Chevy Volt Pack Info - Salvage 16kwh Packs Under $2k

[MitchJi]

Hi,

The individual cells are 15AH, which are rated conservatively by GM at 7.8C. They are welded together in 3P 45AH groups, which are welded into 6S and 12S modules. That is a substantial disadvantage because it makes it very difficult to reconfigure the packs.

VoltBlades2.jpg (105.47 KiB) Viewed 15451 times

It looks like the plates on the end might be used to compress the modules?

The module dimensions are 11" high and 9.5" wide. The Volt packs have 7 modules with 12 groups (~48v ) that are 9.2" long and 2 modules with 6 groups (~24v) that are 4.6" long.

There is a thread on the DiyEv car forum with quite a bit of info (prices paid range from $2000 + $150 shipping to $1,3xx picked up locally):
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/sh ... 93101.html
Including some information on separating cell groups and individual cells:
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/sh ... tcount=108

To do the individual cells, get a 26" x 1.75/2.25 bicycle tube. Cut off 1" slices like rubberbands. Put these on all cell welds to insulate.

Get Channellock PN 748, which are long reach cutters:
https://www.channellock.com/product.aspx?zpid=407

Start at one end, and SNIP/SNIP/SNIP/SNIP ... Pull cells out bottom.Pop-rivet cells together with .032/.064 thick .375 wide and 1.75" long copper strips on the outside for support. This will pass at least as much current as the 3 small OEM welds.

However... If you are not careful, you could cut the tabs too short. AND you cannot do 3P 1S this way.

http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/sh ... tcount=118

Well, with the right tools, you can take out the cells "as welded" in 3P 1S. It is actually easier than taking out the individual cells and safer. Weight per cell is 1153.0g / 3 with the copper tab left on. There is room to separate the plates for air cooling.

Yabert's tests of Volt packs on the DiyEv car forum suggest a high C rate, 15+ C!:
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/sh ... 09698.html

In this video I show the EV drive drain from a 2013 Chevy Volt that was removed from a wreck with only 7,000 miles. The traction pack is disassembled down to the individual 24V and 48V modules.

Design West Volt Teardown:

Slides from the Design West youtube video can be downloaded here:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwHvhEb ... edit?pli=1

A pdf with a little more info is here (GM rates the cells at 7.8C):
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/downlo ... ?id=142558

ES thread using a Volt pack in a Solectria Force:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewto ... 25#p920925

$1,400 plus $360 freight. Still over a grand cheaper than new lead.

[MitchJi]

Volt packs are easy to find now for $1,500-$2k . There are about 50 now on car-part.com.
http://www.car-part.com/

I searched by distance from my zip code. I found one for $1,771, with a six month warranty 90 miles away:

VoltCarPartScreenShot.jpg (123.07 KiB) Viewed 13031 times

[Monstarr]

??

what do u mean?

[MitchJi]

bump

[Hillhater]

bump

.??? Why. .??

[MitchJi]

bump

.??? Why. .??

I posted this purchase information:

Volt packs are easy to find now for $1,500-$2k . There are about 50 now on car-part.com.
http://www.car-part.com/

I searched by distance from my zip code. I found one for $1,771, with a six month warranty 90 miles away:

[lettersize]

MitchJi, you've mentioned that cells are welded into 6S and 12S modules making it very difficult to reconfigure the packs.
But can the 48v module be reconfigured to 24v module? The Chevy Volt pack has 2x 24v/45Ah modules and 7x 48v/45Ah modules.
I wonder if i can turn 48v/45Ah module in 24v/90ah module.

[MitchJi]

MitchJi, you've mentioned that cells are welded into 6S and 12S modules making it very difficult to reconfigure the packs.
But can the 48v module be reconfigured to 24v module? The Chevy Volt pack has 2x 24v/45Ah modules and 7x 48v/45Ah modules.
I wonder if i can turn 48v/45Ah module in 24v/90ah module.

Check the DIY Ev threads in my op.

[baltimorebiker]

Hi Forum People,

I just thought it would be relevant for me to post that I have been using a 2 kwhr 44v chevy volt module paired to a leaf bike 48v 1500w motor. Used tp 1430c charger. I did not use a BMS.It has been rock solid for the last year. Tons of power, tons of capacity. Just really heavy (45 lb battery and 20 lb motor)

I had a top speed of about 42 mph on flat ground using 1800 watts. I was able to go bike from Baltimore to Washington DC without pedaling (I actually can't pedal because I removed the chain) with lots of battery left over.

