For many years, people have relied on trusty two-wheelers for getting around busy cities. But
with growing concerns about pollution and climate change, electric scooters have become a popular choice. While lowvoltage electric scooters have been around, a new exciting development is taking place: high-voltage drivetrains in electric two-wheelers.
Low-voltage #electric scooters, running on voltages below 72V, have had some problems. They couldn’t go very far, weren’t very powerful, and took a long time to charge. The small batteries meant short travel distances, and the lack of power made them slow and unable to climb hills well. But now, high-voltage drivetrains, operating between 200V and 800V, are changing the game and bringing a new era of electric two-wheeler mobility
Advantages of High Voltage Drivetrain
High-voltage drivetrains are revolutionizing the landscape of Two-Wheeled Electric (2EW)
vehicles, providing many advantages that significantly enhance their performance and efficiency. One of the foremost benefits is the ability to harness increased power and speed with lower heat loss.
By employing more powerful electric motors, high-voltage systems contribute to superior acceleration, higher top
A notable advantage of high-voltage drivetrains is the reduction in weight and complexity. The motors associated with high-voltage systems tend to be lighter and more compact, contributing to an overall weight reduction in 2EWs. This not only enhances efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in improving the agility and handling of vehicles.speeds, and enhanced capabilities in navigating challenging terrains such as hills for a sustained period.
This is particularly advantageous for larger and heavier 2EWs like scooters and motorcycles. Moreover, the adoption of high-voltage drivetrains brings about improvements in efficiency. These systems operate at lower currents, effectively minimizing energy losses caused by heat generation in cables and electronic components.
The result is an extended range and reduced charging times, offering a practical solution to address the critical aspects of electric vehicle usability
Efficient High-Voltage Charging with CCS2
#CCS2 charging, a dedicated DC fast-charging standard tailored for high-voltage electric vehicles (EVs), enables remarkably faster charging rates when compared to standard AC or earlier DC fast-charging protocols. The key to its efficiency lies in the utilization of high voltage in the electric drivetrain.
This approach necessitates specialized equipment on both the vehicle and charging station sides, optimizing the charging process for highvoltage EVs. By leveraging elevated voltage levels, CCS2 charging significantly reduces charging times, offering a more expedited and convenient experience for electric vehicle users.
Reimagining 2EW Design and Manufacturing
The integration of high-voltage drivetrain technology significantly influences the design and manufacturing processes of Two-Wheeled Electric (2EW) vehicles, presenting engineers with both opportunities and challenges.
In terms of design, the advent of high-voltage drivetrains prompts a reimagining of the vehicle’s architecture. The battery, now a pivotal component, requires meticulous placement and efficient thermal management to ensure both safety and optimal performance. Light weighting becomes a significant consideration, necessitating the optimization of chassis and components to maintain strength without compromising efficiency. Additionally, the focus on aerodynamics intensifies, influencing the design of bodywork and wheels to reduce drag and maximize the vehicle’s range.
In order to enhance customer confidence, safety measures such as robust insulation, additional safety features, and emergency protocols are implemented, ensuring the the safety standards similar to those observed in other vehicle implementations.
As the market witnesses the initial introduction of high-voltage drivetrains, the manufacturing process undergoes a significant transformation. Adaptations are made in production lines to
accommodate specialized components and systems, necessitating the acquisition of new skillsets and equipment. Sequential testing and validation protocols are implemented to guarantee the safety, reliability, and compliance of vehicles with regulations.
Battery production and quality control take center stage, emphasizing the need for advanced monitoring and management systems. The supply chain experiences a shift as manufacturers navigate the complexities of sourcing high-voltage components and materials reliably.
Safety and Standards in High-Voltage Drivetrain Integration
The integration of high-voltage drivetrain systems into Two-Wheeled Electric (2EW) vehicles brings about implementation of specific measures to ensure a safe and smooth riding experience. In order to ensure safety, robust insulation is done to prevent any accidental contact or leakage. Physical and software-based interlock systems ensure restricted access to high-voltage components during maintenance or operation, while emergency disconnect switches act swiftly to isolate the battery.
The Road Ahead
Additionally, advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) monitor vital parameters such as battery health, temperature, and charge levels. Optimized performance of each key component is achieved through the meticulous selection of flame-retardant materials. Specific safety features tailored for 2EWs include
the implementation of low-voltage control circuits, ensuring that critical functions such as throttle and brakes are managed by separate, low-voltage systems to improve safety.
The design of 2EWs prioritizes crashworthiness, optimizing battery placement and chassis design to protect the battery pack and eliminate damage. Audible and visual warning systems alert riders to potential hazards, such as low battery levels.
Compliance with stringent regulations, such as UNECE WP.29 and IEC 62133, sets the foundation for safety requirements in high-voltage systems within vehicles. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting industry-specific standards like UL 2580 for electric motorcycles to ensure that highest industrial safety standards are met.
As the industry progresses, continuous innovation, rigorous testing, and adherence to evolving regulations are essential to guarantee the safety. With the maturation of technology and improvements in infrastructure, the trajectory points towards even safer and more efficient electric vehicles on the road. It is crucial to emphasize that the implemented safety measures are robust, evolving and with proper training and responsible use, we can provide a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.Of course, the future comes with its own set of challenges. Infrastructure needs to evolve to support widespread high-voltage charging, safety regulations need to keep pace with innovation, and affordability must remain a key focus to ensure widespread adoption.But one thing is certain: the high-voltage revolution has ignited a spark of creativity and innovation in the 2EW world. With continued collaboration, investment, and a shared vision for a sustainable future, the possibilities for electric two-wheeled transportation are as limitless as the open road itself.
About Raptee
Raptee is a Chennai based Electric motorcycle company. The concept of Raptee was initially coined in 2019 with a sole intention to democratize electric mobility in India. Raptee is a full-stack electric motorcycle startup with a very strong technical moat. The company is founded by four engineers from Chennai (Ex Tesla, Wipro), working on bringing a no-compromise upgrade motorcycle to an otherwise scooter-only EV market.
They are on a mission to craft a motorcycle that is more than just an EV; instead, an augmented machine built with an adaptive machine-learning algorithm
intuitive, intelligent, and safe, with features like throttle mapping, blind-spot detection, and Bluetooth connectivity to bring you an effortless experience.
Mr. Dinesh’s Arjun Co-Founder & CEO
Mr. Dinesh oversees the overall operations at Raptee and collaborates closely with the Branding & Marketing team. He completed his Master’s in Industrial Engineering at Purdue University, Indiana, and his undergraduate degree in Production Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai, before venturing into the automotive industry.
Hailing from an engineering background, he has since worked with automotive giants such as Royal Enfield, Yamaha, and Hyundai, most recently working on the design feedback and manufacturing team at Tesla. Raptee is Dinesh’s third venture in the automotive space.
He holds an overall holistic business approach and envisions building a truly effortless product, elevating, and enhancing the automotive ecosystem in India.
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