Have you considered lithium batteries? Their prices keep dropping and dropping, and are now into a range where most calculations I see show lithium as being cheaper in the long run than lead-acid, due to higher durability. My thinking is that if I'm going to pay the same thing in the long run, I might as well start with the better batteries. They're lighter and more compact, so should be a lot easier than lead-acid and give you much better mileage for the same Ahr rating.
The batteries I'm ordering for my project are 90Ahr LFP batteries from ThunderSky. 14 of them is enough for my 48V project, giving 4.3kWhr for only 42kg and $2500 + shipping. You can check out their selection from the American distributor here: http://www.everspring.net/txt/product-battery-pricing.htm However, one thing to add is that ThunderSky experiences have been very... mixed. Your mileage may vary in the most literal of senses. I've heard enough good things about them that I'm willing to tempt fate, but then again I'm on a research budget so I can always buy more from a different supplier if the batteries they deliver aren't good. If you do decide to go with them, put off the battery purchase until the bike is ready, as with the 90-day warranty you don't get much time to check them out for defects. Best of luck, Kenn Sebesta > Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:10:24 -0700 > From: "Robert Smith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [ElectricMotorcycles] 91 Ninja cycle conversion questions > To: [email protected] > Message-ID: > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hi all, > I just subscribed at the suggestion of someone on my EV miallist. EV list > was very helpful, but thought it would be good to pick some of your brains > here. > > I am starting on my first EV project. My son and I are converting a > 1991 Ninja motorcycle. Lead batteries are planned, but I am curious > of the advancement and availablitiy of LiIon, NiCad, etc.. and wonder if I > should go a different > route. Goals are to have a speed about about 50mph and a range of 20 or > more. It's a first bike for riding in 15 years as well. Been itching for a > motorcycle for the past two summers! > > In thinking about this conversion, what specs are important? > > Thnaks
