bonfire due to a chain reaction of heat transfer. Spent about 2 hours soldering extra lead wires between cells, and wrapping heat resistant tape on all wires touching the battery. The battery absolutely BLASTS now. Anyway Micah great design!

[@waylmaster7487]

Bruh its micah. Its ok tho.

[@tjacksondolph4026]

@@waylmaster7487 fixed

[@waylmaster7487]

@@tjacksondolph4026 Epic

[@shaunhall960]

Your books are a must have for anyone that wants to build their own e-bike. Thank you!

[@darkmatter2632]

Ordered your battery book, it arrives today. So excited! Your vids are the BEST! Thank you so much for going fairly slow and explaining everything thoroughly. I'm a newbie and you have helped me immensely. Can't say thanks enough. Thanks Bro !!!

[@tonyriley5233]

Thanks for the videos and source links. My friend and I are both building bikes and the batteries are the final piece of the puzzle.

[@bFlattheOriginal]

16,000 subscribers! Wasn't long ago you hit 10,000. Glad to see your channel growing. Thanks for the triangle battery build!

[@marknorgren2960]

GREAT VID i am an old guy looking for cheap transportation you are giving me ideas and hope i see an e bike in my future . may the adventure never end.

[@paulevans4334]

Alot of lights turned on while watching this video. Thanks for answering many questions that I had.

[@marthamryglod291]

Yes! Thank you for the jumper idea! I now can complete my battery primarily using H-pattern nickel strip

[@JariJuslin]

Nifty! I'm going to build only the battery enclosure myself, but this certainly helps me to design placement for cells the actual manufacturer can then follow up on.

[@kyleham1916]

I highly recommend it, I’m building my 2kw Sony vtc6 Sony 37 ah battery out of it now and they have amazing customer service! Also video post coming in a day or two!

[@kyleham1916]

I choose this kit because I could not find a trustworthy 2kw 48 volt battery from a maker and biggest I could find was around 28 ah, not enough for me I wanna ride like a maniac lol

[@hjeffwallace]

I’ve often used the water hose analogy for electricity. But the first minute of your video really shows it. How way you stacked 2 batteries (in series) I pictured a water hose. Then, showing 3 in parallel, I saw a fatter hose. Seeing the 3 batteries laid parallel helps illustrate it. Great work!

[@mikesullivan007]

Awesome! Exactly what I have been searching for. I will be building a 36v 14.7a battery for my ebike so, I can finally she'd the weight of my SLA's!

[@michaelchapman7868]

OK! Just subscribed and am going to research the batteries and caps and can't wait to get started! Excellent tutorial! I need your DIY Battery Book in my tech library. I'm so jazzed about finding your channel! Thanks!

[@Urgachaidol]

Nicely done. I know the science, but you're helping me with techniques and hands-on knowledge. 😊

[@vu123456789]

Awesome video. I’m a newbie to diy battery packs. I’m learning a lot from your videos.

[@50ShadesOfBeige]

Thanks. Enjoyed seeing a practical example of the battery ends and wiring up the battery pack.

[@miltondias6617]

Hi Micah. Thanks to share your knowledge. It's very clear your explanation and you didn't lose my time in details. Good luck!

[@michaelramsay5251]

Glad to see this video, Just got your two books on building a Ebike and batteries. Thanks for your help.

[@PplEtr]

Micah: I ordered your books from Amazon today. I'm planning to build a Montague Paratrooper + Bafang BBSHD eBike. Your AliExpress sources for the Bafang BBSHD ($627) pencils out to be slightly less than a U.S.-based middleman (Luna; $709). It seems reasonable to pay the extra $80 for the included access to technical support, and Luna's components inventory includes some things that I'm not finding it easy to source elsewhere (like the battery charger that allows you to program partial charges -- saw your video on saving battery life). But it does look like there's reasonable money to be saved in building a battery!

[@_DixonCider]

I love the kit. WAY easier than soldering or welding. I'll be making my new battery from your kit.

[@williamcarroll5402]

Thank you that was very informative and now I have an idea of how the batteries are made

[@secxnd_self]

So how would I do this same method but for 60v would I just add some more batteries in series??

[@TheM6aae]

Looks like a brilliant book micah! Very helpful video.