I'd be willing to answer any questions.

[Harold in CR]

I buy these and sell off part of them, so I can afford to get what I need at a decent price, because I can't afford to buy and keep a whole pack.

Actually, getting ready to go to Florida and build some parts and will buy another pack and offer modules for those guys that don't need a complete Volt battery.

I'm presently modding a dirt bike to a leaning reverse tadpole and will install a 28S Volt pack in it, with lots of room for groceries, controllers, charger, etc.

Also, going to convert most of our house to Volt battery, because of terrible Power Co. service and cost per Kwh.

[redilast]

What kind of BMS and or Chargers are people using with these monster packs? These would be great for off grid energy storage for about the same price as golf cart flooded batteries...

[mark.curry3]

These posts about the chevy volt batteries have me thinking about how too use them in my 60V 1000w e-scooter. I found a 88v pack for around $900 and am trying to see if it could be configured to use with my bike. The size may be an issue but I have not been able to find dimensions. i assume they can be installed sideways or upside down like lifepo4. I also need to know if the standard lifepo4 charger would work. If the size is workable, there is a possibility that I could move to a 72v bike if that would work better.. Any guidance would be appreciated,

[liveforphysics]

Hi Forum People,

I just thought it would be relevant for me to post that I have been using a 2 kwhr 44v chevy volt module paired to a leaf bike 48v 1500w motor. Used tp 1430c charger. I did not use a BMS.It has been rock solid for the last year. Tons of power, tons of capacity. Just really heavy (45 lb battery and 20 lb motor)

I had a top speed of about 42 mph on flat ground using 1800 watts. I was able to go bike from Baltimore to Washington DC without pedaling (I actually can't pedal because I removed the chain) with lots of battery left over.

I'd be willing to answer any questions.

Sounds like a nice capacity/voltage pack. What's the weight?

[Monstarr]

Hi Forum People,

I just thought it would be relevant for me to post that I have been using a 2 kwhr 44v chevy volt module paired to a leaf bike 48v 1500w motor. Used tp 1430c charger. I did not use a BMS.It has been rock solid for the last year. Tons of power, tons of capacity. Just really heavy (45 lb battery and 20 lb motor)

I had a top speed of about 42 mph on flat ground using 1800 watts. I was able to go bike from Baltimore to Washington DC without pedaling (I actually can't pedal because I removed the chain) with lots of battery left over.

I'd be willing to answer any questions.

Sounds like a nice capacity/voltage pack. What's the weight?

[Monstarr]

Hi Forum People,

I just thought it would be relevant for me to post that I have been using a 2 kwhr 44v chevy volt module paired to a leaf bike 48v 1500w motor. Used tp 1430c charger. I did not use a BMS.It has been rock solid for the last year. Tons of power, tons of capacity. Just really heavy (45 lb battery and 20 lb motor)

I had a top speed of about 42 mph on flat ground using 1800 watts. I was able to go bike from Baltimore to Washington DC without pedaling (I actually can't pedal because I removed the chain) with lots of battery left over.

I'd be willing to answer any questions.

I have done the same on a Novox C10 electric moped/scooter with hubmotor. Refitted the 12s3p pack with compression bands from parcel packingband machine I have at my work. I then fully covered it with protective tape and carry it around in a low priced bag I bought from Hobbyking (Turnigy Heavy Duty Large Carry Bag). Fits nicely.

[eddieboy]

Well, with the right tools, you can take out the cells "as welded" in 3P 1S. It is actually easier than taking out the individual cells and safer. Weight per cell is 1153.0g / 3 with the copper tab left on. There is room to separate the plates for air cooling.

What are the necessary tools to take out the cells "as welded"?

[MitchJi]

Well, with the right tools, you can take out the cells "as welded" in 3P 1S. It is actually easier than taking out the individual cells and safer. Weight per cell is 1153.0g / 3 with the copper tab left on. There is room to separate the plates for air cooling.

What are the necessary tools to take out the cells "as welded"?

I don’t remember how it’s done. Check the article on the diyev forum that i posted the quote from in my op.

At this point in time I’d compare them with Tesla M3 modules. The Tesla M3 packs are starting to be available for excellent prices.