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

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

 

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

"techniquely no worse"

 

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?

 

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

 

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If the modules are high quality local distributors will pop up. The high shipping costs is a birthing pain.

 

US MSRP is now $3,236 and the discounted price is $2,427 at this dealer:
AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts

 

Under $2000 USD at select locations

 

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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

 

That looks like a science experiment that could catch on fire at any moment... I would not use it if it were free.

 

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

 

How would you feel if you ordered a set of prismatic modules and you received the science experment?

 

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