Chevy Volt Battery Module

Power System
1

The Chevy Volt HV pack is made of multiple modules, as is usual in the EV industry. Some of those modules are conveniently 12S…

Here is a 2.3kWh module for sale:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-12s2p-Chevy-Volt-Battery-2-3kWh-pack-Solar-Golf-cart/222860928102?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44039%26meid%3Db72d5be285af47bdb14622c67ce88a9e%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D222893546182%26itm%3D222860928102&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Pros: Cheap, high quality LG chem cells, 12S with connector for balancing.

Cons: Would have to figure how to package it to the OpenPPG. May not be a good form factor. On the heavy side (likely due to packaging the liquid cooling system…).

This has a specific energy of around 140Wh/kg.

The 20 amp hour 6S Hobbyking Multistar packs are at 185Wh/kg.

Every bit counts here, but something to consider.

2 Likes
2

I added it to the battery list. In terms of price performance this one blows everything else out of the water; it’s just big and heavy.

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3

Any idea how much the individual modules weigh (I know they are different sizes and Ah’s, also know the total battery with case weighs about 400 lbs)?

Also, at what amp draw will the battery require cooling?

Thanks!

4

Has anyone tried using this or a similar golf cart battery? Seems very viable if one is willing to tolerate bulkiness. One could purchase numberous batteries (for back-to-back flights) for the same price other energy storage devices would yield a fraction of total flight time.

If this is true even with added weight, carrying a bit extra seems worth it.