Chinese Ni-MH Battery cell replacements-any experience with these copies?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Bruce Cameron, Jun 26, 2015.

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  1. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    I recently discovered a Chinese company named Brand Long advertising these on Alibaba. To do a whole pack, it would not be cost competitive when compared to buying a new pack, OEM. I want to hear from anyone who has has any experiences or has any knowledge of these cells, and real world performance.

    Here's the link, check them out.....

    Ni-mh 7.2v 6500mah Hybrid Electric Car Battery Replacement For Honda Civic/insight,Toyota And Prius - Buy Hybrid Car Battery Replacement For Toyota,Hybrid Ima Battery,7.2v Replacement Nimh Battery Pack Product on Alibaba.com
     
    #1 Bruce Cameron, Jun 26, 2015
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  2. YY4U

    YY4U Junior Member

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    This is from the same seller with a little more info:

    Yabo Power 7.2v Battery For Toyota Pruis - Buy Battery For Toyota Pruis,Battery For Toyota Hybrid,Toyota Pruis Battery Replacement Product on Alibaba.com

    If these are brand-new (and work), they may be a better alternative to buying used modules on eBay. The price does seem a little high, however. They need to be priced around $20. Then you could order 28 modules for less than $600 and be done with it (plus shipping, which may make it unfeasible).



    Specifications
    Toyota Pruis Battery
    1.20C discharge
    2.3 years of warranty
    3.6500mAh
    4.Better than original

    Toyota Pruis battery

    With full automation equipments and battery material we imported from Japan, 7.2v Toyota Pruis Battery for Toyota Pruis and Toyota Camry we produce is techniquely no worse than original batteries from Panasonic. Till now, there are more than 1000 Toyota Pruis cars are running with our battery in US. Our customer in US normally offer 3 years warranty, we are proud to tell that there is not a single problem happend when installed properly.

    7.2V 6.5Ah NIMH battery module for Toyota Pruis
     
    #2 YY4U, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2015
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Somewhat akin to "mostly harmless", in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:

    "techniquely no worse"
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2015
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  4. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    Be nice if they were cheaper. They have quoted me $180 AUD to ship 2 modules to Australia. That's after quoting me $42 AUD. I have been in contact with them for 4 weeks and have only just received invoice, however they have changed the prices they quoted. I have found them near impossible to deal with, different person each time, no continuity or final commitment. I worked out if I did a whole pack, freight would drop per unit but would still coat approx $2k AUD per pack. I know what I'd rather do if in the market for new batteries. For now used cells are doing the job but this won't last forever.
     
    #4 Bruce Cameron, Jun 27, 2015
  5. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    lol, yeah interesting choice of words isn't it.
     
    #5 Bruce Cameron, Jun 27, 2015
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Thanks for starting this thread. Now we know where the US sellers of "new" traction batteries are sourcing the modules from.

    The website indicates they will not sell to US individual customers, but it appears they are willing to sell to an individual in other countries such as Australia?
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Jun 27, 2015
  7. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    As far as my inquiries indicate so far, yes they will sell to anyone. They've invoiced me and it's for real. I'll reserve judgement re the product until I receive them. I don't hold high expectations in all honesty.

    Edit....sorry Patrick, just re read your post, ok, not to US. Maybe we can work something out?
     
    #7 Bruce Cameron, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2015
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Was this quote itemized to show the price of the modules vs. the shipping cost?

    AUD180 = USD138 for two modules
    USD69 / module * 28 modules = USD1,932
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Jun 27, 2015
  9. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    Yeah, it would need to get more economical than that in my opinion. Buying in bulk will assist this, as the freight will disperse. I'm just thinking of what you pay for a new pack in the US, I believe it's cheaper than here at approx $2k USD, is this accurate?

    The uit price is between $48-52 USD, to me, but the freight is the killer which is why I've considered buying a large quantity. I won't do this until I've tested sample cells in a pack, logging performance, etc.I don't want hundreds of lemons.
     
    #9 Bruce Cameron, Jun 27, 2015
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  10. a_triant

    a_triant Member

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    #10 a_triant, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2017
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  11. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    If the modules are high quality local distributors will pop up. The high shipping costs is a birthing pain.
     
    #11 SageBrush, Jun 27, 2015
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  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    US MSRP is now $3,236 and the discounted price is $2,427 at this dealer:
    AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts
     
    #12 Patrick Wong, Jun 27, 2015
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  13. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    #13 SageBrush, Jun 27, 2015
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  14. a_triant

    a_triant Member

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    #14 a_triant, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2017
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  15. Bruce Cameron

    Bruce Cameron Junior Member

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    Thanks to all for your input. I had heard anecdotal accounts of discounted OEM packs and tapering prices generally. It appears that these Chinese knock-off's will need to be very price competitive to be considered as a viable option. For me personally, given my observations of Panasonic modules, the quality would need to be very high to be viable alternatives also. As market values taper it becomes more difficult to justify $$$.

    here is Australia we do not enjoy the same economies of scale and dealers generally regard failures as isolated rather than normal wear and tear. They do not discount, and the core charge is much lower by memory. I was quoted around $3400 AUD last year to purchase, with core returned, but not fitted. We sourced a wreck pack instead, but have since done several rebuilds. That has been costing around a third compared to dealer quotes here, including all other expenses.
     
    #15 Bruce Cameron, Jun 27, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2015
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  16. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Any one else notice the pictures of a Prius battery case filled with round "D" size cells? Look at enough of the Alibaba listings and you will find them. 7.2v/6500mah Toyota Prius Battery Replacement Ni-mh Car Battery - Buy Honda Hybrid Battery,Honda Hybrid Battery,Honda Hybrid Battery Product on Alibaba.com This is the cell format that Honda and the Japanese Prius Gen "0" used.

    A Gen II pack was filled with three rows of round cells. Each row had 14 bundles of cells. Each shrink wrapped bundle had four cells. They replaced two prismatic modules of six cells each with three shrink wrapped sticks of four cells each. I checked the dimensions and the round cells would fit with room to spare. They had to customize the voltage sensing wire harness as every other connection would be on the opposite side of the pack. The picture shows a very crude mounting system with all the high voltage connections exposed. Another consideration is the effect on the air cooling flow.

    Such a system would only make sense if the price was right. It would include, 42 shrink wrapped sticks of four cells each, a proper mounting structure, buss bars and bolts, and a modified wiring harness. At a $1000 retail price it would be very attractive.

    I would worry about the knock off prismatic modules being seized in customs.

    Brad
     
    #16 strawbrad, Jun 28, 2015
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  17. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That looks like a science experiment that could catch on fire at any moment... I would not use it if it were free.
     
    #17 Patrick Wong, Jun 28, 2015
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  18. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    The specs listed on Eric's web site are for cylindrical cells.

    The most commonly listed MRSP I find is $2588.67. And there are discounters that list packs for under $2000. You just have to find one that will actually sell one.

    Interesting options for batteries may be soon available.

    Brad
     
    #18 strawbrad, Jun 28, 2015
  19. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    How would you feel if you ordered a set of prismatic modules and you received the science experment?:eek:
     
    #19 strawbrad, Jun 28, 2015
  20. a_triant

    a_triant Member

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    #20 a_triant, Jun 28, 2015
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