New Batteries for EVT - what are my options?
Hi
I just bought a 2nd hand EVT 4000e with 14,000km on it. I was told that the batteries will need changing soon as I can get only 20km per charge at the moment.
I'm slightly confused as the new EVTs have lithium batteries but it seems very complicated to install these on a SLA EVT 4000e. And I've also been told that I need a certain type of SLA battery??
I'm a real newbie when it comes to scooters and anything electrical - not a good combo I know! If installing lithium batteries would be too complicated it's probably best I leave it as I understand it's a case of joining together smaller 3v batteries. Scarey!
But I'm keen to learn
Also, is it advisable for me to try and clean the motor, especially given the mileage the bike has done?
Appreciate any help
Ashley
EVT's motor is known to be safe at 60 volts or more. At really high voltage there's an issue about brush lifetime & whether/if/how to replace the brushes.
The controller does look at the voltage and base it's behavior on voltage and is designed for SLA voltage behavior. What Wookey said is pretty right on, just make sure the replacement pack is as close to 48v as can be done and it will be okay.
if you are keeping the original charger, get 16 cells of whichever LiFePO4 battery will fit.
The BMS will stop the charger from doing bad things to your cells.
if you want more speed aswell, get 20cells and a new charger with the new pack.
Matt
I think I'm going to go with SLA batteries. I understand its financially better to go with Lithium but I don't have the money at the moment.
So if I'm going with SLA which ones? This is kind of governed by where I live - Paris. I can't find 50ah 12v batteries anywhere! This is the only type I've found. http://www.hellopro.fr/redirection_site_web.php?id_soc=509687&id_prod=358168&origine=7
Would these work?
Can't find BB EB 50 12 batteries anywhere.
Hello,
I'm in Paris too. Covel (EVT importer) can provide BB batteries at a good price : http://www.covel-france.com/ I recommend you to call them.
If you are not in hurry I have some family close to Saint-Quentin so I could carry the batteries to Paris for you if shipping costs are too expensive.
Jerome
Oops, this posted twice!!. See below post!
Sincerely
Vincent B.
===============
After going thru 2 sets of Interstate 12v 44ahr lead acid batteries {lasting only approx. 35-40cycles} down to <65%_50% charge;
I figured that I had to try the next generation LiPE4 batteries!!
After checking prices and shipping locations on ebay for many months,
http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=LiFePo4+BATTERY+48v&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=LiFePo4+BATTERY&_osacat=0
I finally chose a 48v 30a LiFePo4 battery w rebalancing charge, for $638 including USA USPS shipping, from a USA distributor/supplier named:
See their website: http://www.foxxpower.com/
I was informed from seller that THE 16cells COULD be easily split up to form smaller pack/packs, so my under the seat mount was:
a) 6cells in lower left battery location, with 1/2 hard foam [cushion] under it, and horizontally to minimize motion.
b) 10cells in right_rear battery location; the cells mounted horizontally, with 2" foam under it, etc.
I used 2 short flexible 6gu wires to series connect the 2 split packs.
I tie wrapped heavy wires to outter frame, so as to minimize motion, and fix the cell packs in case of remote possibility the bike might tip over etc.
I also tie wrapped some of the 16 individual wires [from recharging harness] AFTER I protected them from vibration/motion by plastic flex tubing [available from Radio Shack].
In summary this 42lb (ish) 48v 30ahr LiFePo4 battery pack REPLACED a 44ahr [Lead Acid set 4] weighing approx. 132lbs, with my [previously] added LA4-100 4 cell BMS to "improve the lead acid battery life" etc.
After a few near complete charge/discharge cycles, I'm content that THE 90lbs (ish) weight saved, and a true 30ahr performance battery (at discharge 1C, 1hr} BETTER or performs comparable than the 44ahr/50ahr Lead Acid battery sets that cost approx. $600 to $700 + SH or local pickup.
Sincerely
Vincent B.
===============
Hi Vince
I'm new to all this but I'm thinking that I might turn to LiFE batteries in the future, however, I'm not technically very experienced thus I'm worried about all the wiring etc...what kind of modifications would I have to make to an existing EVT4000e? Also, what was the overall cost? More miles/speed?
Thanks
Dear Ashley,Is it GS battery or LONG battery on your 14000kms EVT ? Kindly inform me more details,thank you very much !
Dear Ashley,Is it GS battery or LONG battery on your 14000kms original EVT ? Kindly inform me more details,thank you very much !
My (not particularly expert) understanding is that it is not difficult to replace SLA with lithium (iron phosphate) batteries on scooters so long as it doesn't have too fancy electrics, and you can physically fit them. So long as the new battery is approximately the same voltage as the old one then it should work fine. The only issue is chargers (not sure how suitable SLA chargers are for Lithium batts?), and if the controller has set cut-off levels which will not be right for the new cells (a BMS built into the batt will protect the batts, so it can be OK).
Fundamentally the motors don't care at all what sort of battery is supplying the power and the controllers don't care much. Make sure the battery can supply the necessary current, some types may not be adequate. A lithium replacement will be about 3-times the price up front, but should last more than 3 times as long, so is cheaper overall, and of course is much lighter.
Wookey
Sakura s50 (Efun A)