The context is that I am going digital nomad in three weeks on my electric bicycle. 250w motor/controller. I’m pulling a large cart with a 24v 25Ah gel lead acid battery inside.

For now I am keeping things simple. I’ll add some fuses and diodes, and use a smart charger to 220v. 6mm2 wire.

I am looking to solar for an even better solution, since the various adapters for car type 2 and camping grounds are quite expensive, and I am also planning on staying in nature occasionally. Plus the whole eco thing.

So I’ll stick to only the 220 for now and stay in western Europe. But I’d like to plan for adding solar and was wondering if anybody here would be willing to consult me.

You can see my (pre-upgrade) bike without cart at toot.community/@lilly

  • poVoq@slrpnk.netM
    5·
    3 months ago

    You could probably significantly reduce the weight of the battery by switching to a LiPoFe4 one.

    • Elise@beehaw.orgOP
      11·
      3 months ago

      Does that fall under Li ion? They aren’t as sustainable as far as I’m aware. Lead acid is easier to recycle.

      I’ll consider it if the current one is really too heavy.

      • poVoq@slrpnk.netM
        2·
        3 months ago

        Yeah, but I think since they also last much longer, the overall life-cycle analysis compared to lead-acid batteries is probably positive. But I am no expert on that.

  • keepthepace@slrpnk.net
    4·
    3 months ago

    Not competent enough to give you advice, but if you are in western Europe, I can recommend you to come to Laval (France) in december, for the next gathering of intermediate vehicles.

    I went last year and met hundreds of competent enthusiasts there and learned a lot: https://slrpnk.net/post/3845835