I am building an electric trike for a guy I met from craigslist. I did a ton of research for the project so I thought I would share the information I found. Most of my research was on battery technology. I am excited because I really wanted to build an electric bike but I don’t have to pay for this project. I will even receive some compensation.
When it is done it should look something like this:
except that it is electric so maybe it will end up looking more like this:
Actually it is not that big. I will look more like this one but with much more power and a Burning Man theme:
And on to the research:
We need 4 or 5 parts.
- Batteries
- charger
- Motor controller
- (Cycle Analyst) Computer to protect the batteries and relay information about the batteries.
- DC-DC converter to run lights and any 12v accessories like a cigarette lighter/phone charger whatever.
Controllers 48v 40A:
Crystalyte: $250
http://www.hi-powercycles.com/product.sc?productId=42&categoryId=9
Throttle: $15
http://www.cycle9.com/c9store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_20&products_id=106
Electric Bull: $225:
http://www.falconev.com/E-Bikes.html
Comes with twist throttle.
BMC 48V 35A: $150 (Cheap but should be good)
http://www.hi-powercycles.com/product.sc?productId=44&categoryId=9
Throttle: $20
http://www.cycle9.com/c9store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_20&products_id=105
http://www.cycle9.com/c9store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_20&products_id=165
Cycle Analyst (to be used with Lithium Batteries):
(http://ebikes.ca/drainbrain.shtml) for Batt protection ($119.00)
Chargers:
Lead Acid or SLA 6A (Charge Time 40AH=8 hours, 29AH=5.8 Hours): $97.82
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4964
LiFePO4, LiPO 5A (Charge Time 40AH=9.5 Hours, 20AH=4.8 Hours) $225:
http://www.falconev.com/batteries.html
http://www.edealsbargains.com.au/page2.php
NiMH 2A (Charge Time 20AH=7.5 Hours)x2 $54.36x2= $108.72 :
http://www.all-battery.com/TenergyNiMHBatteryCharger01017.aspx
DC to DC converter to run lights, EL, accessories, Whatever
48v to 12v 10A DC-DC Converter $34.95
http://www.evparts.com/prod-DC2415.htm
Calculation Tool:
http://www.evconvert.com/tools/evcalc/
Options:
Cheapest: Lawn mower battery and BMC controller + Charger, misc wiring parts = $491.78
Add DC-DC = $526.73
111.8 lb Battery pack with better range, but you will feel the drag $774.29
Notes: I doubt these batteries will last long, but they will last through burning man.
Most elaborate: LiFePO4 40AH+ Cycle Analyst + all options= $1,638.42
This option turns the trike into a Commuter vehicle capable of 54 Miles between charges.. would still probably only go 20MPH with the current motor.
Some Compromise: LiFePO4 20AH+ Cycle Analyst + all options= $1270.29
A bit more reasonable with batteries that will last between BM’s and still give you a full day of riding.
A very good option LiPO: 20AH+ Cycle Analyst + all options= $1096.35
Shorter Life Span but still very good and slightly better range. We could get this price down a tad but not much. Maybe $50 but we may lose a bit of power.
