Group purchase of A123 battery pack - VictPower

[cwah]

Hello there,

I've contacted VictPower for an assembled pack of 20S 20AH A123 pack. So for a total of 1320wh I had a quote of 515,8$. So it's around 25.79$/cell or 0.39$/wh. The price is correct.

The pack would weight 0.55kg*20= 11kg. So the weight would be around 120wh/kg. That's quite nice and better than standard Lifepo4.


The problem is the shipping cost that is quite high at 234.9USD by DHL to ship to London.

Was wondering if anyone from UK would also interested in for a combined purchase? That would greatly decrease the total cost.

 

[smudger1956]

Not wanting to put you off....maybe an isolated incident..?
Purchasing from Victpower Technology - DIY Electric Car Forums

 

[cwah]

Yeah, I've seen this thread. The guy is still trying to solve the problem.

But they also have better feedback:
Endless-sphere.com • View topic - A123 20Ah Quebec Group buy(Canada) cells ARRIVED 24.57$/cell

It's obviously not as good as a Ping seller. Was wondering if that would worth a try. I'd pay via paypal of course.

 

[cwah]

Few more details:

Have also some more questions from other potential buyer:
- Do you also have any pictures of the battery pack?
not yet ,place an order after,it will be done by our engineer,shipping before send u pics

- What's the packaging and case for the cells?
insulation sellotape and PVC protect shorted

- what's the gauge wiring?
it's up to continuing current and peak current

- how are the cells connected in series?
it will be done by our engineer ,i dont know then.

- does this include a balance lead?
yes,

- do you also provide bigger BMS? What would be the continuous and max amps then?
Yes, 20A-35A

- is there any warranty?
1 YEAR

- what would happen for any defective cell?
CANT be defective cell.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Cwah,

I don't wish to put a damper on your enthusiasm, but you need to factor in VAT and import duty, DHL will almost certainly bill you for this

 

[cwah]

John, do you have any idea how much would that be?

 

[NRG]

4% duty then 20% VAT plus a 'handling' charge

I have to be extra careful these days...I nearly always have to pay import duties now...

 

[Cyclezee]

It is actually 6% Impoort Duty and 20% VAT.

 

[jerrysimon]

Often plus an £8 admin fee and duty/VAT is paid on the full amount including the postage!

Regards

Jerry

 

[NRG]

DEpends on what the item is...just checked an on-line calculator and Lithium battery for example comes out at 2.7% (not sure how accurate the site is but you get my drift....)

Edit: On further checking I think its 4.7% for Lithium batteries...

 

[cwah]

Hmm... I should then consider 26% additional cost, which leads to 0.49$/wh.. Still cheaper but I'd need a way to pay less.

Have some pictures from them:

Unfortunately, that's all I can have.

I asked for more details such as the connections and soldering, but here's the answer:
Me:
"Thanks Xin, but there isn't anyway to see how cells are connected? I suppose you should have few pictures of pack open?"

Her:
"No i cant , it's not allowed from company principle

Im sorry"

Damn!