Charging
Charging
Stock Charger
The stock charger is good, it charges at about 80 volts, 15 Amps. So a little over 1000 watts.
- Specification (written on it)
- Model C1200 battery charger
- Input: 200-240 vAC, 50/60Hz, 15A
- NOTE: It has a 10Amp plug, and only drawers about 1200 watts, so that 15 amps above is WRONG
- Output: 84V, 15A
- Battery: For Li-Ion Battery
- Other notes
- LED Red = Charging
- LED Green = Fully charged
- NOTE: Blinks when not connected
Top of charger
Connector
Faster Charge
Since we have 240 volt, 10Amps = 2400 watts, available in Australia, we should be able to build a charger that delivers in excess of 25 amps.
There are some 25A and even 50A chargers available with full automation and 4 stage controllers and more feedback. Obviously 50 amp chargers need bigger houe plugs (17 amps). Australia can have installed 10, 15, 20, 25 and 32 amp single phase plugs. For now I will concentrate on 10 amp chargers, which should produce about 25 amps into the battery.
Manufacturer Fast Charger
There is a 25 Amp Fast Charge set that is designed to be used at electric car fast charge locations. It looks interesting and has the correct connectors etc. I don’t yet know anything about these ports, do they need some form of communication, like USB-C to set the voltage etc. On the web site there is a picture of the cables but also a box. I’m wondering if that box is going inside the unit
Understanding
EV Level 1,2,3 chargers
Level 3 chargers run at 480 volts, 100 amps. 48,000 watts, or more than 10 15 amp power plugs. So not in any way practical in home use.
Level 2 chargers,
https://www.lifewire.com/every-ev-charging-standard-and-connector-type-explained-5201160
Volts
The volts of the charger will say either 72 or 84. The batteries are 72 volt lithium, but need to be charged to 84 volts. Therefore chargers will sometimes say 72, sometimes say 84.
Solar
In the post is a Solar MPPT 72V Lithium charger. It is only a 600W charger, so max about 7Amps - but if I can get it working ok, it will be free charging. About 8+ hours is my estimate.
Mounted and Waterproof
The stock charger is not water proof and should not be mounted on the bike. I have purchased a seat bag (waiting) to put it in for normal use, and for shopping.
Braaap are going to release a fast charger (25A I think) designed to be mounted and to allow you to use commercial charging stations.
Untested list
Here is a list of other chargers you could buy online. I have not reviewed or tested any of these. You need at least IP65/IP66 (IP67 is for immersion in water for 30 minutes, and not necessary) for water resistence (generally this means splash proof). Technically 64 should be enough. You need a 72V charger. The battery has the main BMS (battery management system) for balance charging, but you still need to make sure your external charger has the right cut off.
Also the stock wiring in the bike is a little thing for 25A or 30A charger, even though the Anderson plug used can do up to 50A.
For reference, here are a few searches:
- https://daygreen.com/products/220v-ac-to-72v-30a-ac-dc-battery-charger-isolated
- https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Charger-Lithium-Battery-lifepo4/dp/B09Z6YPFL3?th=1
An example charger, with cables, indicator and rated IP66