Electric Bikes - Do eBikes need a reserve?

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BroadwayJoe
08-10-07, 03:03 PM
Even the advanced Panasonic drive is a real drag on pedaling if batteries die prematurely during a trip. Got me thinking about a reserve controller system that when reaching about 25% battery capacity, the unit would only operate enough to overcome the friction of the drive system and nothing more. Call it a super-econo mode or whatever but the point is that if you underestimate your battery range, it would be helpful if what remains of the limited battery capacity could be rationed out only to overcome system friction.

Thoughts? Comments?

Lowell_
08-10-07, 03:18 PM
I use a CycleAnalyst to count amp and watt hours, so it's easy to tell how much is left in the pack. By setting the low voltage cut out higher than normal you could do what you're talking about, as the CA won't allow high drain rates when the battery voltage sags.

http://www.ebikes.ca/drainbrain.shtml
Jaleel Johanson
08-15-07, 11:41 AM
By setting the low voltage cut out higher than normal you could do what you're talking about, as the CA won't allow high drain rates when the battery voltage sags.

Be careful! This is only true for non-stand alone CycleAnalyst units that assume additional control over compatible motor controllers.