Batteries · 20 August 05
Batteries can be the hardest item to decide on for a new EV. Do you buy huge, deep cycle batteries for the utmost in range or spry, lightweight “new tech” batteries which cost more but promise snappier performance?
Our first EV started off with twelve Trojan SCS225 deep cycle batteries. Even though I treated them rather badly (a charger failure and a missed watering) they lasted for three years. The next set ended up being a slightly cheaper set of generic deep cycle marine batteries and they barely lasted a year. After that it was back to the SCS225.
For longer battery life a 12v deep cycle isn’t the optimal choice. It is better to go with an 8volt, or better yet 6volt deep cycle battery, which are rated for 300-500 80% discharge cycles.
Here’s a list of FAQs, information, and suppliers.
- Battery Glossary
- Deep Cycle FAQ
- Ultimate Battery FAQ
- Battery User’s Guide
- Battery Info
- Simon’s Battery Info
- Uve’s Battery Page
- Trojan Batteres
- Optima
- Evercel
- NiZn Batteries
- Ultra Capacitors
- Thundersky
- Avestore
- Valence
What about Avestor?
What about Valence?
Buddha on a Segway!
What about ThunderSky?
Hi JC,
Thanks for the additional brands, I’ll add them to the list.
The main problem with “new” batteries is that a web search rarely turns up anything but press releases and queries into purchasing them are never answered.
Nonetheless I’ve sent off emails to all of the companies to see what might be available.
sorry if this is covered somewhere else on the site, but how much do saft nicads cost, and how do they compare as far as Ah and longevity