Epoch Batteries Review: Version 2 Firmware Update Disaster?

This review examines the Epoch Batteries Version 2 firmware update, highlighting significant issues impacting user experience and product reliability. Initial testing revealed concerning capacity discrepancies in the 48v battery models, falling far short of the advertised amp-hour rating. Attempts to rectify this through a mandatory firmware update, however, led to further complications and unexpected system failures.The update process, involving separate EMS and BMS updates, resulted in several batteries becoming completely unresponsive ("bricked"). This widespread problem, acknowledged by Epoch, raises serious concerns about the company's quality control and pre-market testing procedures. While the 12v model performed admirably, the consistent underperformance and catastrophic failure rate of the 48v units cast a significant shadow on the overall product quality and leave many users with unreliable, expensive, and potentially unusable batteries.

Pros And Cons

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Initial Testing and Early Problems

My initial testing of the Epoch Batteries Version 2 revealed significant capacity issues. The first battery I tested only yielded 96.6 and 97.1 amp-hours in consecutive tests, far below the expected capacity. This was concerning, especially since previous models performed much better. I contacted Epoch for an explanation.

Epoch's response was that a firmware update was necessary. The update process itself proved problematic, with the app crashing repeatedly. This initial issue should not have been encountered during normal use, indicating a critical flaw in the product’s design and software.

Firmware Update Disaster: Bricked Battery

The update process involved two stages: an EMS update and a BMS update. While the EMS update completed successfully, the BMS update resulted in a complete system failure. The battery became unresponsive, effectively bricked. This issue, according to Epoch, was already known and affecting other users.

Epoch acknowledged the problem and is sending a tablet to reflash the firmware. This is a significant inconvenience for users and demonstrates a critical failure in the quality control and testing process for this new version.

Further Testing and Capacity Issues

A second 48v battery, rated for 100 amp-hours, was also tested. Even with the new firmware, it failed to reach full capacity. Multiple tests showed results around 97-98 amp-hours consistently.

Epoch claims that 3,000-4,000 of these units are in circulation, highlighting the potential scale of the problem and the urgent need for a software fix. This shows a lack of pre-market testing and a failure to assess the potential implications of the software update.

12v Model: A Success Story (for now)

In contrast, the 12v model, rated at 460 amp-hours, performed exceptionally well, delivering 469 amp-hours. This was tested using the old firmware. This highlights the potential of the battery hardware, while simultaneously underscoring the software flaws.

The success of the 12v model with the old firmware further emphasizes the critical need for software improvement. The discrepancy in performance between the different models suggests there's a critical problem that needs addressing as soon as possible.

Hardware vs. Software: A Critical Assessment

The reviewer praises the hardware of the Epoch Batteries, calling it “fantastic” and the “best” on the market. The high-quality hardware of this product should be highlighted. It is clear that the software is the problem here.

However, the significant software flaws in Version 2, particularly the bricking issue and the poorly designed app, overshadow the positive aspects of the hardware. The software problems are a serious detriment to the overall user experience. Software problems need to be addressed before consumers waste their money.

Conclusion: Wait and See

While the Epoch Batteries offer excellent hardware, the current software issues make them unreliable. The firmware update problem, which bricked a significant number of batteries, is unacceptable. The app also requires major improvements. Overall, the high cost of these batteries is not justified by the current level of quality.

Until Epoch addresses these software issues and improves the app, I would strongly advise against purchasing Version 2 batteries. The company’s response, although positive, doesn’t compensate for the fundamental software problems that affected a large number of batteries. Only after a comprehensive software fix, would I change my position.