72 to 52V DC DC converter - Do they exist?

[skyeg3]

Hey All, So I built an electric quad using the motor and controller from a 2010 Zero motorcycle. The motor is a perm 132 and the controller is an alltrax that can take 52V. Thing is I spent $1200 on 72V batteries already because I thought I would be using a different controller. My question: Can I buy a voltage reducer? Would be sweet not to just waste them and buy new batteries. Is this advisable?

 

[billvon]

Hey All, So I built an electric quad using the motor and controller from a 2010 Zero motorcycle. The motor is a perm 132 and the controller is an alltrax that can take 52V. Thing is I spent $1200 on 72V batteries already because I thought I would be using a different controller. My question: Can I buy a voltage reducer? Would be sweet not to just waste them and buy new batteries. Is this advisable?

It's doable. You will probably end up designing something yourself, and you will lose efficiency tho.

 

[amberwolf]

Almost certainly going to be cheaper and/or more reliable / efficient to buy a controller that can operate on the voltage range your batteries produce.

 

[john61ct]

At low amps cheap chinese may be affordable.

At high amps gets crazy pricey.

And IRL conversion efficiency, might get 85% at best.

 

[fechter]

I would look for a new controller that handles 72v. Kelly or Alltrax will have something. There are others out there. You may need to limit the throttle to keep the motor happy at the higher voltage.

 

[skyeg3]

After thinking about it more I think the 72V controller is the way to go. Thanks