Electric Tricycle Battery Sizing by Payload, Range and Current
Size an electric tricycle battery using measured Wh/km, target range, controller voltage limits and current on loaded starts and long climbs.
Start with the controller voltage window
48 V, 60 V and 72 V are examples found in the electric tricycle market. Work back from the operating limits of the motor controller, DC-DC converter and accessories. Check full-charge voltage, loaded voltage and the controller’s low-voltage behavior. For a retrofit, cross-check equipment nameplates with the controller documentation.
Calculate energy from measured Wh/km
Divide energy drawn at the pack by distance traveled. As a worked example, a loaded route consuming 55 Wh/km over 60 km needs about 3.3 kWh. If the route is assumed to use 80% of nominal energy, the first estimate is 4.13 kWh. At a nominal 60 V, that is about 69 Ah. These are hypothetical inputs for the calculation. Verify reserves for cold conditions, aging and route changes with the vehicle.
Specify continuous and peak current separately
Use battery-side current on a long loaded climb to assess sustained output and temperature rise. Log peak current and duration during launches, reversing and short grades. Frequent stops also require a recovery interval between peaks. The controller’s motor phase current cannot be used directly as the pack current requirement.
Submit a testable vehicle brief
Provide the vehicle model, target payload, route, shift schedule, recharge window and available charge points. Attach the controller model, compartment drawing, mounting and cable exit locations and a battery-side current trace. Validate the sample on a typical and a heavier route against an agreed reserve and temperature criterion.