How to Build a 12V LTO Battery Pack from Six 66160 Cells
What you need, how six 2.3V cells become a 13.8V pack, and the six assembly stages using a 6S1P DIY box kit.
Short answer: connect six 2.3V LTO cells in series to make a nominal 13.8V pack. Start with matched cells, follow the polarity markings on the PCB boards, and test before you connect anything to your car.
Safety first. Lithium cells can deliver very high short-circuit currents. Use insulated tools, take off watches and jewellery, and avoid short circuits. This kit has no BMS. The balancer only evens out the voltage of the cells. It does not cut off on over-charge, over-discharge or over-current, so add protection suited to your system, such as a fuse. If you are not comfortable working with batteries, buy an assembled pack instead.
What six cells give you
| Cell capacity | Pack voltage | Nominal energy |
|---|---|---|
| 30Ah | 13.8V | 414Wh |
| 35Ah | 13.8V | 483Wh |
| 40Ah | 13.8V | 552Wh |
| 45Ah | 13.8V | 621Wh |
What you need
- Six 66160 LTO cells of the same capacity
- A 6S1P DIY box kit. Ours includes the box, 2 terminals, 2 cell holders, a 6S 5.5A balancer, a handle, 2 PCB boards, 7 busbars and a switch. It does not include a BMS.
- Insulated tools and a multimeter
- A fuse and cable suited to your system
The six stages
In the picture, the word “equalizer” means the balancer, and the photo in stage 6 shows the voltage test described in stage 6 below.
- Prepare everything. Lay out the parts and check them against the list. Measure each cell's voltage. The cells should be close to each other before you connect them. If one is clearly different, stop and contact your supplier.
- Place the cells in the holder. Fit all six cells into the 3×2 holders with the terminals facing as shown on the PCB markings.
- Install the PCB boards. The boards are marked UP and DOWN, with positive, negative and cell labels. Match them to each cell, then fit the busbars so the cells connect in series.
- Install the balancer. Fit the balancer and the switch, and connect their leads to the connectors on the PCB boards.
- Mount the base. Place the assembly in the box and fix it in position.
- Test. Before closing up, measure the total pack voltage with a multimeter. It should be close to the sum of the six cell voltages. A much lower reading usually means a cell is connected the wrong way round.
Cell reference data
The figures below are reference data published by the cell maker, Gree Altairnano (formerly Yinlong), for its 40Ah and 45Ah 66160 cells, as read on 10 November 2026. We have set them out in our own table, and the source is linked at the end of this guide. The cells you receive may differ, so check the specification supplied with them.
| Item | 40Ah (LTO66160H) | 45Ah (LTO66160K) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 2.3V | 2.3V |
| Operating temperature | -40 to 55°C | -40 to 55°C |
| Cycle life | 25,000 cycles (25°C, 1C charge and discharge, 100% DOD, 80% EOL) | 25,000 cycles (same conditions) |
| Diameter × height | 66.0 × 161.0 mm | 66.0 × 161.0 mm |
| Weight | 1220 ± 40 g | 1255 ± 30 g |
The maker's page does not list cut-off voltages or current limits. The 1.5–2.9V working range per cell is the figure on our product listing, not a maker's figure. This kit has no BMS, so the pack's current limit is set by the cells, busbars, cables and fuse, and nothing in the pack cuts off an overload for you.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing cells of different capacities or brands
- Dropping a metal tool across the terminals
- Leaving busbar connections loose
- Connecting the pack to a car before testing it
- Relying on the balancer for protection: it does not cut off over-charge, over-discharge or over-current
- Discharging below 1.5V per cell, or charging above 2.9V per cell (the working range on our product listing)
Next steps
Not sure what capacity to buy? Read how to size an LTO battery.
Sources
- Gree Altairnano official site, 40Ah/45Ah LTO cylindrical cells (reference data, read 10 November 2026; the product specification takes precedence)
- Victron Energy, lithium battery safety precautions
Last reviewed 11 November 2026. Follow the instructions supplied with your kit. DIY builds are carried out at your own responsibility.