Battery array for a Perm 132 driven motorcycle

For the number of batteries and size (assuming Lead Acid), you will need at least a sidecar frame to mount them on!!!

Even using a lighter (more expensive) battery type, I feel that it will only make a motorbike unsafe balance wise......that is one without the sidecar frame and wheel.....

What will you do if you ever run out of electrical energy? Make sure that you have a tow hook on the front for when you need to be rescued!!!! Towing a motorbike is not a lot of fun, the hook needs to be in the center of the weight distribution!!! Otherwise, you will have to steer a lot to keep stable.....I am still assuming with sidecar.....

I personally would leave the original IC motor in place and then you have a "get-you-home" built in......Converting to a Diesel motor would also save a bit there too.......if there is a suitable single cylinder diesel motor that would fit in place....

Keep us updated with what you finally do please and fotos!!!

Hi Andy, Thanks for the comments. With AAA and cell phones I am not too worried about a breakdown. This would be a primary to and from work vehicle which would be approximately 30 to 50 miles round trip. I have been looking at Lithium Ion technology because of the size and weight of them. What I seem to not be getting is much engineering feedback from the manufacturers of these batteries on driving the motor. I can do a one to one calculation of a lead acid to LI array but I wanted to get the opinions of some experts in the industry. I agree that lead acid is out of the question. People here use them on electric boats but I wouldn't want a bike loaded up with them.

Thanks again!

Li-ion is a logical choice given the energy density and mass restrictions but lithium batteries are usually limited to a discharge rate of 2C or 2 times their own capacity of discharge. e.g. if the battery is 2000mAh they you can discharge it with 4A at the maximum rate. Charging is also similar and usually slightly lower than the discharge rate. If you do not have a good charging controller, you will probably overcharge or discharge the batteries to the level their chemistry changes and your range might decrease significantly over a course of even two-three trips. I would siggect using NiMH or lead acid batteries due to their more uniform and stronger charging and discharging characteristics decision between NiMH ans Lead acid would be balancing total weight, power density, your budget and the shape of the battery box desired.(If you want an asthetically pleasing vehicle you probably will not use a 10x10x15 cubic lead acid battery) Charge controllers are much simpler and easier to manage as well as much less prone to spontaneous battery combustions (If you charge or discharge any Li based battery out of the manufacturers specs it is going to explode or catch fire). Your only problem would be mounting the batteries low enough (because they are very heavy compared to Li based batteries)for added balance and easier control.