[@audreymitchell1410]

Very good video and a great teacher ,I would like the lithium battery book

[@AReasonablePerspective]

New subscriber so congratulations on that 🎉 You have very straightforward and no-nonsense channel format. I'm new to battery building so your tutorials are my brain food after scouring YT for the right teacher. I've bought the CelCapz by Vruzend because they look the bollox and because you use them (apologies if you are affiliated but I will look for your codes/links in future) and therefore a reliable design. I just wanted to suggest a hack for those not confident with a spot welder or solder iron. One you may frown upon but here goes. For joining wires from a bms or jumpers I have used JB Weld putty mixed with graphite powder I harvested from pencils to make connections on lead acid batteries. It's really easy to manipulate, adhears with remarkable strength and has high heat capabilities. Would there be any reason not to use this method on lithium ion?

[@config2000]

Hi Micah, I would suggest using BINX nuts instead of the plain nuts. BINX nuts are both low profile and resistant to vibration. However they are perhaps not as easy to obtain from your typical DIY store.

[@davideather5979]

nylock nut would work well too

[@puresoulhealing]

Hey, I have made a folding bike and want to make it electric so your diy battery book will be really helpful. Thanks.

[@lachiefulvio7263]

I think an answer on what batteries you can use with certain controllers, motors, ect. would make a great video response. Also choosing the right connections. I haven’t found any videos on the topic.

[@kswis]

The caps seem like a headache. I like welding it's therapeutic. I appreciate the info on the triangle battery. Thankyou

[@timdavis7567]

Thanks for the video. The kit you use make it easy and looks great, too.

[@jtlove2wheels958]

I'm from singapore and i a fan of your's. I love to have a copy of your book. I wanna learn building up batteries for my escooter and ebikes. But i'm having problem getting battery that are good and not so expensive, also wires and connectors. Also those clamps and etc. I hope you could advice me where to get those. Make more videos, were learning much from you. Kudos. ☺

[@EbikeSchool]

If you can order from Aliexpress, that can be a good source for inexpensive batteries. I have a link in the description to a good source.

[@TeslaCanadaEh]

Wow , so glad I came upon this channel ! Great videos for building e-bike batteries ! Thank You

[@guruslakkimar12]

Thank-you buddy for all the educations you impart 1) Why not use a copper plate on top and bottom and 2) where do i get to read about the thickness of the wires to use ?

[@Aa-ron01]

If anyone is having trouble sourcing heat shrink wrap, i find black sileage tape Excellent and 100% water resistant if applied correctly, I've cycled in torrential rain and overflowing river banks with no issues, anyway just a tip :)

[@brucemiller9261]

Thank you,Mica your instructional videos re very helpful..

[@mailbox3762]

love your channel and i learned a lot from you about diy battery i build e skateboard and because your videos i succeed to build a good 18650 battery pack

[@EbikeSchool]

Congrats on your battery! I'll be building an eskateboard battery soon too!

[@harveyboy45]

Well I've made my first rectangular 48v ebike battery pack. It's slightly longer take that into account. Don't be fooled into thinking these holders are easy. Problem 1. The Spring metal brackets spin inside caps when tightening nut which compromises connections. 2. Some nuts do not screw on properly 3. Not enough metal brackets to make the connections needed 4. No spare nuts if some get lost. 5. Some connectors are tight some loose. 6. Recycled batteries need to be Dremeled as ends need to be flat. If you puncture the ends while doing this you could have a battery venting problem. In summary I think the best way to solve this is to provide use new cells and different patterns of plastic connectors for different voltage batteries instead of an individual unifix cube system. Providing a press with the deal might help too. A great system though especially if you are on a world tour and have no access to soldering equipment when you really need it. You could provide various metal ladder style connectors and a ready soldered fuse bars to screw into place. Also last of all, battery covers and grooves for the zip ties and ready made charge and discharge connectors. Instruction manuals? Patterns?

[@chippagangaiah811]

Sir you are extreme talented person sir I have a question your 72v 45ah battery how much range will give to a ebike 72v 3000w hub motor

[@TheStuartstardust]

Thanks for the last video with the inside 11.11 sales info!

[@gideonlapidus8996]

I love your Book its great. I love the math behind the charging and discharching of these cells. I'm in love with 18650 cells.

