What a Debacle
I watched Will’ Prowse’ latest video and I am certainly surprised! Yet, at the same time, I know that Wattcycle is one of the few Chinese manufacturers who actually listen to user feedback.
FWIW, I always recommend buying direct from the WC web site rather than shippers like Amazon who hold inventory, primarily because the package is handled less but more so because you stand a better chance of getting their latest inventory. All my batts were ordered off their website and I have not yet seen anything like what Will uncovered. My first four WC batts were all purchased by me, and they had no idea I would be tearing into them.
They are also not responding in a Dunning -Kruger fashion like Battleborn has; “We certainly didn’t do a good job of maintaining Consistency” is a far cry from “melting batteries is a feature“. Their OEM factories are blacked/out hidden.. Bottom line is they know damn well consistency matters and have assured me they are getting all their OEM’s in-line. Unlike Will, we are still recommending Wattcycle! Read below to see why
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-They listened when we told them TDT BMS’s were problematic and they are switching entirely to higher quality JBD BMS’s.
-They listened when they were called out on labeling 280Ah cells as 300Ah (which they actually delivered) and went with 314Ah EV grade cells, and gave those customers a refund for the mislabeling.
-They listened when we complained that their over-charge protection was causing uneven discharging and within five weeks had a fix called “parallel mode”. It has worked flawlessly in every WC battery I own. I am currently working with them to get rid of overcharge protection entirely.
-They listened when we suggested removable lids and delivered the new 314 Super Mini with a removable lid. They had converted the 100Ah mini earlier.
-They listened when we told them, in engineering terms, why passive balancing was absurd on 200Ah + cells and they delivered the new 48V server rack batt and the 314 Super Mini with active balancing, a first in class for both, in an affordable LFP battery.
– They listened when we told them they need UL1973 and it is currently in-process.
-They listened when we suggested an external on/off switch, and delivered on the new 314 Super mini.
-They listened when I wrote them a long detailed letter explaining, in electrical engineering terms, why stuffing a bunch of 10AWG wires into one terminal can be problematic despite nearly every drop in maker doing so. When I say this, I am including insanely expensive brands like Relion. This is when Wattcycle went to the large tinned copper braided flat cables or flexible busbars. Earlier batts had multiple 10AWG 200C wires crimped into one terminal. Some of that older inventory was apparently still out there.
-Their internal metal cell module/frame, the single most important part of any battery in a mobile environment, is right up there with Epoch, Lithionics, Topband etc. only for a lot less $$.
What They’re Actually Doing About It:
Clearing Old Stock & Standardizing Access:
Customer Service Overhaul:
Getting Manufacturing Harmonized:
Compare this to the Battleborn response!
I understand Will’s response, especially after dealing with Battleborns CEO, who clearly suffers from Dunning-Kruger! From where I sit, I am taking it a bit differently because they are one of the few Chinese factories that has actually listened to feedback, and have responded, numerous times in a favorable manner. The marine industry needs an affordable battery, and none of Wattcycles competitors I have conversed with; Li-Time, Eco-Worthy, Sungold, Redodo, Dumfume etc. etc… are open to any feedback and making improvements. This is why I am giving Wattcycle a chance.
Below is WC’s response. I’m not personally ready to count them out just yet, because they do & have listened to feedback, unlike some others.
FWIW I have always been a huge proponent of removable lids and clear cases would up the game even more!
When in doubt buy Epoch batts!
Buy Epoch Batteries from LFP Experts
Only you can be the judge:
PLEASE HELP!
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