Still, considering that you only need copper ore, acid mushrooms and silicone rubber, it also isn't so bad since two of those can be farmed anywhere in bulk, and copper is an early-game resource that is readily available in large quantities. Really, the biggest obstacle to this approach is arguably the amount of effort you need to put in upfront to make that many power cells. And even if you get really excessive with your power use, it always remains an option to play conservatively with your last few power cells and make a slow way back home. Once you've done it a few times it also becomes easy to do. Hot-swapping power cells also isn't so bad, as you can just wait until four or five power cells are depleted and replace them all at once, which restores 67% or 83% energy respectively. It also pays off for recharging batteries and a docked seamoth/prawnsuit without needing to set up a recharging base, as well as using the fabricator for whatever you want, whenever you want. By bringing a large surplus of power cells, you can freely travel at normal speed, continuously use the sonar, enter silent-running to pass effortlessly past hostile leviathans and even use the shield whenever you need it without worrying that you've instantly depleted your remaining power supply. That said, I do actually agree with this approach and do it myself.

When push comes to shove, you don't need any reserve power cells at all, as you can basically get anywhere and do anything with slow engine speed and careful noise management. That basically allows for continuous operation for 89 minutes off of a single power cell, and you start with six power cells. If you have the Engine Efficiency module for the Cyclops (which you can get for free on the Aurora), then running the engine at slow movement speed only drains 2,25 energy per minute.

Subnautica cyclops stuck in shallows