Well-To-Wheel Energy Analysis of Conventional and Electric Motorcycles in Malaysia

In this paper we investigate well-to-wheel energy consumption of a conventional carbureted four stroke 110cc motorcycle and comparable electric motorcycle using lead acid batteries and Li-polymer batteries. The vehicles are tested on a chassis dynamometer using a steady-state test based on the ECER40 drive cycle. Vehicle energy consumption was measured and compared on a cost per kilometer basis. Vehicle life cycle analysis was performed based on expected or measured life times of the major components such as engines, batteries and electric motors. This study indicates that electric motorcycles cost less to operate than conventional motorcycles, but are unlikely to be competitive at current prices due to the cost and life span of the battery packs.