[@thamesmeadsix5192]

Wow! I need to watch that a couple times to get my head round it.Good Stuff!

[@waynebutler9547]

Another great battery, have 2 of you books.

[@jobmariano348]

Nice. Can i know what is the recommended battery chargers for that?. Before i make it. Thanks

[@TeeeTooo2008]

yyyaaaa LG MJ1. monster cells. love them. so happy with them. 48v 21ah 7 month of eating the road with 45kmh.. samsung E35 is a good cells also. but no one confirm how good they are in a long term.. cheers maiky

[@chrissilliker8633]

I got a bike from someone. Its 52v and i think 750 watt bafang motor. I max it out at 45km the whole time and i only go maybe 20 kms distance. How far does yours go because i feel like my battery sucks

[@ed284]

Boy Found this very interesting and good info cant wait to order your book and give this a try at least once and then if I'm able to bulid one right most likely i will do it again really enjoy my E Bike that I ride daily to work I bought it already made but now I want to build me one more for the purpose that I need my and alittle faster and more battery life Thanks for the video

[@lithium534]

great stuff, (maybe already asked)Question: 1st: Could you give us an estimate of how much it costed you to make this one. 2de: Could you help us calculate how much AH we would need for a specific distance? The reason is that I want to make one that will take me to work and back on 1 charge.

[@iamsleepyhollow]

I'm probably just going to buy the book, it looks amazing.

[@terrancel1786]

pretty cool man you are officially a battery master.

[@diazwhiskey]

I am an electrician myself and I just got his book. There is an incredible amount on knowledge in it and its cheap! :O)

[@dalehall7139]

Man I need that huge battery!!! Definitely saving this video as a reference for when I can build my own. Good stuff as always, Thanks Micah!!

[@trewmika1869]

Watching the shrinking tube shrink is pretty satisfying.

[@michaelaugust7233]

Please give us the source/site where to purchase the snap-togrther kit components, and pricing as well. Thanks, really love the education!

[@KennyFishbone]

vruzend.com/

[@larrybowers64]

Very interesting and informative video Micah! I now know much more about these e-bike batteries, thanks to you.

[@alireza071]

Hi thanks for ur all info and efforts,, I have got 72v 20ah 3000w battry and 1500w ehub if I change my motor to 3000w witch it has same winding to my 1500w do I still reach the same speed and torque by the way I use the same controller? How to calculate the ebike wattage?

[@BrunoPOWEEER]

Yeaaaahhh... so much good info packed in one video!!! Loved all the tips on how to reuse the VRUZEND caps, the silicone wires with ring terminals is electrically the very best way to do (painful and not ideal if you have to solder thick wires to the tabs, here is where the VRUZEND kit clearly shows it's advantages). Also connecting the balancing wires without the need of soldering iron makes everything much easier. You could actually do the whole pack just crimping terminals, even the main charge/discharge leads. =] VRUZEND POWEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRR

[@EbikeSchool]

Haha, thanks Bruno! Yea I started by crimping the discharge leads too but my crimping tool is cheap and I was worried that the crimp wasn't strong enough so I went back and soldered them just to be sure...

[@aidanmcgrath7142]

+ElectricBike and +EbikeSchool.com check out Colorado Universities Circuit Construction Kit (CCK) which is an amazing tool, showing flows, shorts, ohms, ... everything!! phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc

[@Stephen2846]

FYI: Crimping is ALWAYS better for connections subject to vibration. Yep boats and airplanes use crimped connections where it counts and soldering can cause a break due to its inflexibility. Soldering is okay if you can stabilize the leads by mechanical means anywhere they might be subject to stress or vibration. See" "Strain relief connectors." PS: I bought your book and started reading it; it's excellent. I just retired after 35 years in the govt. as Asst. Director of Engineering. Good job!

[@Stephen2846]

Buy a cheap ratcheting crimper for small leads. You can also buy a crimper you hit with a hammer for larger lugs like you'd use on 2/0 wire. See: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ratchet+crimper Hammer Type: www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Hammer-Crimper-Tool-Warranty/dp/B00E1UUVT0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1517195136&sr=8-5&keywords=2%2F0+crimper

[@acolombo]

Crimping is also used by NASA because high temperatures can melt solder but can't melt a mechanical connection

[@robertwoods6856]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@wolfe1970]

Would it be worth checking the battery once build before sticking all the heat shrink on it ? maybe a complete drain and charge cycle....

