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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: dennis-NL on October 03, 2018, 03:00:55 PM

Title: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: dennis-NL on October 03, 2018, 03:00:55 PM
So, what is possible?

Current:
* DS 2013 (still happy about it, no need for new)
* 12,5kW battery (upgraded harnas 100A fuse)
* windshield

Problem:
* almost empty 1 way commute (charge 8 hours at work & home <Diginow in 2 weeks I hope....>)

Prefer solution:
* more range
* $$$$

Options:
* powertank integration with 12,5kW battery?  (I will make it fit, but electronical possible?)
* bigger battery (14,4kW) instead of 12,5kW? (but waste of 12,5kW battery?)
* don't waste money and live with it untill buying a new model in x-years?

Any1 tried upgrading/adapt and it worked?

Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on October 03, 2018, 11:02:37 PM
The 2013 chassis doesn't have the physical support structure (a "carrier tray" that maintains a gap above the battery and two holes on the inside of the frame rails) in the tank area for a Power Tank.

But the warranty-replaced battery has an upgraded charging circuit and (IIRC) the power tank communications harness ready to go. This can be confirmed by checking for the blanking plug under the forward end of the seat.

Upgrading your monolith will be very expensive and Zero will likely not endorse it in the slightest.

Zero will make a lot of noise about putting a Power Tank in there, though. The holes on the inside rails of the 2014+ tank area anchor J hooks to retain the Power Tank. That means that in an accident, your 45lb Power Tank could become a lethal flying hazard.

Basically, you need a way to support the Power Tank and also hold it down. I'm doubt that Zero or your dealer will endorse a DIY method.
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: Erasmo on October 04, 2018, 01:43:21 AM
How about improving the range via aerodynamics?
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: dennis-NL on October 04, 2018, 02:39:47 AM
How about improving the range via aerodynamics?

Yup, like the Hollywood electrics will be the most practical
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: dennis-NL on October 04, 2018, 02:46:18 AM
The 2013 chassis doesn't have the physical support structure (a "carrier tray" that maintains a gap above the battery and two holes on the inside of the frame rails) in the tank area for a Power Tank.

But the warranty-replaced battery has an upgraded charging circuit and (IIRC) the power tank communications harness ready to go. This can be confirmed by checking for the blanking plug under the forward end of the seat.

Upgrading your monolith will be very expensive and Zero will likely not endorse it in the slightest.

Zero will make a lot of noise about putting a Power Tank in there, though. The holes on the inside rails of the 2014+ tank area anchor J hooks to retain the Power Tank. That means that in an accident, your 45lb Power Tank could become a lethal flying hazard.

Basically, you need a way to support the Power Tank and also hold it down. I'm doubt that Zero or your dealer will endorse a DIY method.

Thx for info.
Thought I read it somewere PT on a 2013 was possible.
So it seems it will need robust ankering in frame too be legid.
But there would also be a possibillity it wont be recognized by BMS?
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: DonTom on October 04, 2018, 04:39:03 AM
How about improving the range via aerodynamics?
Or riding a bit slower. If he can make it each  way, and has time to recharge, why is there an issue?

The word "Almost"  can always be replaced with the word "not".

-Don-  Reno, NV
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: dennis-NL on October 04, 2018, 12:56:25 PM
How about improving the range via aerodynamics?
Or riding a bit slower. If he can make it each  way, and has time to recharge, why is there an issue?

The word "Almost"  can always be replaced with the word "not".

-Don-  Reno, NV

(He = me = Dennis)

Because now I have to ride as a grandma to reach destination, while I want to ride 'normal'.
So, even slow driving gives me almost no margin, that's why.
It's getting colder in the Netherlands from now on, so it will even makes it worse.

Buying a newer model 2nd hand Zero DS(R) will do, but not the money for it.

Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: SebfromBE on October 04, 2018, 03:02:40 PM
Hi Dennis,

If you can still work with it at the moment, and if you have some money, why not putting on sale and see how much you can get?

Last year in January (when I bought mine :-) ) they were clearing the 2017 models with a ~ 2000Eur rebate. If you can get a reasonable price from your current bike, this can become definitely cheaper than replacing battery! and/or upgrading with a PT.

14.4kWh and better cell quality should give you the required margin => And you could then upgrade with a PT 1 or 2 year later.



Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: Ndm on October 04, 2018, 06:55:09 PM
 When I was getting the upgraded battery on my 2013 I was told that even if I could have the powertank anchored securely I couldn't do it because of the wiring and programming required, that was from Zero directly (Aaron I believe) so I don't think it is possible with the hardware in the 2013, unfortunately I can't find the emails so this is from memory
Title: Re: Powertank, bigger battery or nothing?
Post by: dennis-NL on October 04, 2018, 09:57:29 PM
When I was getting the upgraded battery on my 2013 I was told that even if I could have the powertank anchored securely I couldn't do it because of the wiring and programming required, that was from Zero directly (Aaron I believe) so I don't think it is possible with the hardware in the 2013, unfortunately I can't find the emails so this is from memory

Thx for the inside info from Zero about the same year I also have. Too bad it's not possible the official way at least.