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Upcoming 3wheeler project

Pmkr

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Joined
Jun 24, 2026
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EU
In the not so far future I planning to start my EV projekt, an ultralight reversetrike. The structural construction won't be a problem, but I am totally green about the electric part.

Planning to use an e-moped, or e-motorbike hubmotor around 1500-2000 Watts (still in search for the right motor or donor vehicle). I am not going for the speed, but much more for range. A tipical el-scooter selling here with 20-30 Ah batteries and have 40-60 km drive with full battery. My plan is 2x200Ah battery. Is it realistic to count on 800-900 km with one charge, or minimum around 500 km? Or just not possible to calculate based on these parameters (with 48 v system)?

Another thing; 400 Ah total capacity will need about a full day (24 hours) charging time. I wanna be able to charge at home from normal domestic network, but also at public charging stations. Can I aim to any fast charging protocol, or Type 2 is the maximum what I can hope? The space for the batteries and charger(s) +the controll unit are really limeted so I would love to make everything as simple as possible (i mean really just „few” parts).

I much appreciate every information and help.
 
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48v with 400ah is a capacity of 19.2kw and at least 100kg of battery cells alone, probably closer to 120kg once cases, bus bars etc are added. You are looking at a 200kg minimum vehicle. Allowing a moderate milage of 75wh/km your range would be about 250kms.
 
48v with 400ah is a capacity of 19.2kw and at least 100kg of battery cells alone, probably closer to 120kg once cases, bus bars etc are added. You are looking at a 200kg minimum vehicle. Allowing a moderate milage of 75wh/km your range would be about 250kms.

The elstimated weight of the batteries (lithium) about 25 kg each. The empty weight of the trike is about 100-120 kg (planned without the batteries). And it will be a 2 seater.
:)

But If I am really limeted to 250 km range, then the fastcharging will be a kind of necessity.
 
I am curious what batteries you are planning to use, if you can build a 10kwh that weights 25kg?
My 5kwh batteries weight somewhere around 25kg with modern 21700 cells.

And why should it take 24 hours to charge? With 11kw (normal 16A 3 phase) it should be done in less than 2 hours.
 
Fast charging for 48V batteries, lightest would be 3 Delta DPR3000B each 1,3kg and 3kW charging power, they can do up to 58V.
Downside is,noisy (each 55dB high reving 40mm fan), and no plug for connection available, you have to solder wires.
Less noisy is the high efficiency model DPR3000E, each 1,4kg.

Or if the battery is smaller, then 3 Vertiv R48-2000e3 1,13kg or 3 Eltek Flatpack S 48V 1800W 0,85kg could also do the job.
 
Thank you for you guys. I have to contact the manufacturer and clean up the weight specification. Maybe consider another voltage if that working better...
 
So I contacted the manufacturer and unfortunately I was wrong and you guys right. The weight of the batteries near to 50 kg each. :(
 
50kg of batteries for a trike sounds quite alright, but I guess it won't exactly fit the definition of ultralight anymore.

For DC fast charging on public stations, you'll need at minimum about 150V, but aiming for 200V would be a safer bet, since not all DC stations might be willing to go that low. Three-phase AC-to-DC charger would likely be more than enough for this capacity though.
 
50kg of batteries for a trike sounds quite alright, but I guess it won't exactly fit the definition of ultralight anymore.

For DC fast charging on public stations, you'll need at minimum about 150V, but aiming for 200V would be a safer bet, since not all DC stations might be willing to go that low. Three-phase AC-to-DC charger would likely be more than enough for this capacity though.

Unfortunately I can't afford that high weight, because, the special small size wheels limiting my maximum weight. And myself also a big disadvantage with my own weight ower 110 kg at the moment. :cool:
 
After all these information, what for I have to thank again, I decided to simpify my build. I will just use the cheapest available el-moped with the factory battery and sets for proof of the concept (making a working vehicle with any speed and range). And if that becoming a success, then I can change the drive, battery and controll to a commercially available longrange version, like the "NQi GT Big battery". This promissing about 140 km range, so if I double the battery then hopefully I can come around 200 km and I have to live with that. :)
 
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