[Oeva-list] Looking to improve a 48V machine

[Ken Potter]

Looking for advice:

My project is on the road and doing fairly well:  48V Motorcycle using 4 AGM
batteries @ 50 AH each, and an identical 5th battery for the 12V needs (the
two systems are separate except for the 12V contactor).  The controller is
an Alltrax AXE, set to 70% maximum power.  The motor is a Mars ME0708
Brush-Type, Permanent Magnet DC motor, also known as the Etek-R.

*Here are the issues*:  As usual, extending the range a few more miles is a
priority.  At the same time, just a little more power would be welcome for
climbing hills at moderate speeds.

*Here are some options:*  I have one more identical battery, and I'm tempted
to go up to 60V, adding 50 AH at the same time (but exceeding the rating of
the motor).  Another possibility is just reprogramming the controller to 80%
of max and switching to larger batteries (groan).  A third, and less
expensive option, is to add a small DC-DC converter, eliminate the accessory
battery, and save about 30 lbs.  By law, the headlight must remain on at all
times.  A good LED headlight would improve matters, so the search is on.

Any thoughts?
Ken Potter
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