LRBen

talkingcars wrote:

If ever I get around to doing my conversion I plan to 3D print 18650 battery holders to fit all the available spaces creating my own units.

Working on the tightest of budgets (i.e. free is expensive) I plan to use second hand cells from used laptop batteries.

I expect the cheapest overall way will be to use a battery from a PHEV, the BMW hybrid batteries in particular are very good. They come with the bms system which is already hacked, along with the main junction box which has recently been hacked as well. Good power output and a decent size. You'll get maybe 30 miles out of the 12kWh packs. I think I might end up putting one in mine eventually.
The trouble with reusing 18650s is that filament isn't that cheap to start with. You'll then need a BMS system, contactors etc. I can also see in the future a battery like that or like the one I'm using will have a harder time getting through inspections. I think they will look very favorably on reusing OEM components which have already gone through safety tests.