Ebike instructions request: how to best link 4 12v/12Ah SLA batteries together. What will I need?

Question

I know I'm kind of an electrical moron. Sorry about that.

That having been said: I am building an e-bike, and want an SLA 48v/12ah battery pack. Presumably, I'll need to make it out of four (4) 12v/12ah batteries. I want all my connections to be well above necessary thresholds for explosions and whatnot.

Item by item: what will I need to get?

Also: can anyone recommend a configuration for a charger? I'm assuming I will have to purchase a 48v "smart" charger. Thanks in advance, you guys.

- Smitty.

Answer 1

For 48 volts you need to connect the batteries in series.  You will need 3  wires.  The positive terminal of the first battery to the negative of the second.  The postive terminal of the second battery to the negative of the third.  The positive terminal of the third battery to the negative of the forth.  You then have the negative terminal of the first battery and the positive terminal of the forth battery free to connect to the terminals on the Ebike.  The voltage will be 48 volts.  You will need a 48 volt charger for sealed lead acid batteries.  This type of charger is not normally called a 'smart' charger.  SLA stands for 'sealed lead acid'.  It's very similar to the battery in your car except it's sealed against gas venting under normal use.  

ebike(-)bat 1(+)~~(-)bat 2(+)~~(-)bat 3(+)~~(-)bat 4(+)ebike

Answer 2

I can give you a link to a batteries professional you can contact - they'll be able to give you a more comprehensive answer.

http://www.batterytex.com/contact.php