I need to build my own 24 Volt lithium battery for my 4x4. I am trying to source cells. I have two options, buy locally, or import from China.

Buying locally:

Does anyone know of supplier in South Africa that supplies LiFePO4 Prismatic Cells? I previously bought from Lithium Battery SA but they no longer sell individual cells.

Importing from China:

I can also buy in China and ship it to SA, but I am worried about the import duties. Has anyone recently bought cells from China? If so what was the import duties charged and can you recommend a reputable supplier? I have looked at https://off-grid-garage.com/batteries/ for recommended suppliers.

Try Electromannsa.co.za

https://www.extremelights.co.za/collections/loadshed-solutions/products/eve-3-2v-105ah-lithium-ion-phosphate

 

I bought 32 pc B-grade BYD 320AH cells from ROWEN in China, through Alibaba. They offer DDP price (includes transport, fees and customs). My set costed 2650USD all in. I received them three weeks ago well packed (8 boxes) and perfectly balanced (voltage and internal resistance). I installed them straight away in 16S (48V) with a JBD BMS and Xiaoxiang bluetooth monitoring app (admin version). They promised 260 to 270AH real capacity. It looks like they have at least 270AH. All cells seem to be in good health. I will keep you posted on further experiences. 

Hartelijke groeten uit Portugal.

 

On 2022/12/17 at 1:14 PM, JdR said:

https://altergrid.co.za/

https://lithium-cells.co.za/

https://www.electromannsa.com/

 

Do you know when alter grid will have eve batteries again? 

11 hours ago, JdR said:

Why don't you contact them & ask?

Tell us when you know 

2 hours ago, NoordSolar said:

Tell us when you know 

I have emailed them. No answer yet. 

I recently ordered some EVE LF280K batteries and Seplos MASON 280 DYI battery boxes including BMSs. ETA end of Feb 2023.

PM me if you are interested to reserve some of the items. 

@cburza

 

You can get them at Shenzhen Basen Technologies via Alibaba. 

On 2022/12/31 at 3:02 PM, Raj35 said:

@cburza

 

You can get them at Shenzhen Basen Technologies via Alibaba. 

Have you bought from them? 

51 minutes ago, sunset1 said:

Have you bought from them? 

Yes

@Raj35 Did you ship the batteries by sea?

38 minutes ago, cburza said:

@Raj35 Did you ship the batteries by sea?

Only way really. 

6 hours ago, Chris_S said:

Only way really. 

X2 Air freight makes it unfeasible.

Edited January 6, 20232 yr by Raj35

On 2023/01/06 at 9:31 AM, Raj35 said:

Yes

What was the clearance process like?  How does it work?

8 hours ago, Gnome said:

What was the clearance process like?  How does it work?

You may need an importers code from SARS

9 hours ago, Gnome said:

What was the clearance process like?  How does it work?

@Gnome so you will need to ask for DDP shipping with all cost included. 

On 2023/01/29 at 9:58 PM, Gnome said:

What was the clearance process like?  How does it work?

From what I've read be clear about what you importing and a copy of your ID helps. This was info from 4yrs ago though. 

What are you looking at buying? 

You allowed 4 imports a year on your ID number but there is a value limit. I'm not sure what it is now. Before importing batteries I would first speak to a clearance agent to be sure. 

On 2023/01/30 at 7:52 AM, Raj35 said:

@Gnome so you will need to ask for DDP shipping with all cost included. 

But what I mean to say is, how did you know when it got here and then what? Do you show up at the harbour? Sharing is caring, tell the story 🤣 More details is better, start to finish if you can, hehe

7 hours ago, sunset1 said:

From what I've read be clear about what you importing and a copy of your ID helps. This was info from 4yrs ago though. 

What are you looking at buying? 

I'm looking at Lithium cells;  I'm for sure not buying them with air freight, that just doesn't make sense.

7 hours ago, Chris_S said:

You allowed 4 imports a year on your ID number but there is a value limit. I'm not sure what it is now. Before importing batteries I would first speak to a clearance agent to be sure. 

I buy stuff from overseas multiple times a week and have yet to be told I need an importers code.  But maybe with sea freight things might be different.  Either way it is insanely easy to get one of those codes.  I just don't want to be bothered with admin if I don't need to be

Edited January 31, 20232 yr by Gnome

56 minutes ago, Gnome said:

But what I mean to say is, how did you know when it got here and then what? Do you show up at the harbour? Sharing is caring, tell the story 🤣 More details is better, start to finish if you can, hehe

I'm looking at Lithium cells;  I'm for sure not buying them with air freight, that just doesn't make sense.

I buy stuff from overseas multiple times a week and have yet to be told I need an importers code.  But maybe with sea freight things might be different.  Either way it is insanely easy to get one of those codes.  I just don't want to be bothered with admin if I don't need to be

Order some and share your story😂

I'd be keen to setup a group order from China if the economics make sense

Not too scared about making up my own batteries from prismatic cells with a decent BMS.

 

Something about batteries just makes me want to hoard kWh like its gold

3 minutes ago, jeddles said:

I'd be keen to setup a group order from China if the economics make sense

Not too scared about making up my own batteries from prismatic cells with a decent BMS.

 

Something about batteries just makes me want to hoard kWh like its gold

@jeddles I have been thinking about the same thing. Most likely have to run it through a company with an importers code. Doing it personally makes it a bit difficult. I might be able to help with this. Probably want to get payments through credit card on a website as this gives some protection to buyers in case of fraud. EFTs gives you no protection and the bank won't help you if you paid and no goods was delivered.

28 minutes ago, cburza said:

@jeddles I have been thinking about the same thing. Most likely have to run it through a company with an importers code. Doing it personally makes it a bit difficult. I might be able to help with this. Probably want to get payments through credit card on a website as this gives some protection to buyers in case of fraud. EFTs gives you no protection and the bank won't help you if you paid and no goods was delivered.

There have been a few successful attempts on other forums to do a group order.

Credit card processors will only deal with a registered business

I would probably only do it with minimum 3-5 people that I know personally

According to SARS you don't need an importers code if you do less than 3 orders per year of <R50k each.

@Gnome

So first things first , find a good trusted supplier one that is verified, there are a few out there make all your enquiries about the product specifications and grade. When confirming the order stipulate all you requirements and make sure they are clear and understood by the supplier. Choose your payment options i think credit cards are safer as they have the 120day charge back facility but T&C apply. We'll shipping is DDP. When I used  Shenzhen,  they will send to a warehouse in JNB and once there the company will contact you to arrange for pickup and verify that you are the correct recipient. Most important of all keep all your correspondence  with the seller and make sure it's done on the App  because if a dispute were to take place you have proof ,as I almost lost my money due to the first supplier i used. I think @Steve87 can share his tips and experience.

Edited February 2, 20232 yr by Raj35