Featured Discussion: NexPower V3 Sodium-ion Battery Announcement

Looks like NexPower might offer a $450 V3 upgrade option. If true, this is potentially a worthwhile upgrade (this is a forward looking statement, pending my actual review of the V3 system).

 

I've absolutely enjoyed watching the lithium landscape unfold over the past twenty years.
For those that don't mind reading text and graphs, Hype Cycle Assessment of Emerging Technologies for Battery Production outlines what the future roadmap might look like. Published ~18 months ago (2023FEB), but still insightful.

Here are some key points that stuck out to me (and also my various thoughts):
-Their 4680 cell assessment is spot on: "trough of disillusionment" phase. If you're unfamiliar, Tesla is having a tough time realizing the virtues they claimed this cell would offer. Rumor mill states Elon has given the 4680 team until the end of 2024 to shape up.
-Na-ion is at the "peak of inflated expectations" phase. For reference, NMC lithium is at the "plateau of productivity" phase.
-Na-ion is in the "transformative" technology potential class, which makes it a holy grail item. However, this team predicts Na-ion won't be a mature product for another "5-10 years" (which as of today is 3.5-8.5 years). IMO, that would likely only happen if elusive solid state lithium cells don't make it to market first.

 

I now have a NexPower V3 prototype unit in my possession. I haven't finished analyzing everything yet, but will release a video showing my findings once I'm done.

For now, I recommend that all V3 customers should immediately stop using NexPower's prototype V3 hardware.

Explanation:
The prototype NexPower V3 unit I received has fake service disconnect terminals. Specifically, the terminals you connect the service disconnect to don't connect to anything inside the pack. Therefore:
-even when connected to the V3 terminals, the service disconnect isn't electrically connected to the HVDC bus, and;
-the full pack voltage is always present, even when the service disconnect is removed, and;
-since the service disconnect contains the HVDC bus fuse, systems using the prototype V3 hardware are completely unfused.

 

Thanks for the additional information, Jack. Three followup questions:
1a) Were your beta customers made aware that they were installing an unfused pack into their car?
1b) Were your beta customers made aware that the full pack voltage was present across the HVDC terminals during installation, even though the service disconnect was removed?
2) What date did you implement the above-pictured change? FYI: I will compare your answer to date codes on the pack I have. FYI: The pack I'm reviewing isn't that old.
3) I can only review the hardware I have in front of me, and since you will not send me hardware I am having to procure it from others. If you will send me your latest hardware, I will hold off on uploading the video I just finished filming. I will give you until midnight Pacific time to answer this question. If you agree to send hardware, I would need to receive this hardware prior to 2024AUG05.

Correction: Johnathan Sullivan

I am evaluating these products on behalf of your customers.

Regarding the cease and desist I sent you, I have sufficient evidence from several people wherein you privately attacked my professional reputation, which is defamation per se. Therefore, if I filed a suit I would essentially win by default, as I don't even have to show that actual damages occurred; only that you said these things. I would call up to the stand the several people who have sent me your private communications, hand them a sheet of paper with your written statements, and then ask each witness "do you remember this conversation?"

However, for now I've elected not to do that, since I ultimately do want you to prevail.

As you know, I am developing my own system.
However, I see major safety issues in your designs, and I think the community should know about them.
Your shoddy products are ruining consumer confidence in a field I anticipate entering.

 

Yawn.
You have no idea what you're talking about.
Bless your heart.

 

Based on the written private remarks others have shared with me, yes I am 100% certain I would win this case.
More importantly, my legal team described such a case as a 'slam dunk'.

Reminder: Defamation requires either making knowingly false statements, or acting with reckless disregard.
As I've proposed now to you several times, please let me know what specifically I've said that's incorrect.

Again, you have no idea what you're talking about.
If Jack and I do end up in court, rest assured that my legal team will earn their keep.
One of the great things about having a great legal team on retainer, is that I can defer to their legal expertise... in fact, that's what I pay them for.

Bless your heart.