Comparative Performance Evaluation of Electric Powertrains in ICE Motorcycle Conversion

Authors

  • Muhammad Rizani Rusli Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1552-0370
  • Eko Henfri Binugroho Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Mochamad Ari Bagus Nugroho Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Himmawan Sabda Maulana Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Raden Sanggar Dewanto Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Teguh Hady Ariwibowo Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Dadet Pramadihanto Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
  • Mentari Putri Jati National Taipei University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26877/asset.v8i1.2163

Keywords:

ICE motorcycle conversion, electric powertrain, BLDC motor, dynamometer testing, experimental performance analysis

Abstract

Electrifying Indonesia’s motorcycle fleet is critical for reducing urban emissions and fossil fuel dependence. This study experimentally evaluates three powertrain configurations—hub motor, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and single-gear ratio—for converting internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles to electric two-wheelers (E2W). Using a Honda Vario 125 platform with a 72 V, 3 kW Brushless DC motor and 1.44 kWh lithium-ion battery, performance was assessed via chassis dynamometer and real-world urban road tests. The single-gear ratio configuration demonstrated superior overall performance, achieving 5.15 kW peak wheel power, 188.7 N·m torque, fastest acceleration (0–128 km/h in 22 s), and highest energy efficiency (37.0 km/kWh), enabling a 51.8 km range per charge. The hub motor excelled in top speed, while the CVT consistently underperformed. Benchmarking shows up to 104 % efficiency improvement over prior designs. These results provide quantitative guidance for converters, manufacturers, and policymakers, establishing the single-gear ratio as the optimal solution for urban and commercial E2W applications and supporting sustainable mobility initiatives.

Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Rizani Rusli, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Electrical Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Eko Henfri Binugroho, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Mochamad Ari Bagus Nugroho, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Electrical Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Himmawan Sabda Maulana, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Raden Sanggar Dewanto, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Teguh Hady Ariwibowo, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Dadet Pramadihanto, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

    Department of Informatics and Computer Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia

  • Mentari Putri Jati, National Taipei University of Technology

    Department of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan

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Published

2026-01-06

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): November - January

Section

Articles