This type of battery was around $700 --- 6 months ago...

https://cgi.ebay.com/48V-20AH-LiFePO4...item4cf45e78de


prices are dropping,..

I recently read a article that MIT engineers have succesfully developed a lithium based battery that can be fully charged in 30 seconds...they expect that technology to be offered to the public in about 4 years time.

Toshiba already has a battery that can be recharged to 90% in 5 mins...
Unfortunately the cost of even a small battery (24v 7ah) is in the $1500 range.

$700 somewhere (I'm guessing some company charging full price) to $540 on eBay in six months? Doesn't sound like much of a drop.

Or at least there isn't enough data given to tell if prices are dropping for real.

are you kidding ? thats about 20 % price drop..in 6 months...and Im thinking prices will drop another 20 % within 12 months...

now im talking about price paid..not including all that other baloney like inflation factors, jobless numbers.. dollar depreciation etc....

for my needs, I would not be willing to pay double or triple the price , just to get the same type of battery , whos only advantage is being able to do a quick charge in under 1 hour. Now, if they can come up with the same battery that can do that quick charge and has double the A/h output , in a simliar size and weight of the cheaper battery , then I would consider it.

If I can get a 48 volt/20 A/.h lifepo4 for about $500 delivered..aint no way Id pay $ 1500 just to have the quick charge capability. Id rather spend $1000 and purchase 2 lifepo4 packs at 20 A./h each , which should allow 50 + miles of travel time...Anyone that needs to have the ability to travel on their bicycles, 50 miles or more everyday , may need to look into getting a gas powered scooter :** .

Only if it's an apples to apples comparison.

Where did the $700 figure come from? Was it from an eBay seller? The best deal available on eBay? Or was it a store somewhere?

If the $700 figure was the best available price on eBay for the exact same pack six months ago, and now $540 is the best price available today for the same pack -- then yes, that's apples to apples, and significant. Otherwise, not so much.

Huh?

yes..this comparison is for ebay packs....all of which are overseas sellers...

6 months ago, the 48 volt/ 20A/h lifepo4 packs were in the $700 range and up....Now those same packs can be found on ebay for $540 .....AND, if you are willing to privately email the seller, you can probably get them a bit cheaper by not using ebay for the transactions, which eliminates the ebay fees ....

This is what I did with my 1000 watt complete electric kit...that kit was $799 on ebay , I got it for $749 buying it direct...

Lifepo4 battery prices can only come down more....competition, improved technologys, etc..will drive the prices lower.

You can't use the prices on eBay..
In my case I bought a 48v 20ah for $221 including shipping almost 2 years ago on auction. So that comparison doesn't work.

you bought a new lifepi4 for $221 ... 2 years ago in 48 volt/20A/h ?

Yep.. I won the auction for that price with free shipping.

I believe I paid some where in the neighborhood of $600 for my 36V 10Ah LiFePo4 through a reputable shop w/excellent customer service about a year and a half ago. I disremember the exact amount, I bought the motor, battery, controller, and a Cycle Analyst at the same time.

I would rather pay a little more, and deal with a reputable shop, than try to save a little money and buy a battery,charger ect. on the 'bay.

okay..now thats a little bit different then my example though...

you basically got VERY lucky..on a hi bid auction that no one else really bid high on..

my example is a BUY IT NOW price...and im comparing todays buy it now price, to the avergae buy it now price 6 months ago...which was 20% higher then today...

I know, I was just gloating, is all.