Dang, another set o' batteries

[Bob Bath]

I don't know how to say it in a polite way, so here goes: US Battery
is having people charge at a higher voltage than they should, if they
want to get longevity. I've just hit 8K miles and 3 years, and I've
got a couple of batteries that are about to go. That means the rest
will soon likely follow. To make an EV cost effective (not the only
reason I drive EVs), I need 18K miles per pack. I'll be charging my
pack at 176 volts, equalizing at 184, not charging and equalizing at
184 volts. I sure wish USB would change their website and their
ideas. Hope all of you are getting plenty of miles with your charging
algorithms.

[DavidH]

Have you replaced your pack yet, or are you still trying to keep them
going?

I have read that Equalizing every charge cycle is great for
performance, but murder on cycle life, which seems to be how US
Battery wants to charge.
Another EV'er is also finding their US Battery 8 volters are dying
after only a year of use and about 4,000 miles.
I replaced my pack of MAXX29s after a 1,000 miles under warranty
because I was too lazy to equalize them.
I want to get at least 3,000 miles/150 Cycles from this pack, which
may be the limit of 12 volt batteries in EVs before I upgrade to
something better.

[Bob Bath]

The batteries are on order and should arrive next week at the latest.
Please forward my experience to the other EVer you cite. They need to
be charged at 174 their first year, and equalized at 186, depending on
ambient temp. This is do or die for me with flooded batts.
peace,

[DavidH]

Have you received the new batteries yet?

David

[Bob Bath]

Yes, finally did, but need to install _after_ I get the absorbent batt-
mat for the front racks. Wahoo! Won't be long now...

[DavidH]

I finally ordered myself a set of 8VGC XC for my Civic. They arrive
this week and I should get them installed this weekend once in I make
my new cables. I just couldn't wait any longer I miss driving my ev
everyday.

David

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[Bob Bath]

If you mean the HC as in "high capacity", be aware that with more
space inside the battery taken up as active material, the batteries
tend to "weep" a bit more (get electrolyte on the top of the case).
Also, I really recommend using the _Trojan_ charging recommendations
(ie, 174+/- for regular charging, 186+/- equalizing), not the USBatt
suggestions. Totally know what you mean on "miss driving my EV". Now
to work on a 2nd heating element, so that I don't need to pull it down
so long over cold, OR winters...