Why electric vehicles burn so well

Why EVs burn so hotElectric cars, e-bikes, e-scooters: they all use lithium-based batteries, and they all seem to burn very well.

While many agencies and officials claim traditional cars are at higher risk of bursting into flames, we don’t seem to hear so much about them in the news.

Whatever the case, the fact remains that EV battery fires are VERY nasty.

So, question is: Why??

(more…)

The difference between FLA, SLA, VRLA, EFB, and AGM lead-acid batteries

Lead Acid Battery TypesIn the olden days, you had this thing called a car battery. Lead, acid, you’re done.

Nowadays, there are so many different types of lead-acid batteries. Plus, everyone will give you different advice on which battery to choose.

Is it for a car with Start and Stop? Can you use a new-fangled battery in an old-fangled vehicle?

Which one lasts longest? Gives you the most energy? The best bang for you buck?

Read on for a simple guide to lead acid batteries!

(more…)

The $16 battery tab spot welder

The Amazing $16 battery tab spot welderI’ve been looking for a cheap battery tab spot welder for 18650 lithium-ion cells for awhile now.

The usual ones just aren’t worth the cost. For example, for half the cost of a welder, I could buy at least 2 brand new power tool battery packs.

Enter the $16.99 Portable Mini Spot Welder!

At that price, it was worth a shot…

(more…)

Lithium Polymer vs Lithium-Ion batteries: What’s the deal?

LiPo = Li-ionIf you’ve got any kind of gizmo – laptop, tablet, e-book reader, cell phone, MP3 player, cordless screwdriver or drill, etc. – then you’re using lithium-ion batteries all the time.

Lithium-ion batteries, often abbreviated as Li-ion, are extremely common these days.

But what about so-called Lithium Polymer batteries, also called LiPo or Li-poly batteries? Are they really better?

If you believe the marketing folks, yes they are. But, as it turns out, you’ve been fooled just like me!

(more…)