A useful request for quotation (RFQ) does more than ask for a battery price. It gives every supplier the same equipment requirements, identifies what is still undecided and separates prototype work from production supply. This custom lithium battery pack RFQ checklist is for OEM purchasing and engineering teams preparing a new design or reviewing a replacement pack.
For European and North American projects, include the destination country and end application in the first brief. Ask the supplier to identify the documentation available for the proposed configuration rather than assuming that every battery in a product family has the same supporting reports.
State what the equipment does, how long it operates between charges and whether the battery will be fixed, removable or replaced in the field. Describe the normal work cycle, including standby periods and high-load events. If you have an existing pack, attach its specification and a drawing; a photograph alone may not show connector polarity, internal configuration or electrical limits.
Mark each requirement as mandatory, preferred or open for review. For example, the enclosure dimensions may be fixed while the connector can change. This helps suppliers identify feasible options without silently changing a critical requirement.
| Requirement | What to provide | What to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage and runtime | Nominal voltage, permitted operating range and target runtime under a defined load. | Does the proposal match the equipment throughout its operating range? |
| Capacity and energy | Required Ah or Wh, or enough load information for a capacity review. | What conditions are used to state capacity and evaluate runtime? |
| Current profile | Continuous current, peak current, peak duration and frequency. | Are continuous and short-duration limits listed separately? |
| Mechanical fit | Maximum length, width, height and weight; mounting and clearance drawings. | Are wires, connectors and insulation included in the dimensions? |
| Connections | Connector model, pinout, polarity, wire gauge and lead length. | Is the mating connector or cable included in the quotation? |
| Charging and protection | Charger specification, protection requirements and any temperature sensing or communication needs. | Which functions are included, optional or not supported? |
| Environment | Charging, discharging and storage conditions; vibration or moisture exposure. | What assumptions and validation activities are included? |
| Commercial scope | Sample quantity, forecast volume, delivery destination and target dates. | Which engineering, tooling, testing and shipping costs are separate? |
Two packs with the same nominal voltage and capacity can differ in dimensions, connectors, protection and permitted current. A larger capacity number is not a continuous discharge-current rating. Likewise, a short-duration discharge limit should not be treated as a continuous operating limit.
Use a published product as a starting reference, not as automatic approval for your equipment. For example, our 7.2V 10.4Ah NCM battery pack gives a specific configuration to discuss. If your connector, enclosure or load differs, identify that difference in the RFQ and request a reviewed specification. You can also compare custom NCM lithium battery pack configurations.
Ask each supplier to return the proposed specification together with a list of deviations from your brief. Compare the same sample quantity, production quantity and delivery scope. A low unit price may cover a different connector, omit a charger or exclude project-specific work.
Subject: Custom battery pack RFQ - [equipment / project name]
Application and operating cycle:
Destination country and end use:
Nominal voltage and permitted operating range:
Capacity / energy or target runtime and load:
Continuous current:
Peak current, duration and frequency:
Maximum dimensions and weight:
Connector, pinout, polarity and wire details:
Charger specification:
Protection, sensing and communication requirements:
Charging, discharging and storage conditions:
Required documents and customer acceptance criteria:
Sample quantity and expected production volume:
Target sample and production dates:
Attached drawings / existing specification and revision:
Mandatory requirements:
Items open for supplier recommendations:
Please provide your proposed specification, any deviations, included deliverables, separate one-time costs and project-specific lead times.
Agree on a validation plan with the responsible engineering team. Review fit, connector compatibility, runtime and operation with the intended equipment and charger under the agreed conditions. Record the approved specification and sample revision so the production order refers to the same design. This checklist is a procurement aid, not a substitute for engineering validation or a model-specific compliance assessment.
Learn about Surlon Power custom lithium battery pack services, or send your battery pack RFQ. Include the completed checklist and relevant drawings so the proposed configuration, documentation, quantities and timing can be reviewed for your project.
Before sending the RFQ, compare pack-level trade-offs and confirm the charger, voltage window, current profile and prototype tests. Read our NCM vs LiFePO4 battery pack selection guide for OEM equipment.
