Electric motorbikes run on electric batteries, which make it possible for these vehicles to operate without an internal combustion engine. However, electric batteries for e-motorbikes are still becoming a mainstream thing, which is why people still have questions related to them.
The most common question people have is about the charging of electric motorbikes. Many potential e-bike owners are still in the dark about the charging process and, thus, contemplate buying one.
This is why, in this blog, we have addressed your key concerns about e-bike charging. So, read on to find out more.
Types of EV Chargers: Are They All the Same?
Not all electric vehicle chargers are the same. There are different electric vehicle chargers that differ in their use, power output, and charging rate.
Now, let’s look at these different types in more detail.
1. Level 1 chargers
This is the most basic type of electric vehicle charger that you can get.
Power source: It relies on a standard power point and can deliver 10-15 amps of power on a single charge.
Usage: It is commonly found in homes and domestic settings.
Charging rate: It can provide a range of 10-20 km on a single charge.
Limitation: it may not be sufficient to fully recharge a pure electric vehicle overnight.
2. Level 2 chargers
Level 2 chargers are more powerful than their Level 1 counterparts.
Power source: They need dedicated AC EV chargers with power levels of up to 7kW and 32 Amps on a single phase.
Usage: These chargers can be installed in different locations like homes, apartment complexes, workplaces, shopping centers, and hotels.
Charging rate: They have a charging rate of 40 km on a single charge.
Advantage: They can fully charge an e-motorbike overnight.
3. Level 3 chargers
Level 3 chargers are the most powerful of EV chargers.
Power source: They are powered by dedicated DC EV chargers that have a power output of a range of 25kW – 350kW and current ratings of 0 to 500 Amps across three phases.
Usage: These chargers are installed in commercial locations.
Charging rate: They can fully charge an e-bike in 15-30 minutes.
Locating electric vehicle charging stations in Togo and Benin
Togo and Benin have emerged as the hub of electric vehicle manufacturing, with new-age companies like us paving the way for a greener and cleaner future. If you are the owner of an e-bike in Togo and Benin, don’t worry, as we have you covered.
We are setting up charging stations across Togo and Benin that will make it easy for e-bike owners to conveniently charge their vehicles. Moreover, we already have in place our Swap n Go business model, where e-bike owners can swap out their used batteries and install fully charged ones. This saves a lot of time in charging.
Special Equipment for Charging: Is It Necessary?
Spiro electric two wheelers owners don’t need any kind of special equipment for charging. When you buy a Spiro electric motorbike, you get a fully charged battery that is easy to detach.
Once you run out of charge, you can swap out your drained battery for a new one or even charge it at one of our many charging points. We don’t recommend customers charge their batteries at home.
Comparing Car and Motorcycle Charging
Electric cars have very different charging procedures than motorbikes. Electric cars generally have larger and more powerful batteries than motorcycles. This means they require more electricity to charge and typically have longer charging times.
Moreover, electric car charging stations often offer higher power levels than those designed for motorcycles. As a result, cars can charge faster, adding more range per hour.
Also, electric cars and motorcycles often use different types of connectors, so it’s essential to ensure you have the right adapter or charger for your specific vehicle.
Understanding Charging Duration and Range
The charging duration of an e-motorbike depends on the battery size and capacity. E-motorbikes come equipped with various battery sizes, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger battery will also take much longer to charge than a smaller one.
Moreover, the charging speed of a battery is determined by the charger’s power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Fast chargers can charge your battery more quickly.
The range of an e-motorbike refers to the total distance it can cover on a single battery charge. This range is determined by the battery’s capacity and the bike’s energy efficiency.
The longer you charge your battery, the more power it will hold, and thus, your e-motorbike will offer you more range. However, the maximum amount of power that your battery can store will depend on its capacity.
Top 5 Tips For Charging an Electric Motorcycle
Although we don’t recommend our customers charge their vehicles by themselves, the information posted below is for educational purposes only.
Always swap out your drained batteries at one of our swapping stations or visit one of our charging stations to charge your e-motorbike.
However, below are some tips for charging e-motorbikes in general.
1. Proximity to Electrical Outlet
Ensure proximity to an electrical outlet when parking your motorcycle, even using an extension cable if necessary.
2. Strategic planning
Plan ahead for charging; plug in after rides when the battery is low to accommodate the hours-long charging time.
3. Prevent Overcharging
Avoid overcharging to preserve lithium battery life; it’s fine to charge overnight, but don’t leave it plugged in for an entire winter.
4. Avoid complete battery drain
Don’t let the battery drain completely. Start charging at 25-30% to extend your battery lifespan.
5. Temperature Considerations
Store and charge the battery at room temperature (32-95°F or 0-35°C); extreme temperatures can harm it. Never overcharge it outside when the temperature drops.
Final thoughts
Charging an Electric Motorbike is simple if you know how to charge it the right way. However, it is always recommended to charge your vehicle in an electric charging station or swap out the battery for a new one at one of Spiro’s swapping stations.
