Quote:
Originally Posted by sikeston34m
Yes, that's very true.
I would like to convert a Kawasaki Mule to electric. Or maybe build a custom version completely from scratch.
Using brushless hub motors, or a small motor on each wheel, it would be 4wd.
The less drivetrain, the better IMO. Less rotating mass means greater efficiency. This also means few wear items.
I've been holding off on a new vehicle purchase. I'm waiting for the Chevy Volt. It will be nice to see what systems they put into these vehicles.
I would like to get one and increase the range on it. Most limits involve a cost factor. LOL
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I've spoken with a few people and the hub motors are nice, but they require an active drive system to act like a diff does so the vehicle won't spin out when it turns. Less drive train is best for efficiency, but to keep costs down one is needed. There are various places that sells 2-speed racing transmissions that are very light and if you couple that to a electric motor, the performance can be great. The Chevy Volt is just a poor example of what a big company can do. Only 40 miles range in electric mode, give me a break. Even Tesla can go further and they don't even use the best cells available. The Tzero is probably the best and the first to go longer then any electric. Now Tesla has a billionaire backing it up and AC Propulsion has been in the game for a long time, but Chevy with all that money can only accomplish 40 miles.
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