# New GEM Owner - Converting To Lithium Batteries **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [November 16, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800 "2011-11-16T16:54:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![bgeery](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5e925/32.png) [@bgeery](https://community.electricforum.com/u/bgeery)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2015, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/41 "2015-03-11T20:50:53Z")
That’s them. Don’t ask me why why call themselves CALIB in the US, just be glad you have a LOCAL source for batteries! Do your research online to find out what the current “haggle” price is. It’s was hovering around $1-1.25/Ah/cell, but who knows now. ---
**Author:** ![nakedwaterskier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/258eb7/32.png) [@nakedwaterskier](https://community.electricforum.com/u/nakedwaterskier)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2015, 9:00pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/42 "2015-03-11T21:00:29Z")
Yep…everything is a bit dodgy…that is why my caution. But, sounds like you did it without too much difficulty. This local to me guy from the DIY Electric Car Forum could be a big help. He yanked the engine and tranny from a Geo Metro! Also, my roomie/tenant is a Prius and Honda Hybrid Battery Rebuilder…so, I should be able to get it done…just the more info the better. Thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/43 "2015-05-11T21:04:59Z")
brent, starting a lithium upgrade this week , inspired by reading about yours . all the info you gave really helped me get started . I started a new thread not to take away from yours . hope your available for some q’s soon. mike ---
**Author:** ![newgem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@newgem](https://community.electricforum.com/u/newgem)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2015, 7:05am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/44 "2015-08-31T07:05:01Z")
Thank you bgeery. I am looking for upgrading a 2009 E4, so your experience in very helpful. ---
**Author:** ![AMPjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@AMPjoe](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AMPjoe)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 9:53am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/45 "2015-11-01T09:53:50Z")
Just finished my 72V 130ah Lifep04 Upgrade and it is awesome. I still have to clean the install up a bit but will keep you posted. ---
**Author:** ![newgem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@newgem](https://community.electricforum.com/u/newgem)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/46 "2015-11-01T12:56:25Z")
When you will be done, it would be to much to give me approximate cost for upgrading my 2009 E4? ---
**Author:** ![AMPjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@AMPjoe](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AMPjoe)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/47 "2015-11-01T15:15:03Z")
Once I get my setup complete I will be happy to share all the specifics. Joe ---
**Author:** ![newgem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@newgem](https://community.electricforum.com/u/newgem)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2015, 4:09am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/48 "2015-11-02T04:09:05Z")
Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![AMPjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@AMPjoe](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AMPjoe)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 6:02am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/49 "2015-11-12T06:02:31Z")
Have many other converted to Lithium ??? ---
**Author:** ![AMPjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@AMPjoe](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AMPjoe)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 6:03am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/50 "2015-11-12T06:03:33Z")
Where is the best place to get the software to adjust the engine and speed limiters ? ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 6:25am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/51 "2015-11-12T06:25:56Z")
> [@AMPjoe;27477](#): > > Have many other converted to Lithium ??? I did mine , there is a thread on here about it . didn’t us lifepo like this thread , used Nissan leaf cells instead . I recommend converting to lithium . it does require some electrical knowledge , but the benefits are great . like many others here on the thread , always available to help. ---
**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 6:27am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/52 "2015-11-12T06:27:26Z")
Forklift Electronics [GEM Car T3 Owners](http://www.forklift-electronics.com/GEMT3.html) ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 6:29am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/53 "2015-11-12T06:29:38Z")
> [@newgem;27096](#): > > When you will be done, it would be to much to give me approximate cost for upgrading my 2009 E4? newgem , I see your in Sanibel . I’m in naples , your more then welcome to stop by and see/drive my lithium gem . ---
**Author:** ![newgem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@newgem](https://community.electricforum.com/u/newgem)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/54 "2015-11-12T19:57:17Z")
> [@kinghappy;27481](#): > > newgem , I see your in Sanibel . I’m in naples , your more then welcome to stop by and see/drive my lithium gem . I will be dilated. My phone 239-395-1590, so if don’t, mind give me a call or leave your number and I call you. ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/55 "2015-11-12T21:28:32Z")
> [@kinghappy;27481](#): > > newgem , I see your in Sanibel . I’m in naples , your more then welcome to stop by and see/drive my lithium gem . Do you use bms? What charger? I was worried about 1c or 3c lipo4 cells supplying enough current. I have been told the “volt” li-ion batteries can do 1200 amps. And 1/2 the money. 60ah for my 48v car \<$1k ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2015, 9:03am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/56 "2015-11-13T09:03:43Z")
the volt cell are great . the problem is they come in subassemblies of 24v & 48v . so you cant get the voltages right for a 72v gem . BUT for a 48v setup , absolutely . if memory serves me right the original cells are only 45ah and the new 2015 cells are 50ah . but you can buy a 48v module for like $400 . so buy 2 and parallel them . your talking $ 800 for a 90ah pack ! its a no brainer . they can easily handle the discharge rate , that’s not a problem . for your other question . no I’m not using a bms . the leaf models are a perfect match voltage wise . I have the charger set to charge them to 4.12v per cell and shut off . then the controller shuts down @ 60v from the factory , so that’s 3.0v on the low side . also these type of cells have stayed perfectly balanced . checked today and after dozens and dozens of charges they are all within 1/100th of a volt! no bms necessary . in fact they are so perfect for the gem , the factory charge gauge works perfect and I didn’t even have to recalibrate it. p.s. I had lithium profiles add to my delta q . you maybe able to use your standard charger depending on what it is . ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2015, 9:15am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/57 "2015-11-13T09:15:31Z")
> [@newgem;27508](#): > > I will be dilated. My phone 239-395-1590, so if don’t, mind give me a call or leave your number and I call you. called your number , lady who answered didn’t know what I was talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2015, 11:23am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/58 "2015-11-13T11:23:00Z")
The 48 volt packs are cheap, but I’d like another cell. Hybrid has 60ah 58.8v packs for $849 ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2015, 11:42am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/59 "2015-11-13T11:42:01Z")
[quote=Inwo;27547]The 48 volt packs are cheap, but I’d like another cell. Hybrid has 60ah 58.8v packs for $849[/quote] the 60ah well be the leaf cells what’s the high voltage and low voltage cutoff on your controller ? ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800/60 "2015-11-13T12:34:09Z")
[quote=kinghappy;27549]the 60ah well be the leaf cells what’s the high voltage and low voltage cutoff on your controller ?[/quote] 20% high cutout. 57.6 in theory. I get a peak of 62 volts after charging without problem. In a pinch, I think I can fool the controller with .6 volt drop to “sense” pin. Hybrid sells these as a 48v kit. I suspect it will work. My 48v Tomberlin is a pig accelerating. 25mph but no torque. Drops to 12-15 on slight incline. 3.8kw motor Can’t find any helpful info on the T3 controller. [Previous page](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800.md?page=2) [Next page](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-owner-converting-to-lithium-batteries/1800.md?page=4)