Vectrix ZEV Owner's Manual - page 45
VECTRIX ZEV OWNER’S MANUAL
45
fUnDaMenTalS Of VeCTriX ranGe
The range of an electric vehicle is defined as the
distance the vehicle will travel on a single full
charge of the battery pack. Just like EPA mileage
estimates on automobiles “your mileage may
vary”. Your range results are a direct reflection of
your driving habits. The more conservative you
ride the better the range you can expect from your
Vectrix.
Some of the factors which affect range include
speed, acceleration, number of starts & stops,
as well as changes in elevation. The combination
of these factors, as you travel from one point to
another, defines your trip profile. In addition tire
pressure and payload are important considerations.
Our range testing involves the equivalent of a
180 lb (82 kg) driver with no passenger or cargo
driving on a flat/level surface.
Since there are an unlimited number of potential trip
profiles we provide typical range estimates based
upon driving the Vectrix at a constant speed. We
have tested the Vectrix at constant speeds both
on test tracks and dynamometers to establish
the range performance estimates of the bike.
Remember that a constant speed trip/test involves
a single acceleration to the constant speed and a
simple stop at the end. No one actually drives on
public roadways under these conditions however
it does provide a basis for comparisons.
rangE
. DOeS aCCeleraTiOn affeCT ranGe?
Acceleration is the rate which you are attempting
to increase the speed of your Vectrix. The greater
the acceleration the faster you are depleting the
energy in the battery pack. The harder and more
frequently you accelerate the more adversely you
will affect the range of your Vectrix. Being “first
off the line” means you will also be the first to
drain your energy supply.
hard acceleration = reduced range
. DOeS WeiGhT affeCT ranGe?
The Vectrix at approximately 500 lbs (226.8 kg)
plus a 180 lb (82 kg) driver equates to a gross
vehicle weight of 680 lbs. (308 kg) If you add
50 lbs (23 kg) of cargo the total weight you
are attempting to move is 730 (331 kg) pounds
or 7.3% increase in weight. If then you add a
175 lbs (79 kg) passenger the total weight is
905 lbs (411 kg) or a total weight increase of
33%! The more mass you are pushing/lifting the
more energy it takes to accomplish the mission.
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your Vectrix
since it will impact your range.
added Weight = reduced range
Operating under constant speed conditions our
data indicates the following averages:
Constant Speed
Range
25 mph (40 km/h)
65 miles (105 km)
35 mph (56 km/h)
54 miles ( 87 km)
40 mph (64 km/h)
48 miles ( 77 km)
45 mph (72 km/h)
44 miles (71 km)
50 mph (81 km/h)
36 miles ( 58 km)
60 mph (97 km/h)
20 miles ( 32 km)
In a typical urban driving environment with traffic,
traffic lights and varying driving conditions you
should expect to travel between 30 to 45 miles
on a single battery charge. During constant speed
driving on a level surface the Vectrix consumes
approximately 39 wh/km @ 40km/hr.
We suggest that you drive conservatively when you
first get your Vectrix and get to know your bike and
your commute. Once you become familiar with the
range versus performance of your bike then you can
adjust your driving characteristics if you so desire.
This applies mainly to drivers with trip profiles which
are at the edge of the range envelope. Those of you
with relatively short commutes can expect to ride
quite aggressively and reach your destination with
energy to spare.