====== Batteries ======

You will need batteries! Batteries are governed by section 1.8 in the official rules. consult there for the most up-to-date/official determinations about technical specs.

Generally, you'll be selecting either Lead-Acid batteries or one of the assorted Lithium Chemistries. 

Lead-Acid batteries are tempting because they are free on the BOM, but they are heavy and have a lower energy density. They are generally discouraged for new builds if your aim is to drive half-competitively, but they are a fine option for getting a "baby's first kart" off the ground and on four wheels. 

Lithium batteries are generally higher energy density, which means a lower overall weight on your kart. since Lithium is less inherently safe than lead-acid (risk of fire) you'll have to make extra sure that you know what you're doing when you get into building your own packs, manipulating others' home-brew packs, and charging or discharging either homemade or store-bought packs.

All chemistries which cost on the BOM are calculated in the same fashion, whether it's Ni-Cd/Ni-MH (not recommended due to poor energy density) LiPo/LiIon/LiFePo4, or other technologies: $0.06/Watt-Hour as calculated by: "Battery Sticker Amp-Hours" x Nominal Cell Voltage.

For Example, a 12S3P Chevy Volt pack of Lithium batteries, which contains pouches stickered at 15AH per pouch, calculates as follows: 

15AH x 3 cells in Parallel (3P) = 45 AH per cell.
12 cells in Series (12s) * 3.7v nominal voltage = 44.4v
44.4v * 45AH = 1998 Watt Hours
1998 WH * $0.06 = $119.88 total battery cost on the Bill of Materials, regardless of how much you paid for it.

This value does not degrade over time (even if you bought your batteries a decade ago and they don't hold as much energy, the BOM is still calculated off the Sticker, not a measured actual AH)
===== Approved Battery Technologies =====

  * Lead-Acid
     - SLA
     - Gel Cell
     - AGM
  * Ni-Cd
  * Ni-Mh
     - Toyota Prius
     - Ford Fusion
  * LiFePO4
     - A123
  * Lithium-Ion (Fire extinguisher required)
     - [[cars/batteries/LeafCells|Nissan Leaf]]
     - [[cars/batteries/FordEnergiCells|Ford C-Max Energi]]
     - [[cars/batteries/ChevyVoltCells|Chevy Volt]]
===== Battery Ratings=====
  * [[cars/batteries/Volts|Volts]]
  * [[cars/batteries/Amp hours|Amp Hours]]

===== Battery Chargers =====
  * [[cars/batteries/Battery Chargers]]
  * [[cars/batteries/Battery Charger Tips]]