They create a kit to convert a combustion motorcycle into an electric one

Given the advances in the decarbonization of the planet and the elimination of fossil fuels, electromobility is vital for sustainable development. It is estimated that by 2035 internal combustion vehicles will no longer be manufactured.

To contribute to the decarbonization of the planet but at the same time take advantage of combustion engine vehicles, researchers from the National University of San Luis in Argentina have developed a kit so that those who have a combustion motorcycle can remove their engine and replace it with an electric one. .

The main objective of the kit, which consists of the electric motor, the controller and the battery, is to transfer the technology in its entirety or in parts to the industry. In addition, based on its prototype, it is proposed to use it as a platform for different tests and improvements on the development carried out.

“What we are proposing is a kit for the conversion of combustion motorcycles, which are the ones that are on the streets today, to electric motorcycles, that is, anyone who has a motorcycle can remove their combustion engine and replace it with an electric motor with its batteries and all their controls” Guillermo Catuogno, director of the project, explained to Argentina Investiga.

In order to present the project to the UNSL Xi university innovation contest, in which they obtained first place, it was decided to develop the first prototype and that is why, starting from marketing, the classic Puma motorcycle, of national production in the United States, was chosen. 50’s

“It is not a common motorcycle, but it is a classic motorcycle that was made in the 50s, the Puma, that is why our project is called e-Puma (…) it was a low-cost motorcycle, one hundred percent produced in Argentina more that nothing for the workers, so that they would have mobility to go to their jobs and carry out their activities; So, we focused on that philosophy of low-cost motorcycles and that’s where the project came from,” explained Catuogno.

Guillermo Catuogno, director of the project. (Photo: Argentina Investiga / National University of San Luis)

The idea of ​​the project is that it be totally nationally produced and developed by the team, both the motor, the controller, as well as the software. Two versions have been thought of, one with a closed design and more efficient for investors, where that knowledge can be transferred and sold, and another with lower-cost open technology, available to those who require it.

“In the open technology version we are going to reuse controllers that we use out there, for example, for pumping water in Patagonia; engines that we make for other rural applications we are going to use to drive the motorcycle, where this open technology kit is not going to be as efficient as the other, but it will be available so that anyone can do it and build their own motorcycle kit electricity”, highlighted the director.

All the teachers of the Laboratory of Applied Technologies of the Faculty of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (FICA), directed by Dr. Guillermo Catuogno and integrated by Carlos Catuogno, Gastón Frías, and Roberto Trimboli, participate in the project.

A collaborating group works alongside the responsible team. Pablo Nasisi develops the mechanical part of the motorcycle in his thesis to access the title of Mechatronics Engineer. (Source: Argentina Investiga / National University of San Luis)