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

[@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!

[@Richarmed88]

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

[@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 !!!

[@shaunhall960]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@paulevans4334]

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

[@bFlattheOriginal]

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

[@marthamryglod291]

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

[@trewmika1869]

Watching the shrinking tube shrink is pretty satisfying.

[@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.

[@_DixonCider]

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

[@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.

[@williamcarroll5402]

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

[@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!

[@Greennovator]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@michaelramsay5251]

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

[@audreymitchell1410]

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

[@TheM6aae]

Looks like a brilliant book micah! Very helpful video.

[@kswis]

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

[@TeslaCanadaEh]

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

[@timdavis7567]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheStuartstardust]

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

[@puresoulhealing]

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

[@thamesmeadsix5192]

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

[@iamsleepyhollow]

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

[@carlseiz1266]

That's awesome it looks like something you bought from the store

[@a-aron2276]

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 :)

[@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!

[@brucemiller9261]

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

[@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

[@robertwoods6856]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@tjstoner64]

Thx for taking the time to teach us!

[@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 ?

[@Zanthanee]

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

[@waynebutler9547]

Another great battery, have 2 of you books.

[@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!

[@PsyllyCymon]

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?

[@jevforsberg4766]

Doing the Lord's work. Great content!

[@kw6182]

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

[@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!!

[@subramanin959]

Am too impressed with your explanation..

[@RafiqShaikMohammed]

Good set up for batteries. Thank you sir from India.

[@Flyingflipflops]

Thumbs up from Finland👐

[@516throwapot]

HOLY COW, LOOKS COMPLICATED

[@Cholvad]

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

[@visming]

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

[@EDBPVIDEO]

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

[@EbikeSchool]

Do it!

[@ebikesolutions500]

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

[@eye4sight557]

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

[@55Bamaroad]

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

[@fredsmith275]

A very big help thanks pop smith

[@larrybowers64]

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

[@robertmuscarello5436]

That was excellent and very good I understood everything

[@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?

[@hamidhossain2961]

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

[@sniperviperful]

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

[@jaewilly1]

You'll make technician out of me sooner or later.Sooner if my learning capacity could match your teaching skills

[@melvinbelcher7606]

I watch all your videos.. thanks

[@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

[@MustermannAnybody]

Thank you for making these videos! Learned a lot already. I’m thinking about converting an old eBike with a crappy proprietary BionX Motor/Controller into something more capable, so I could really use a book to further decide whether this could be a realistic project with my limited bike experience.

[@francopieruccinifaria9454]

I've been following your channel for a while but enough to realize how much quality and professional knowledge you provide. I always have the doubt of how to do maintenance in a big pack like these if it starts to present some performance problem without having to test cell by cell, among other small doubts inherent as the amount of current to be supplied in the recharge if there are many cells in parallel, how to combine semi-new cells and their analysis criteria such as capacity, internal resistance and voltage! In your book would I get all these answers? Thank you and congrats for the great job!

[@EbikeSchool]

Hi Franco, thank you for the kind words! And yes, I cover all of those topics and more in my battery book. Though for the first question regarding testing for a problem - sometimes if other methods I've described don't find the problem then occasionally the only option left is to remove a parallel group and find the bad cell. But you can usually narrow it down to the problem group by testing and comparing the group voltages, at rest and under load.

[@francopieruccinifaria9454]

You're welcome! If the parallel group has more than 60 cells (I've seen this), there's no other way to test than one by one (you said there are other methods, but I do not know exactly)? What about the criteria for combining cells (internal resistance, capacity, voltage), do you detail these characteristics well for a very effective result? It is even possible to find the information about this on the internet but they are not so reliable and because they are very scattered, it is difficult to put them together for a good reading

[@randybutera7059]

Thanks for the video Micah. I knew that you had to "cheat" with wires to make a triangle battery with the Vruzend kits. The bus bars were not going to do the trick.

[@aadmonk]

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

[@Takeover738]

Very good tutorial but my question is will you save any money by building one of these 52 volt batteries instead of just buying one from a company?

[@gerardlewis3098]

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

[@derekmeilleur4081]

Awesome job. Thumbs up from Canada

[@mroutdoorsman41]

well done video on making a nice looking battery pack.

[@napwest]

Thanks... U make batterys very simple!

[@2000ISP]

What a bunch of great information?technology cant wait to get started

[@ajmann07]

Great Job very easy to Follow. Thanks Again.

[@alanbriscoe816]

My current ebike is an elderly (like myself) 24v rear hub drive with SLA batteries. These type of batteries with a decent ah rating make for a very heavy bike, easy to drop ... but VERY difficult to pick up again ... :( So the time as come to buy a new 36v controller and build a 36v li-on battery pack. As I was an early pioneer of ecigs in the UK, building mods and e pipes, and a founder member of the largest non-profiteeriig site/forum in the UK

[@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

[@carlolagura9616]

so much information to learn from, cheers!!

[@sureshkumars7957]

I recently bought battery kit will be building it.

[@EbikeSchool]

Good luck and enjoy!

[@Raven4122]

I have a Onewheel also battery powered you book looks very helpful

[@FixtIt]

I want that book.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Tony0THUNDERCAT0Reynolds]

Good little things,makes replacing a dead cell so easy,what king of wait time is it to the UK for delivery

[@quentinparker8333]

Why the 52V version and why the difficult triangle geometry pack? I believe you should try to maximize space with flat, rectangular packs that can be stacked or used as sliders into a base flat frame 'drawer". Appreciate comments!

[@cliftonthompson3429]

Very informative, and easy to follow. Thanks

[@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.

[@The.2.Minute-Man]

Hi from Aussie great video and amazing book ( on its way ) Thanks

[@kalilkibab]

Can you make a video reviewing different battery boxes, especially ones that are designed to be winter and water proof as well as can hold 52 volt?

[@markmedwell1126]

Very helful and informative thankyou

[@TheronChaplin]

Cool vid. It almost makes me wanna try making my own... if I can get over my fear of burning the house down LOL

[@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/

[@fredsmith275]

Thanks for a lot of info very useful fred