OwnerKen Norwick
Owner's Other EV1996 Saturn SL1
LocationCalgary, Alberta Canada map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1980 Kawasaki KZ440A
MotorBriggs and Stratton Etek Permanent Magnet DC
8 HP
DrivetrainChain Drive 5.54:1 ratio 13t (front) 72t (rear)
ControllerCurtis
48 Volt
Batteries4 Optima 750 DS, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Yellow Top
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerDelta-Q Technologies QuiQ 910-48
DC/DC Converter
none as yet
InstrumentationSpeedometer, E-Meter
Top Speed45 MPH (72 KPH)
approximately
Accelerationnot measured, but good acceleration
RangeNot determined yet. Hoping for 30+ miles
Seating Capacity2 adults
Tiresnew Dunlop motorcycle tires
Conversion Time3 months
Conversion CostApproximately $3000 CAN
Additional FeaturesUnique "V4" arrangement of the battery racks to maximize the amount of "lead" carried on the bike. A switch to 12 Volt Lithium batteries is planned for later. An over-sized rear sprocket (72 tooth) provides a 5.54:1 final drive ratio. this was designed to limit the top speed to ~60-80 kms/hr while greatly increasing the acceleration. This setup was deemed optimal for inner-city commuting.
Final version of this EV will include full custom fiberglass bodywork to hide the "innards". Solar panels will be mounted to the roof of my garage and used to charged a large battery pack. This pack will then provide energy to charge the four batteries on the motorcycle each night. A daily blog supports this project and is available at: WebPage or by way of my original site at: WebPage

code by jerry