[EvantageMotors]

Hey guys/gals we just finished our first conversion ( mostly) but I'm having a really tough time finding a BMS I like. Mostly because it probably doesn't exist yet or I am just looking in the wrong places. Heres my complicated wants..
1. flexibility, we will be building cars with different and/or upgradable packs Need a BMS to accommodate growth.
2. Connectivity via Bluetooth or WiFi
3. GPS, we would love to monitor the cells and be able to use map features/MPH etc. (I feel that since the cell condition will be the number one thing to monitor, having a screen, Tesla like, that integrates some functions like this would be beneficial..if it doesn't exist I am willing to work with the community and manufacturers to make this happen.)
4. obviously active balancing
5. DC/DC I know this is likely far fetched at this point but having a DC/DC converter for 12v built in would limit yet more wiring and another module needed.

This is all fairly new to me so I appreciate your advice, knowledge.

BTW, our current build is 295v 72cell. With the BMS's I have found we will most likely have to run 4 packs 18cells @ 74v and 4 bms

 

[EvantageMotors]

I don't know of any BMS that has an integrated DC/DC converter, and it wouldn't make much sense for that to exist. You just have to buy another unit.

If I'm reading your post right, you have 72 cells in series, which is within spec for the Orion 2 BMS. BMSes only care about the number of series connections, not parallel connections. Orion sells up to 180 cell BMSes. If you want to run 4 packs in parallel, then you do need a BMS for each pack. Orion has a way to parallel the BMSes so that you only have one main BMS and then 3 satellite BMSes.

Orion has a module that you can buy that syncs over Wi-Fi to monitor cells and SoC.

Thank you for the reply. Ive been looking at Orion. They look like good units. My plan was to run series/parallel. I might be way off but 72v x4 parallel for charging, bms, dc/dc and then series over to the controller. Am Out of line to think this would work?

 

[EvantageMotors]

That sounds like it would work. What motor and inverter are you using?

Evintics Sol 1 and a WarP 9

 

[EvantageMotors]

I might be a little lost here, but are you suggesting a way of re-wiring the pack on the fly to switch between 4x 18s modules of 72v (74v?) to a configuration of 72s and 295v? It would be a strange approach if you are trying to simplify the wiring.

Yes, its closer to 74v. How I see it in my head is bus bar with 4packs paralleled for charging and for (4)BMS.. I was trying to keep within the confines of some of the China made systems with GPS/Bluetooth and a simple gauge app for the phone/tablet. Then out to the controller/ V/Amp monitor in series.

 

[EvantageMotors]

Am I right to assume that you are thinking of using prismatic LFP cells, or perhaps lead acids? Based on the fact that you are leaning towards getting a warp 9, I assume you are building a "classic" style EV like was all the rage about 20 years ago?

We already have the car running, Just no BMS. We purchased all our current equipment used to keep our first build on the cheap. 2006 Mini Cooper. But we plan on converting classics using AC going forward. Currently we have Nissan Leaf cells.

 

[EvantageMotors]

So BMS options for a 72 cell 295v system.. would kinda limit me to Orion? Any other options with a nice phone/tablet interface?

 

[EvantageMotors]

Sorry for the snarky reply, I was amused at the thought of there someday being vintage EV enthusiasts who restore old lead-acid geo metros There are of course still plenty of good things to be said for reusing a DC motor.

No worries.. Having a YouTube Channel and Facebook forum I have become immune to most BS, If I took offense I would have responded appropriately.

Thank you for the info We are running a Zilla charger since we plan on making a few of these and the customer will be the end all to the total Power we wanted a charger that is adjustable on the fly. I know they have a data port to talk to the BMS, something to consider. Really, I am looking for the ease of use for the end user. If someone brings me a BMW 2002 and wants a full restore with EV conversion, I want to make it fairly integrated with display and east to manage readouts. We already deal with China for our other business so I might look into having one of these companies make something... WE are just getting our feet wet and hope to learn and advance some of our current options.

 

[EvantageMotors]

Showing off a bit...