Research for a 1:1 electric car

[lutach]

Research is your best friend and I've been at it for over 8yrs now. Some parts are cheap and some are very expensive. Cost will depend on what performance you want.

[sikeston34m]

Originally Posted by lutach

Research is your best friend and I've been at it for over 8yrs now. Some parts are cheap and some are very expensive. Cost will depend on what performance you want.

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

[lutach]

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

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.

[JERRY2KONE]

Originally Posted by lutach

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.

Especially now since we have all put in money to help them out with the billions of tax payer money lent to them in this bailout sceme. I do not support that by the way. I think we are being taken for a ride. Still with all of the money involved there, and the geniouses working for GM and the like, they should have done better on electric by now.

[sikeston34m]

Originally Posted by JERRY2KONE

Especially now since we have all put in money to help them out with the billions of tax payer money lent to them in this bailout sceme. I do not support that by the way. I think we are being taken for a ride. Still with all of the money involved there, and the geniouses working for GM and the like, they should have done better on electric by now.

Yes, I aggree!

It makes me wonder about how much money is going under the table from "Big Oil"?

The Technology is here and it's still evolving. We need to utilize and develop alternative energy sources.

There will always be uses for Gas and Diesel. Where they get us "over a barrel" is the fact that we have NO other choices for energy available.

Too much of the Economy is based on Oil.

[lincpimp]

Hey Sike, I am only a few weeks in on the research... As far as the mech connection go I should have all of that covered. Wiring will take time, but the worst part will be the battery placement.

I will definately pick your brain on the forklift motor. I have some info that a 90v or so setup should meet my goals. Looking for 30 miles range, and 45mph max speed. Just looking for a town car, not going on the interstate. 15 6v lead acid batts should do for what I want.

Sounds like I can use a forklift motor for propulsion, stick with a manual tranny and clutch for easy operation. Probably stick with a curtis controller as they seem to be the best priced. Will make my own adapter plate, and maybe have a coupler made, or buy one if they are available.

[lutach]

Originally Posted by lincpimp

Hey Sike, I am only a few weeks in on the research... As far as the mech connection go I should have all of that covered. Wiring will take time, but the worst part will be the battery placement.

I will definately pick your brain on the forklift motor. I have some info that a 90v or so setup should meet my goals. Looking for 30 miles range, and 45mph max speed. Just looking for a town car, not going on the interstate. 15 6v lead acid batts should do for what I want.

Sounds like I can use a forklift motor for propulsion, stick with a manual tranny and clutch for easy operation. Probably stick with a curtis controller as they seem to be the best priced. Will make my own adapter plate, and maybe have a coupler made, or buy one if they are available.

James, look at the 914 electric conversion. It's a decent set up and will be more then enough for your needs.