[ausev] High torque or High RPM?

[Donovan Becker]

Josh,
 
We might be able to give you a better idea of whether or not to use a motorcycle or car tranny soon. I'm working with Gary K on his electric trike. (www.zwheelz.com for pics) We're using a 30kw AC induction motor with an off the shelf motorcycle tranny similar to what Harley's use. Our vehicle will run about 3000 lbs with 24 lead acids, and we're hoping to get similar performance specs to what you're looking at. It's conected via belt drive so we'll find out whether the tranny or belts will give first, or ideally not give at all. The motor at 30kw is a pretty good size and has regen braking, a 90000 rpm range, and liquid cooling so we can beat it up continuously w/o over heating:)
 
It'll be a few to several weeks before we put the full 24 batteries in and test it, but if you're still looking by then we should have some first hand experience/info.
 
Is you locust built yet or will you be designing from the ground up. This could make a huge difference in a lot of the components as it will decide how difficult the layout will be. Ours has been from the ground up it has been both messy and convenient at the same time.
 
Donovan


Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2007 13:24:03 -0600From: jhandel at ktomics.netTo: ausev at austinev.orgSubject: [ausev] High torque or High RPM?
Howdy all,
   So I've been piecing togeather my "master plan" and I came to a perverbial "fork" in the road.   The vehical I am building will be based on a Lotus 7 Clone and is extremely light; so light that many builders of these cars use Motorcycle engines & Transmissions in them AND still have a heck of a fun car to drive.   This brings up a few questions. 
 
1) Motorcycle transmissions are designed for higher RPM & Lower torque. Given that I have the freedom to choose my transmission for my roadster, is there any EV advantage to going with a transmission designed for RPM or a traditional RWD Standard car transmission.. 
 
2) How much "extra" weight should I account for in an EV based car (yes its all dependent on battery but a ball park).. Lotus 7's can be built ICE and weight in at under 1200 pounds.. I am sure I get 2 ~ 300 of that "back" for loosing the Gas engine, but how much MORE do I loose to batteries, controllers, etc? 
 
Thanks
Josh
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