NCA vs NCM for e-trike

[fbl100]

Hi,
I'm currently considering several different options for the battery on my e-trike (ICE Sprint-26 w/ eZee_v2)

Obviously the LiFePO4 solution is out there, and I like the A123 cells. I'm looking for something lighter per Ah. That said, I also have the choice of working with NCA or NCM cells.

Option 1 (NCM?) : SDI ICR18650-22P
50V/16.4 Ah battery is 5.6kg

Option 2: (NCA?) : SDI ICR18650-29E
50V / 16.8 Ah battery is 4.45 kg

I'm familiar with NCM, but I don't know much about NCA, especially when it comes to saftey.
I did find this: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/types_of_lithium_ion, which explains them a little. According to battery university NCA is not as "safe", though nowhere near LiPo (I hope!) Can anyone here elaborate on the saftey and/or performance differences between the chemistries?

I plan on purchasing this setup through cell_man and using their BMS/Charger, so I'm not too worried about overcharging. I also plan on using CycleAnalyst to accurately limit the discharge.

Thanks!

 

[cwah]

wow that is light. Maybe you can ask them for the cell specs? They should have one.

How much did they quote you for such a pack?

 

[999zip999]

The battery Must match your motor and controller's needs.

 

[fbl100]

I believe that both setups will do what both my motor and controller want. Current plan is to use a 25A controller. Really most interested in the potential saftey issues associated with NCA. The light weight is pretty compelling though.

 

[fbl100]

wow that is light. Maybe you can ask them for the cell specs? They should have one.

How much did they quote you for such a pack?

I don't really feel comfortable giving you those numbers, since he clearly said that this was an 'estimate' and he doesn't have the cells in-hand yet. I have asked for the cell specs.

Thanks

 

[johnnyz383]

I'm just wondering why your concerned with weight?...making a battery pack from headway lifepo4 cells is the best and easiest way to go..safe and a high c rating make these an ideal choice. I use them in my trike

John

Arctrike.com

 

[fbl100]

I guess it's the size more than the weight. Seems to me that I'll have more options for mounting the pack with a smaller pack. I'm still considering the LiFePO4 option, but I'm really more interested in learning about the saftey aspects of the NCA cells. It's all a balancing act between size, weight, and saftey - I just want to gather the info so I can make a good decision.

 

[johnnyz383]

Yes, the more capacity the bigger it gets. I remember putting a big 48 volt 20 amp lifepo4 on my mountain bike...wow...it made it a dangerous thing to drive!!...heavy and big...on my trike for example, the battery is down low right behind you so it balances the whole unit out. Good luck!


john

Arctrike.com