ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: cembrahead on March 13, 2022, 08:31:25 PM

Title: reference to learn the basics
Post by: cembrahead on March 13, 2022, 08:31:25 PM

I will be picking up a new Zero soon and would like to learn about fuel cells and charging etc.I have very little electrical knowledge and am looking for a good book or manual.Any recommendations?Thanks

Title: Re: reference to learn the basics
Post by: NEW2elec on March 13, 2022, 09:46:05 PM

Hi, welcome aboard.
This forum tends to discuss the operation and use of electric motorcycles more than the pure technical "how to" of them.
If you are looking to be an electrical engineer you'll need to apply to college.
I will say they don't have fuel cells but battery cells so that's a start.

We can tell you some good choices and pros and cons of different bikes if you're interested but you have to narrow down what you want to know. 

Title: Re: reference to learn the basics
Post by: valnar on March 14, 2022, 08:15:14 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Well the nice thing about electric vehicles in general is you can learn as much as you want, or nothing at all.  We all tout the benefit of EV's being easier to maintain since there are no oil changes or engines, but at the same time a lot of us love to get into the weeds.  Just know that initially, you can simply charge the motorcycle and go.  Your next step would probably be some light customization, like storage or comfort upgrades.  When things go haywire, you have support on this forum and hopefully a good dealer.

Which Zero did you buy?  Do you have an previous motorcycle experience?

The most important thing to know is the lithium battery in the motorcycle is not all that different than a laptop computer or cell phone, just much bigger.  Regardless of who makes the lithium battery, they like to be kept charged in the middle of the range.  That doesn't mean you can't charge it to 100% before a trip - definitely do that - but you also don't want to let it sit under 20% for too long either.  (This is true of laptops and cell phones too, if extending the longevity of your battery is a priority)

-Robert

Title: Re: reference to learn the basics
Post by: karlh on March 14, 2022, 10:05:31 PM

Try the book "Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle" by Carl Vogel.  You can probably find a pdf copy to download online.  The book was published in 2009, so it's a bit out of date, but it covers all the basics.

Title: Re: reference to learn the basics
Post by: cembrahead on March 15, 2022, 07:40:54 AM

Thank you.I've owned a vstrom,triumph scrambler,and a RE himalayan.It wasn't till I started messing around with vintage hondas that i learned how ICE engines work.Looking forward to learning (and riding) electric.

Title: Re: reference to learn the basics
Post by: TheRan on March 15, 2022, 05:04:03 PM

I'm amazed no one has mentioned the unofficial manual yet

https://zeromanual.com/wiki/Main_Page