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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Flybuddy on June 12, 2021, 09:21:21 PM

Title: Power Tank Question
Post by: Flybuddy on June 12, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
Coming up on a month that I've owned a 21 S, 7.2. Put 700+miles on it and various mods/accessories. From what I've read adding a power tank with 45 pounds up high negatively impacts the handling. The 3.6 battery pack looks like it would easily fit in the center storage space where, if it were an SR, the back half of the 14.4 battery would be. Why did Zero opt to NOT use this space for battery add on when it is more central and lower and no need to swap out plastic.
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: DonTom on June 12, 2021, 10:55:45 PM
Coming up on a month that I've owned a 21 S, 7.2. Put 700+miles on it and various mods/accessories. From what I've read adding a power tank with 45 pounds up high negatively impacts the handling. The 3.6 battery pack looks like it would easily fit in the center storage space where, if it were an SR, the back half of the 14.4 battery would be. Why did Zero opt to NOT use this space for battery add on when it is more central and lower and no need to swap out plastic.
I can think of a couple of  reasons.


Such as:


They are not doing to redesign the powertank stuff for just the smaller battery, which will mean a higher cost to customers.



I doubt if many with a 7.2KWH battery will want the power tank. If they wanted more range, they would go with the 14.4KW  battery to begin with.


I wouldn't add a power tank to my DS if it were for free. No matter where they put it.   I want to keep that bike as light as possible. For longer range stuff, I have my SR with the  power tank.  There, I don't care so much about  the weight. Until I drop it! (https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9964.msg89394#msg89394)


-Don-  Reno, NV



Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: TheRan on June 12, 2021, 11:51:42 PM
As Don said, for those that want more range they can just get a 14.4 model. A power tank costs £3k but a 14.4 only costs a little over £2k more than a 7.2. The only cases where it makes sense is for those who get a particularly good deal on a used 7.2 or if they don't have the money up front to step up to a 14.4, but those are a small percentage of an already small market. I suppose you could also argue that saving 20kg could be a reason to add one to a 7.2, but even then I think most people would take the extra weight if it means it's placed lower down.
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: Flybuddy on June 13, 2021, 01:25:15 AM
As Don said, for those that want more range they can just get a 14.4 model. A power tank costs £3k but a 14.4 only costs a little over £2k more than a 7.2. The only cases where it makes sense is for those who get a particularly good deal on a used 7.2 or if they don't have the money up front to step up to a 14.4, but those are a small percentage of an already small market. I suppose you could also argue that saving 20kg could be a reason to add one to a 7.2, but even then I think most people would take the extra weight if it means it's placed lower down.

Pricing in U.S. is basically 11K for S and 15.5 for SR.  The power tank runs 3K and part of that pricing is tank/plastic swap out. Basis of business is normally to sell more stuff and promote safety in your products. If battery add on was lower and more central it would be more desirable (more sales) as well as safer. It also may add to more charge tank sales as the tank area would be unused.
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: DonTom on June 13, 2021, 01:54:36 AM
Pricing in U.S. is basically 11K for S and 15.5 for SR.  The power tank runs 3K and part of that pricing is tank/plastic swap out. Basis of business is normally to sell more stuff and promote safety in your products. If battery add on was lower and more central it would be more desirable (more sales) as well as safer. It also may add to more charge tank sales as the tank area would be unused.
But you can also put in the double sized battery and add the charge tank.


The difference between the S and SR has nothing to do with the battery.


I cannot see many even wanting a power tank added to the 7.2 KW bikes, regardless of where they put it. Those should have bought the 14.4 to begin with and get twice the range of an added power tank. As well as double the range of the bike.


-Don- 
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: TheRan on June 13, 2021, 02:32:52 AM
As Don said, for those that want more range they can just get a 14.4 model. A power tank costs £3k but a 14.4 only costs a little over £2k more than a 7.2. The only cases where it makes sense is for those who get a particularly good deal on a used 7.2 or if they don't have the money up front to step up to a 14.4, but those are a small percentage of an already small market. I suppose you could also argue that saving 20kg could be a reason to add one to a 7.2, but even then I think most people would take the extra weight if it means it's placed lower down.

Pricing in U.S. is basically 11K for S and 15.5 for SR.  The power tank runs 3K and part of that pricing is tank/plastic swap out. Basis of business is normally to sell more stuff and promote safety in your products. If battery add on was lower and more central it would be more desirable (more sales) as well as safer. It also may add to more charge tank sales as the tank area would be unused.
You're comparing an S to an SR, the price difference is down to more than the battery capacity. Zero don't list the 7.2 S/DS on their site anymore despite them apparently still being available however the FX/FXS do come as 7.2 versions and their pricing is very close to the S/DS.

The power tank's primary purpose and selling point is to increase the range of the 14.4 models, that's what allowed them to brag about having the longest range electric motorcycle, and that is what most power tanks are installed on. I wouldn't be surprised if the cost of designing and manufacturing a 3.6 pack to go in the lower storage compartment would outweigh what they'd get from sales. As for running a charge tank and a power tank located in the lower compartment, again it would just make more sense to slap a charge tank on a 14.4 model and that way you can go even further before you need to charge (or charge for less time).

EDIT: Should've just read Don's post before making mine, it would seem we both think alike
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: Crissa on June 13, 2021, 03:44:57 AM
Didn't someone say that Zero didn't recommend a Power Tank that was a different age of the main battery?

-Crissa
Title: Re: Power Tank Question
Post by: MVetter on June 13, 2021, 01:50:50 PM
No that'd be the concerned aftermarket not the OEM supplier