[@artofjcw8488]

Very helpful info thank you! 2 questions : 1- what is the total cost of the battery ? 2- how do you charge it and connect it to your ebike ?

[@desireegaleski9257]

It could. I would begin learning about controllers and how a BMS works.

[@James-j3e8n]

I have completed this part of building the battery I need help now with finding a case for it and how to fit the case

[@samuelrojas79]

Yes im impressed of video.. Im interested and learn more. If i can get a book to be educated for diy battery to enlighted me more. Thks for that.

[@sanjayt5978]

Its really use full to my project..... I have a doubt sir how to combine 3 while motors as one.....

[@hajkum4077]

Hi, grate videos but I just wandering because is winter and my bikes are not in use.... so what is the best voltage for storage e bike li-on battery? I have two bikes one is with 24v battery second bike with 36v battery. Cheers

[@waypine1998]

Can a mid drive work with a single speed hub,or would one of the engines burn each other out?

[@aadmonk]

I am curious why these kits are no longer available? They seem like a good idea.

[@visming]

Superb! Totally inspired to build a battery for my e-bike.

[@jevforsberg4766]

Doing the Lord's work. Great content!

[@tjstoner64]

Thx for taking the time to teach us!

[@Zanthanee]

Very cool, making one myself and your so right about a triangle pack being a brain pain... lol😂

[@fletcher3913]

Learned a lot thanks. How do you determine what size heat shrink to use for a particular size battery pack?

[@EbikeSchool]

With triangles and weird shapes, its best to just have many sizes so you can play around with it. But if you need to calculate, then measure the perimeter of the battery and double that number. You want something about half way between those two numbers (since the heat shrink will shrink to half its size).

[@waynemcnab9496]

Excellent video. Like to try this for a long duration RC aircraft I manufacture. Thanks again. Wayne

[@EbikeSchool]

Yea it'd be great for that. I did it with a buddy of mine on his RC airplane, using 18650 cells for lighter, higher capacity batteries. We made a 10Ah 4s battery for the weight of a 7Ah lipo battery.

[@Cholvad]

You so great!. What a job! I need to read the book and start to build my batery.

[@GB-vn1tf]

I'm wanting to make a one off battery for my frankenstien kona, but I'm not sure it's worth it for me as it'll be a one off? Or is it once you start making your own battery packs you never go back to buying another one again?

[@55Bamaroad]

Great instructional video! I had no idea those kits were available keep up the good work! Jack

[@bradgiffen7028]

So I want to make a 48 volt 20ah triangle battery ....how many cells would I need ? Are you going to do a video on 48 volt triangle battery version ?

[@EDBPVIDEO]

great video. looks like my new winter project is a triangle battery

[@EbikeSchool]

Do it!

[@josephmolino8670]

I plan to make a front wheel 48 volt system I weigh 215# and am using a 26" wheel what volt and amp hour battery pack should I consider making to have a 25-30 mile range. What batteries should I consider using. By the way a very professional and well done video presentation. Thanking you in advance Jomo

[@linwoodhudson2722]

At the start of your video you said no soldering, but you soldered stuff at the end, is this necessary?...I am building this type of battery in a few weeks, I am buying the Luna cyclone, 3000 watt motor

[@subramanin959]

Am too impressed with your explanation..

[@eye4sight557]

Great vid for a diy battery. Now I have to watch it 50 times to make sense of it . Lol

[@napwest]

Thanks... U make batterys very simple!

[@katzda]

On the bottom picture (of the side of the battery) - shouldn't the second blue cell from the top right be connected to the middle cell of the top red?

[@katzda]

Oh I see they are connected but the ways overlap, got it.

[@kw6182]

So many batteries, so little time. Great information and a great videol

[@paulselka7410]

Cool project dude! What does it cost in materials?

[@sniperviperful]

Wow you made it sound easy I am going to try and make my own battery. Thank you

[@pff335]

I would like to ask if it would be a bad idea to use the thermal insulation for the batteries to prevent damage due to frosts in winter or high temperatures ???

