Acknowledging that pre real-world drive estimates are just that, I'd be interested in thoughts about the following:
2 different motor/batt combinations under consideration.
1) 6 kw motor with 16 40 aH LiFePo Batts. 48 volts, ~1.9 kw batt pack capacity.
2) 3 kw motor with 5 50 aH SLA Batts. 60 volts, ~3.0 kw batt pack capacity.
Actual daily commute challenge: 17 miles @ 35 mph avg, with 900 feet elevation drop. 4.5 hours down (charge) time.
Return - 17 @ 35 'uphill'. 4 hours down (charge) time.
17 miles @ 35 'downhill'. 3.5 hours down (charge) time.
Return. 10 hours charge time available.
Questions:
Assuming that the SLA scooter will weigh more, over the same route, which is likely to have better range? By how much?
Which would handle 2 charge cycles per day, 5 days a week, better?
How does the motor kw rating relate to efficiency, draw-down pattern, etc, with the two battery chemistries?
i would suggest specifying which two specific batteries you are planning on using.
in general, the LiFePO4 batteries will give full capacity at fairly high discharge rates.
in general, SLA batteries are only good for around half rated capacity, however, this is *very* dependant on the specific batteries and discharge rate.
also, what kind of elevation change do you experience on your commute?
Matt
Daily Ride:
2007 Vectrix, modified with 42 x Thundersky 60Ah in July 2010. Done 194'000km
Ah, well. Getting battery and other component brand names from distributors isn't real easy. I can say I am looking at an EVD cycle on the 3 kw/SLA machine, and an Electric Motorsports Z6 on the 6 kw/LiFePo machine.
As stated, 900 feet net elevation change. Only a couple of rolls that would add to the total climbing mileage.
Thanks!