E -Trike Range

[dasilvor]

I'm toying with the idea of the E-Trike as a commuter. However, my commute has some main road sections to it, and is around 20miles each way.

So... What would be the range at say 50mph, please?
Also, in the KitCar it is mentioned that the motor is a pancake motor, and that it was very rapid off the mark.
what what motor is used in the Mk1, please?

Cheers
Dave

[Stiggy]

Hi Dave, range is down to how much you spend on batteries.
With a sealed lead acid pack of 72v@30Ah the range will be 25miles. With the same physical size pack of Lithium the Ah would be double and lighter and do there fore a little more than 50 miles. I just sell the plans which include contacts for all parts including batteries but you can check the cost of Lithium Ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate packs (A123). A 30Ah72v lead cyclic pack will cost about £360. Adding more lead is an option but weight is a draw back of course. Best to charge the lead at work for the ride home.

[dasilvor]

Excellent. Thanks for the info.
When reading the specs for electric powered transport, it usually puts a max range and a top speed, but never the range at top speed.

On TopGear the range on the Tesla was about 70 miles, yet it is quoted at up to 250 miles and a top speed of...
I appreciate that the range will be reduced at the top speeds, but that limitation is important to be able to decide whether to get the vehicle in question.

Cheers
Dave

[Stiggy]

I always quote a conservative estimate. The real clue to range is watt hours per mile. The E-trike consumes around 80-100 watt hours per mile. Call that, 80 watts for one hour@25mph and you cover 25 miles b4 it goes flat assuming you have the small pack thats 72voltsx30Ah=2160 watt hours. When cruising it draws 25-30 ampsx72 volts=2160 watts. Or you could increase the pack to 50Ah and do say 40miles.
A Tesla doing 100mph, I dread to think, maybe they should stick with petrol. I wouldn't be suprised if that car has about £75,000 worth of batteries in it. Anyone can make an electric car with a good range, it's just a little shock when you ask how much replacement batteries will cost.
The informative plan set we sell tells you all this and lots more.

[subevo]

on my electric car daewoo matiz conversion it has 6 off 12volt 130ah lead acid batteries.weight of car is 860kilos.top speed is 50mph.my range is 10miles at 50% discharge.this is important as lead acid batteries lifespan is massively reduced after discharging past the 50% mark.for example discharging to 80% or more of available power they may last for 6 months.discharging by 20% only each time batterys may last several years.

cruising on a flat road at 35mph it pulls 50amps.go slightly uphill then say 100 amps.really steep hill maybe upto 200amps.

goto www.diyelectriccar.com for info.

[dasilvor]

Well, I've decided to have a closer look and have ordered my plans, or at least I've sent the money via paypal.

I think the little trike has lots of possibilities especially with the cost of fuel going up and the cost of new batteries coming down.

Cheers
Dave

[Stiggy]

I will send them in the morning Dave, economy of the 154kgs E-trike works out at as comparable 600mpg if you charge overnight.
It's all down to low rolling resistance and a lightweight vehicle.

[bigfatbill]

Add a fat driver like me and it probably brings the comparable MPG down to 400mpg... hardly seems worth it at £7 a gallon and 14 mpg, ;-)

[erik]

Using e-power is all about compromising and efficiencys.
If your drive train isn't high grade the efficiency will sink drastically. Example:
0.8x0.8x0.8x0.8=.4=40% efficiency
0.9x0.9x0.9x0.9=0.65
0.95x0.95x0.95x0.95=0.81

As you see, wasting efficiency will bring the milage aand lifespan down pretty quick. using throttle management, smooth cornering, reducing weight and friction will help a bunch.

Too bad the Tesla is race track orientated and doesn't do e-power justice. I bet they will not have used last gen cell technology. When taking great care of your cells (not charge them to the max, not draining them down too deep, proper balancing and temp control will get you much better results.

My background? I have been building and designing early research jets powered with electric ducted fans for hobby for 12 years. Experienced in Nicd, NiMh,LiMnPo,LiFePo,LiPo
Latest 5.5kW project:


regards,
Erik