Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bryce]

Hey folks:

New user so be gentle if this topic has been touched on before. (I'm still catching up on the old messages)

I have a 2015 DS and I just dug out my old heated clothing from storage. They were set to connect to a 12v battery on a regular bike.

So if I wanted to use something like that, how would I plug it in on a Zero...Is there an equivilent of a positive/negative terminal? Would I need to Frankenstein in a custom connection? Should I carry a tiny motorcycle battery instead on my back and prepare to defend myself when other motorcycle riders take my lunch money when they see me?

What are your recommendations. I am not too familiar with EV wiring and theory yet, but I am looking forward to learning.

-b

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

This is a common question. Short version: There's a 12V circuit powered from a DC step down converter. There are two user accessible connections in front of the bike under the tank plastics. One is SAE (battery tenders etc use this) and one is a pigtail for permanent accessories like heated grips or the 12V user accessible cigarette lighter style plug. There's also fusing for these under the seat.

[Bryce]

Thank you! That is exactly the answer to the question I needed. I'll take a look for the pigtail.

thanks again!

[Killroy]

I was wondering if anyone used battery operated glove liners.

The benefit would be that you do not have to tether to the bike.  On the flip side, you have to remember to charge the battery, which we are all familiar with.

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

I was wondering if anyone used battery operated glove liners.

The benefit would be that you do not have to tether to the bike.  On the flip side, you have to remember to charge the battery, which we are all familiar with.

I have them, but mine hook into the SAE port through my jacket [great for longer rides]. I switched to heated grips because someone sold Zero's kit used here. Heated glove liners are much more effective, but the setup is obviously less convenient even without tethering to the bike.

[oobflyer]

I just got heated clothing- plugs-in nicely into the SAE 2-Pin connector.
Haven't tried the set-up on a long ride yet - how does the current-draw affect range?

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

I just got heated clothing- plugs-in nicely into the SAE 2-Pin connector.
Haven't tried the set-up on a long ride yet - how does the current-draw affect range?

Another frequently-asked question! It's negligible.

Let's say for the sake of argument it draws all 300 watts that the step-down converted can handle. The motor draws at least 5kW (working backwards from "you go from full to empty in two hours of riding on at least 10kWh of usable battery capacity"). Do not worry about range because of accessories (unless you're that guy running an electric chainsaw off of his Zero). Maybe it's a mile less range.

[oobflyer]

Good to hear... the riding gear that I got has an inline 15A fuse. I guess I thought there would be more than a 300W draw.

But, checking the math: 300W/13V = 23A, so sounds high current-draw, but at such low voltage the actual power used is quite small - correct?
With a 15A inline fuse the gear shouldn't draw more than 200W anyway (200W/13V=15A).

My volt-meter showed just over 13V at the SAE 2-Pin connector (switched).

I'm not an electrical engineer - does my math look right?

Thanks!

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

That's about right, yes.

[soup]

what is batt.tender?

[LeftieBiker]

   Battery tenders are small battery chargers that are designed to maintain the charge level of a 12 volt automotive/motorcycle/marine battery. They usually have quick disconnect plugs so you can switch between alligator clips and hardwired leads with ring terminals. And no, you can't use one to maintain the charge on your Zero.  ;-)

[soup]

 Thanks that answered my question and more I just had a brainstorm you solved it