KingSong S18 External Battery?

[5Cauac]

Does anyone know if we will ever see the external battery option that was promised for the S18??

And how would that work? Id figured maybe a battery pack upgrade since you can easily swap them out but I don't know much about batteries and if it's possible to squeeze in more power into the same size battery pack.

[FinRider]

No, no and no.

the batteries are the size they are.. so ”upgrading” the battery packa is not an option.

KS already has an external pack.. but that is like using a power bank for your cellphone. Good for trickle charging when you can’t find an outlet but not usable while riding.

if you want/need more capacoty for the s-18 then look at Lukas S-18xXL project where he adds to more of the smaller batter packs of the S-18 tothe mix.

[5Cauac]

Ya I thought so, too bad. 

I did see Lukas video back when he first posted it. Didn't he say would make a kit? That would be sweet. I wouldn't mind getting just a bit of extra range out of the S18.

His other mods are pretty cool too.

Thanks.

 

[FinRider]

8 hours ago, 5Cauac said:

Ya I thought so, too bad. 

I did see Lukas video back when he first posted it. Didn't he say would make a kit? That would be sweet. I wouldn't mind getting just a bit of extra range out of the S18.

His other mods are pretty cool too.

Thanks.

 

Yeah, his S-18XL project is cool for sure. I am comfortable doing any mechanical modifications to my wheel but when it comes to electrical, then things become a bit sketchy... you really have to know what to do. I have a couple of electrical engineers at the office that I could get to help me, so this project is something I will definitely look into.. would be great though if Lukaz would have the kit and a step-by-step "guide" how the batteries would need to be wired.

The S-18 has 4 battery packs physical battery packs, two larger ones with 84volts and two smaller ones with 42 volts each that are "combined" into "one" 84v, so essentially it has "3 battery packs". His mod takes two additional of these 42v packs and creates a 4th 84V pack.

The packs can probably be sourced from a KS dealer --> Lukaz should make a business out of this and sell the additional wiring needed. Best would be to include the right plugs as well so that the added batteries would simply be "plugged" in. And ofcourse together with the instructions and 3D printed covers.

I so wish I had a 3D printer... there is soo much cool shit that one could fabricate with it.

 

 

[Lukasz]

Hello All, 

Thank You for positive comments.  I have just completed the XL upgrade for the very good friend of mine. 

• Wiring is quite simple - just get the 2 pcs of rear batteries and connection for them is paralel for ech one
• I optionally offer my design of battery covers in 3d printed form - this takes over 40 hours of printing + 2 hours of manual work to produce those covers
• There is no option for kit as this mod require many manual operations on the wheel - it takes 40 - 50 hours of manual work to make the mod, so it has no commercial sense unfortunately except for those who do it in their own time or can pay extra. 

 

I have tested this solution on 2000 km as of today with no issues. Connection principle is the same Kingsong used in their solution, so I see no issues here, and 4th paralel set of 21700 cells offers greater safety in cold conditions, and 1440Wh of capacity. 

There are at least two more persons from US making this mod right now.

Below You will find partial info/instruction about the mod:

 

Regarding the idea of building the S18XL-  first of all please check if You can get from Your dealer 2pcs of S18 rear battery packs (set of left and right) - XL mod it is relatively simple but for custom battery covers the key issue is the printing time – it is out of commercial sense unfortunately - to print the set it takes around 40 hours of printing, I thought about it but this make sense only if You do it as hobby solution – so I can share the files and You can print yourself - If You will be really into the subject let me know, I have written short information below but I may add something.  (FYI - To print covers in the good quality including work and material the cost will not be lower here than 220-270 USD)

 It is really not so many items to purchase beyond batteries and covers,

However – before You decide to make this change – make sure You know how to work with Li-Ion batteries  - as there is no way to “switch them off” so if You make short circuit You may burn something easily! Also – such work will probably VOID your warranty for the wheel as you do “home modification”  (although I do not see the reason that much for that if You do the job properly). Also – I do not provide any warranty nor support of any kind except basic info by email or YT video.

 

Basic set include:

-         2 pcs of original rear battery packs from S18 (left and right)

-         2 pcs of XT90I-M (male connectors)

-         2 meters of AWG14 black wire in silicone insulation

-         2 meters of AWG14 red wire in silicone insulation

-         2 meters of AWG20 green wire in silicone insulation

-         2 meters of AWG20 blue wire in silicone insulation

-         Very thin good quality insulation tape – Teflon tape for pipes works great for example

-         Various shrink tubes – for AWG14 and AWG20 wires - all added wiring shall be in shrink tubing

-         A few M3 20 mm, and 40mm screws with nuts and washers (or inch equivalents)

-      2 pcs of small 10mm long screws for plastic

-         Zip ties – 3.5 mm wide min 250mm long ones – one pack

-      Double side tape - 3m regular and VHB types

-         Battery covers from my project (TBC if I can print them and for how much or if I will release files – most likely I will release files as this is around 35-40 hours of printing and I do not have such time available to monitor printouts)

-         Front bumpers –  I can send them as minimum but I suggest full set of mods for S18 - see my YT channel  youtube.com/lukluk

Maybe a few more items which I do not remember now but of such kind that if You do some technical stuff You may have them around anyway

 Tools

-         Dremel + cutting skills

-         Soldering iron + very good soldering skills – make sure that no cold connections happen

-         Drill, bits, etc

-         File, screwdrivers, basic tools,

 

I will try to make some basic instruction how to do it when I find some time.