Sunday discussion - Would you go electric?

[JOOLZ]

The last company I worked for made electronic controllers for disabled scooters golf carts bomb disposal robots and other electric motor controllers, it was no problem to incorporate  regen braking into the system, but it only restores a tiny fraction of power back into the system, I suspect at higher speeds it would work better. The motors would become generators on slowing

[SteveC#222]

I had a listen to the show on 5 Live this morning, very interesting,  The topic was actually on electric vehicles in general and is worth a listen.  Basically it sounds like there is a strong case for their use in a commuting role and charging time and range have vastly improved over the last few years though the next real breakthrough in battery technology is at least 5-10 years away.

The discussion is in the first hour of the show with the motorcycle bit about 50 minutes in.  Interestingly the motorcyclists interviewed for their views brought up the same concerns we did - range and lack of noise.

Have a listen on catchup if you have time - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06qhdzc

[iansoady]

I suspect one would have heard something very similar to some of the comments here when those new fangled internal combustion engines came on the scene. "Nothing wrong with a horse - and what's more I like the smell"........

[Propellor]

I suspect one would have heard something very similar to some of the comments here when those new fangled internal combustion engines came on the scene. "Nothing wrong with a horse - and what's more I like the smell"........

I suspect the horse will outlive the internal combustion engine.

Not sure about electromagnetism!

[Propellor]

The last company I worked for made electronic controllers for disabled scooters golf carts bomb disposal robots and other electric motor controllers, it was no problem to incorporate  regen braking into the system, but it only restores a tiny fraction of power back into the system, I suspect at higher speeds it would work better. The motors would become generators on slowing

One major fundamental snag with any rear wheel drive vehicle with regards "back driving" the motor as a generator would be the limit on braking torque, I would imagine?

If the motor was driving only the front wheels then, theoretically, could you not arrange it to load up with as much power as it had in driving forwards mode?

[Andy M]

Could the electric motor double up as a generator?
o.

Exactly.

The torque drops off so you still need a conventional brake, but if you have the motor and batteries already the regenerative system isn't adding much else than software and maybe some cooling stuff. On a city bus its a no brainer. On a bike that might not brake for hours on a motorway, might brake hard enough to need conventional braking on a twisty road and might only do 2000 miles a year who knows.

Andy

[guest564]

Could the electric motor double up as a generator?
Apply throttle, you draw current from the battery.
Throttle off and you put it back.

A number of vehicles already do that, putting the energy back into the battery.

EVs would be a lot more effective if they could come up with a battery that could be charged and discharged to it limits, currently LifePo batteries are only used to 50 or 60% of their capacity to extend their life, its a lot of extra weight to be carrying around.

[guest564]

I suspect one would have heard something very similar to some of the comments here when those new fangled internal combustion engines came on the scene. "Nothing wrong with a horse - and what's more I like the smell"........

The first vehicles were mainly electric but the battery technology wasn't up to the task - that was something like 120 years ago and we're still waiting.

[Oldtimer]

As the other 'arf has no licenses to drive anything [apart from me daft] I have bought her an electric scooter. It is limited to 20kph [you can go faster if you know how to] but the beauty of it is that you do not require a licence. road tax or insurance to drive it. Anyone over the age of 14 can drive. You can drive it in cycle lanes and you are not required to wear a helmet. I love riding it myself without a helmet and the looks people give you for NOT wearing a helmet and of course being stopped by the old bill and then explaining to him it is legal and showing proof. Basically it is classified as an electrically assisted pedal cycle [EAPC]. Yes I know I should wear a helmet but the fun factor out weighs the risk factor. Have a look here....http://eriderbikes.com/e-rider-new-model-15/

[Propellor]

Could the electric motor double up as a generator?
o.

Exactly.

The torque drops off so you still need a conventional brake, but if you have the motor and batteries already the regenerative system isn't adding much else than software and maybe some cooling stuff. On a city bus its a no brainer. On a bike that might not brake for hours on a motorway, might brake hard enough to need conventional braking on a twisty road and might only do 2000 miles a year who knows.

Andy

Motorbikes tend to be pretty light. Lowish drag. So they don't need a lot of power to get up to a reasonable speed in a reasonable time. So I guess the need for regenerative braking is not a high priority. Then again, if the bike is electrically powered and all that's needed is some software........


In a nutshell, bikes are green!

[Moto63]

Could the electric motor double up as a generator?
o.

Funny...... I,m sure my trumpet was black :-) :-) :-)


In a nutshell, bikes are green!

[SteveC#222]

As the other 'arf has no licenses to drive anything [apart from me daft] I have bought her an electric scooter. It is limited to 20kph [you can go faster if you know how to] but the beauty of it is that you do not require a licence. road tax or insurance to drive it. Anyone over the age of 14 can drive. You can drive it in cycle lanes and you are not required to wear a helmet. I love riding it myself without a helmet and the looks people give you for NOT wearing a helmet and of course being stopped by the old bill and then explaining to him it is legal and showing proof. Basically it is classified as an electrically assisted pedal cycle [EAPC]. Yes I know I should wear a helmet but the fun factor out weighs the risk factor. Have a look here....http://eriderbikes.com/e-rider-new-model-15/

Thats quite impressive! I can see why the Old Bill would take an interest! Ideal to get down the local shops or for a short city commute., this is where electric bikes have a future.

[timbo]

Interesting thread this. Yes, I would tend to agree, that there is definitely a future for short range commuting for these.

[Steve Lake]

Are we saying that I can nip down the local, get myself outside 5 pints of the 'usual', potter home on said electric scoot, and put 2 fingers up to plod and his breathalyzer ?...

I seem to recall this happening many years ago with some toff on his way home from the west end on a Sinclair C5....?

[Moto63]

Are we saying that I can nip down the local, get myself outside 5 pints of the 'usual', potter home on said electric scoot, and put 2 fingers up to plod and his breathalyzer ?...

I seem to recall this happening many years ago with some toff on his way home from the west end on a Sinclair C5....?

ha ha ha ha ha, not sure if that's true Steve but certainly conjures up some fantastic images doesn't it and like you say makes for an interesting talking point as to wether one can get merrily p......ed then tootle home on said scoot. Can see the sales of these things taking off big time if that's the case.