New Battery Pack for the MG

Much to report since my last update. I have officially "graduated" from physical therapy, so am spending more time working in the garage. I still tire easily and take frequent breaks, but I'm getting some things accomplished. The Bugeye is basically done save for some wiring and trouble shooting, but it's still in residence at Pro Automotive until I clear space in the garage for it. That means getting the MG sold and off to a new home. Here's the Facebook Marketplace listing.

There were a lot of inquiries initially, but it was clear that no one was prepared to take on the remaining project. A test drive would also help, so I'm finishing out the new battery pack installation. I ordered 44 brand new CALB180FI cells from Cycle Charge that happily came with bus bars and bolts. Battery prices have come down considerably, so I can add the costs to my asking price without breaking the bank. That would result in a 25.3kWh pack that should give a little over 100 miles of range. I also ordered a new charger and DC/DC converter from Thunderstruck Motors that were a better match for the new pack voltage.

Crate of 36 cells plus 8 additional

Crate nicely packaged

Twenty cells fit perfectly on the rear platform

New Charger and DC/DC Converter mounted to forward battery end cap.

Twenty one cells fit the forward platform with room for the end cap components. The three remaining cells mount under the forward control board.

The forward board has the NACS (Tesla) charge port, charge LED indicator, Thunderstruck Charge and BMS controllers, and the maintenance switch. The gap between the cells allows for the switch wiring. Yet to be placed are the 12 volt battery and a couple of relays. 

Jack Rickard always said that 80% of the effort in converting a car to an EV lies in planning the battery and component layout. The remaining 20% on this project will entail building the battery container boxes and the high voltage, BMS, and 12 volt wiring. Stay tuned as we finish this up.