I don't know how many of you still use a Levo Gen1 these days, but I've still kept my Gen1 in good condition and I'm still enjoying it.
I've experimented with Specialized electronics in the past and have successfully unlocked the BMS and reused the battery after a repair or a complete cell replacement. See my other posts in this forum or pedelecforum.de .
I'm currently testing a battery prototype with higher-capacity cells in the same housing. The BMS firmware is also being adjusted to ensure the battery functions properly (capacity parameters, OCV SoC tables, etc.). I'm still in the testing phase as this will take lots of time, but it looks promising.
As for the cell replacement, I used custom laser cut pure nickel tabs like the factory build. Spot welder used was K-weld. Although I have many spot welders, for small to medium battery packs, it's one of the best.
So far, I've completed 14 cycles, and everything's been fine. No cell imbalance, no heating. I tested in turbo mode, without any restrictions, discharging to 5%. The voltage drop at full load (approx. 20 amps) is quite good. Time will tell how long this wonder will hold.
Cell used: highest available capacity in 18650 format (BMZ/Terrae 42E). I've managed to get some samples from a friend in Poland. But that's about it, I cannot source the cells from somewhere else. Before this, I would have thought the cells are fake(most info googled reveal 3500/3600mAh max capacity for 18650 except x star and or nitecore), but it seems they're not. Measured capacity between 3940 and 3970mAh. Internal resistance a bit better than Samsung 35E. Indeed, these are special cells.
BMZ/Terrae also have a 21700 cell with 6000mAh capacity(Terrae 62e1). I'd imagine if I have those, I will start building a 840Wh prototype, for Levo gen2/3, under 4kg
Let me know what you think. Anybody here knows a way to buy those cells from BMZ?
links of interest:
18650 4000mAh
www.batemo.com
-
21700 6000mAh
I've experimented with Specialized electronics in the past and have successfully unlocked the BMS and reused the battery after a repair or a complete cell replacement. See my other posts in this forum or pedelecforum.de .
I'm currently testing a battery prototype with higher-capacity cells in the same housing. The BMS firmware is also being adjusted to ensure the battery functions properly (capacity parameters, OCV SoC tables, etc.). I'm still in the testing phase as this will take lots of time, but it looks promising.
As for the cell replacement, I used custom laser cut pure nickel tabs like the factory build. Spot welder used was K-weld. Although I have many spot welders, for small to medium battery packs, it's one of the best.
So far, I've completed 14 cycles, and everything's been fine. No cell imbalance, no heating. I tested in turbo mode, without any restrictions, discharging to 5%. The voltage drop at full load (approx. 20 amps) is quite good. Time will tell how long this wonder will hold.
Cell used: highest available capacity in 18650 format (BMZ/Terrae 42E). I've managed to get some samples from a friend in Poland. But that's about it, I cannot source the cells from somewhere else. Before this, I would have thought the cells are fake(most info googled reveal 3500/3600mAh max capacity for 18650 except x star and or nitecore), but it seems they're not. Measured capacity between 3940 and 3970mAh. Internal resistance a bit better than Samsung 35E. Indeed, these are special cells.
BMZ/Terrae also have a 21700 cell with 6000mAh capacity(Terrae 62e1). I'd imagine if I have those, I will start building a 840Wh prototype, for Levo gen2/3, under 4kg
Let me know what you think. Anybody here knows a way to buy those cells from BMZ?
links of interest:
18650 4000mAh
INR18650-42E
Get measurement data, a high-precision model and a detailed report of the lithium-ion battery cell TerraE INR18650-42E.
www.batemo.com
21700 6000mAh
good luck.
