BugE #29 at Wells College Symposium MarcBugE during winter drive testing
OwnerWilliam McCracken
LocationAuburn, New York United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2008 Blue Sky Design BugE
Semi-enclosed motor-trike
MotorAdvanced DC 140-01-4009 Series Wound DC
Using the motor recommended for kit.
DrivetrainAdvanced DC Motor #140-01-4009
5.1HP / 17hp Peak with reverse ability
ControllerAlltrax The AXE by Alltrax
Using recommended controller
mfg. part # NPX4834
Batteries4 Optima D34M, 3.60 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
Upgraded from lead-acid Optima Blue Top D34M to 16 GBS-LFMP60AH LiFeMnPO4 batteries.
System Voltage48 Volts
Charger 2 charging options - lead or lithium
Lead pack: external Soneli cs4808s - plugs into the side via XLR connector (the same type often used with microphones). Allows quick switch from grid power to solar charging.
Lithium Pack: Onboard charger with integrated BMS system
HeaterNone
DC/DC ConverterSevcon DC2430
Converts 48V to 12V - 25A Fully isolated. This is an upgrade from recommended converter since I wanted isolation and extra capacity for future accessories.
InstrumentationKoso Universal GP Style RX-SRN
Top Speed52 MPH (83 KPH)
Unofficial - clocked by a friend's car.
AccelerationGood enough. Sufficient torque for hills.
Range20 Miles (32 Kilometers)
Lead acid: 10 mile test journey was done with a 2 year old lead pack with stop & go traffic, hilly terrain and varying speeds between 25-45mph.
Lithium: Still testing. Using same route, can do twice the distance with substantial charge left over.
EV Miles
Current:6 Miles (9 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity1 person. Designed for 200 lbs of person and cargo.
Curb Weight440 Pounds (199 Kilograms)
With Spiral lead-acid batteries installed. Lithium batteries make the vehicle lighter.
Tires3
Conversion TimeTook about 6 months to build (weekends) and about a year to get on the road. Most of time was used waiting for NY-DMV paperwork.
Conversion CostAbout 12K but I'm including accessories such as solar array, cycle shelter, upgraded parts, storage chest, other tools that I would not have otherwise bought plus car trailer hitch and of course retrofit demands by NYS. If done properly the first time, major parts would only cost around 7K.
Additional Features-Liberal use of Molex connectors. This enables vehicle to be completely disassembled by one person down to the frame.
-anti-vibration cowl upgrade (now, standard for later models)
-forward and reverse (now, standard for later models)
-seat slider
-upgraded high-capacity DC-DC converter
-battery management system(s) (for Lead & lithium systems)
-Grid charge or solar charge (using separate 200W solar array)
-Custom 12V wire harness
-Transparent dashboard with 3 accessory switches
-Improved rear fender to eliminate water spatter
LITHIUM PACK:On-board charger, BMS
LEAD ACID PACK:external charging system, Powercheq modules, External 200W solar charger
Changes done for NYS-DOT / NHTSA approval
-side lights did not meet NHTSA requirements for positioning. Light was changed to a DOT approved single center headlight.
-TARGA signal blinkers replaced with K&S DOT approved blinker set.
-kit tail light replaced with DOT approved tail light

code by jerry