52v vs 36v Chimera "Commuter" battery

[@wes8486]

I feel like it would be better to have a programmed "long range" setting on the controller. Shouldn't the 52v battery, if capped at the same 26mph through software give about the same range? Because the watt-hours of both batteries are almost equal, just different combination of volts and amp hours. Unless you've tested the batteries, if the 36v pack indeed gives extra range, it would probably be a nice option. Especially considering laws limiting ebikes to 28/20mph.

[@chimerabmx]

Thanks for this! The controller actually does offer settings to control how much power it draws from the battery. But if the current draw is equal (for example, around 70 amps), the 36v battery offers way more range because it's substantially higher amp hours.

[@hawaiianpunch6534]

It would be cool to have both. I could use one for flat land, since i live in the highlands there are some monster hills i need the power to climb those.

[@chimerabmx]

You're in good company. A lot of people are reaching out to us saying they want both! We need to do some further testing but at least on paper the 36V should offer the power to climb hills just as well. It can send 75 amps of current!

[@kirkoglesby6175]

You could have the 52v as primary use a y splitting cable. Make a long range back pack for getting to a spot for commute. Switch one off and the on after plug in. Then you have the best of both worlds.

[@chimerabmx]

A way to switch between packs would be cool! But different voltages and energy densities are VERY dangerous if they come into contact. So it's best to keep their connections entirely separate from one another. Fortunately it's pretty quick to swap batteries out.

[@dbwwraith7265]

What if you put both on the same bike with a switch and spliter could swap on the fly

[@chimerabmx]

That would be neatx and there are ways to rig such a setup. But one of the guiding principles for the design of the bike is to keep it light and slim. Stacking batteries would be bulky and cumbersome. So instead we made the battery easy to swap on/off. You don't need any tools. It's just two thumbscrew bolts!

[@smelker]

Will it not run hotter with the higher amp draw from the 36v battery?

[@chimerabmx]

Great question! The max amp draw on the 36v is 75A, which is actually lower than the max amp draw on the 52A, which is 90A. That's one of the settings that's adjusted when switching packs. The reason you wind up with roughly the same torque either way is because the ASI controller we use has to ramp down the max current of the 52V more quickly due to more overall power being pushed.

[@JoseVibar]

currently using a 50Nm 36v front hub motor on a BMX .. am amazed at how far i can explore even with hills 🚲✨.. been using two packs stacked .. anywhere i go, i know i have enough to get back 🪫🔋🧭

[@nevamind932]

Decisions decisions

[@m0thyp00]

Now combine them 😈

[@chimerabmx]

Unfortunately packs of different voltages can't be put in parallel without causing a fire, and our controller would blow with them in series. 🙃

[@adamnjethro4080]

So what is the range for each?

[@chimerabmx]

@@adamnjethro4080 52v = between 8 and 20 miles. 36V = between 20 and 40 miles. This range is if you're using THROTTLE ONLY. The bike pedals just as easily as any other bmx without motor assistance. So most riders get much farther range sometimes pedaling, sometimes throttling, and sometimes both.

[@adamnjethro4080]

@@chimerabmx yall have plans on making a 29er bmx? Bikelife would love that!

[@chimerabmx]

@@adamnjethro4080 Not at present. As wheel size increases, overall efficiency of torque transfer decreases. This 24" is actually an excellent balance between torque and speed.

[@Mr_Facts]

Or you go to the gas station.