[@Flyingflipflops]

Thumbs up from Finland👐

[@mferg26]

Hi. Great video thanks. I am going to make this. Do you have more detailed instructions or perhaps pictures of final product? Just need some more clarification of bsm and final connections. Little confusing towards the end of video

[@user-ri4kl2kv9d]

The Vruzend 18650 battery pack assembly kit has made it easier once assemble to troubleshoot the pack an fine any bad or dead cell without a BMS but the charging leads are still needed to balance charge the pack is there any feedback if a BMS is still a requirement for battery pack protection ,

[@JohnClulow]

Even though I don't plan on making a bike battery, there's lots of useful information here on using the Vruzend system. Can't wait for mine to arrive. Could you sometime offer ideas on using PTC resettable fuses for each cell with the Vrezend system? I thought of maybe soldering rings on the terminals of each fuse and substituting them for the serial bus bars.

[@EbikeSchool]

You can definitely use ring terminals, or just wrap the fuse legs around the terminal post and bolt it down. But why resettable fuses for cells? If the cell is bad enough to trip a fuse, you probably don't want it going back into your system, right?

[@JohnClulow]

Makes sense! I'm a total novice in this technology, so thanks for pointing that out. I'm using new name-brand cells so I wouldn't anticipate any problems. Maybe I'll just keep it simple initally and set it up per your examples with regular monitoring.

[@michaele1278]

Where do you source your batteries. I need a reliable source that is good value. Thanks for your time.

[@ajmann07]

Great Job very easy to Follow. Thanks Again.

[@gregjupp1209]

Great video! I'm still having problems wrapping my head around the math in these batteries. Question if you had 250, 18650 batteries and wanted a 48-volt battery how many amp hours would it be, I'm looking for range not speed. Collecting the parts for a 3 wheeler all drive using 20-inch fat tires. thinking 1 battery per wheel, I'm handicapped and cant hardly walk, but want to get to the beach and fish!

[@jeffbeasley8235]

In theory you could build a 13S19P battery with 247 cells. Assuming a capacity of 3000 mAh per 18650, you end with a 57 Ah 48V pack. But it would be enormous...

[@gregjupp1209]

Yeah big and heavy, but I would have a space of about 28"x40"x12" and that not including the space between the wheels and the back of the seat above the axial line.Thanks for responding!that should cover the range issue, I live in the panhandle of Florida no hills and only a few bridges, almost 100% sidewalk. thanks again!

[@lawrenceorum6030]

Love the video would like to have your book I enjoyed watching it building 2 motor bike with gas like your idea on making a battery tx u for ur time.

[@gerardlewis3098]

Please make a video building a 52v 27ah battery using the Queen Battery QB26800 Version. I'm very interested.

[@bidefordbikes3811]

Awesome video I am buying some viruzend conectors 1.6 version from eBay right now a free battery book would come in very handy😜

[@bluewanderer9903]

Bideford Bikes yeah lets just kill the inventor we dont need him/them anymore, how dare they think they are worthy of our consumer presence, once they give us what we need they become disposable, right? Naturally

[@bidefordbikes3811]

@@bluewanderer9903 not sure I understand your communication ? Why would you dislike innovation and invention and the people who perform the task?

[@ebikesolutions500]

Waw diy way cheaper than buying a ready built battery self explained easy step by step book awesome

[@normheath7447]

Looks like a very nice product. I am looking for a nice battery box to use with this system and found most box's are to narrow to fit the battery length and end caps (3.66") plus room for the BSM. Have you found any boxes that would work for a 36v 60 cell battery

[@hamidhossain2961]

Make a video on bikes load carrying capacity. This one was informative. Thanks

[@daletwedell3323]

Hi Micah. I wonder about security / theft. Obviously leaving a triangle bag on a locked bike is loosing an expensive battery pack. Is there a locking hard case that will accommodate a rectangular 52v x 4p or 5p built with the Vruzend end caps? If none exists, are you considering selling similar?

[@billietyree6139]

Micah, I have completed the construction of my 52 volt battery according to your instructions. Now I am ready for the last step, heat shrinking the waterproof cover for it. But I am unable to find the large diameter heat shrink I need for the bottom to top cover. Can you tell me the source you have for this?