Almost finished... 48V 300 amps max

[garolittle]

This forum was very helpful as I started a go kart project about a year ago. I can not express how greatful I am for the free advice. I became so fascinated with electric Go Karts that I actually started a business. VenomKarts.com.

For safety reasons, we are going with 48 volts and Nissan Leaf batteries instead of the “Tesla-style” 18650 batteries.

https://www.facebook.com/247184812650883...857410878/

Here are the specs. Go kart to be finished by March 31, 2019.

BATTERIES: 7 Nissan Leaf battery modules (7.8V each) connected in series for 54V nominal (approximately 58 amp hours). The picture of the go kart frame shows the proposed placement of the battery modules (4 on one side and 3 on the other side).

BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS): Orion Jr. BMS with pre-wired CANBUS harness, voltage tap harness, shunt resistor (500A) and basic analog display

MOTOR: Motenergy ME0708 Permanent Magnet Direct Current (DC) Motor, 48V, 8 hp cont, 15 hp pk (300 amps max/150 amps continuous)

CONTROLLER: Alltrax SR-48300 48V/300A. The charge controller would go in front of the driver (under the steering wheel).

WIRING: 4 AWG gauge wire to/from charge controller, motor, and battery pack

THROTTLE: EZ-GO Pot Box

CONTACTOR:
Gigavac GV200QA-1 48V 500 Amp

Stay tuned for more updates.

 

[Quinc]

Post some pics!! The Facebook link goes to page not found.

 

[ohv_]

Post some pics!! The Facebook link goes to page not found.

ditto!

i did go to this link tho https://venomkarts.com/ pretty cool

 

[garolittle]

Really sorry about the Facebook link. Try this.

https://www.facebook.com/247184812650883/posts/299584857410878/

Also, here is a stripped down version of the kart (really stripped down). Having some welding done this week and then painting.

 

[garolittle]

Batteries fit inside the black enclosures.

 

[Quinc]

Looks great! What is your plan with the kart? are you going to race it or just something to have fun with?
I got my 1hp kart with 50v to 38mph with arm yanking torque. I can only imagine how bad arse that Motenergy is going to be!

 

[garolittle]

Looks great! What is your plan with the kart? are you going to race it or just something to have fun with?
I got my 1hp kart with 50v to 38mph with arm yanking torque. I can only imagine how bad arse that Motenergy is going to be!

For your message. Hopefully, it will have excellent acceleration. I believe it will based on the power to weight ratio. Selling this one as a prototype. Will use the proceeds to make a more powerful version using 18650 cells. Will keep you posted.

VenomKarts.com

 

[voided]

How will you get a powerful version out of 18650’s ? Doesn’t the Leaf have a higher discharge rating than the 18650’s?

 

[garolittle]

Good question. This prototype will use the Leaf Modules but the next version will use 18650 cells. Since we will be pulling a max of 300-350 amps on the current prototype, the Leaf Modules have sufficient energy density and discharge Capacity for the electric motor that we will be using. However we are aiming for 500 to 600 Amps (max) current on the next build so we will need the higher energy density provided by the 18650 cells. I am considering the 18650 modules sold by Allcelltech.com since they offer a variety of cells with various energy densities and C-ratings.

 

[ohv_]

How will you get a powerful version out of 18650’s ? Doesn’t the Leaf have a higher discharge rating than the 18650’s?

If you have 600 cells, you can draw one amp off each cell however you have to build the pack. If you do 14s100p, that would be 6amps per cell to hit 600amps. Adding more helps the load and stress on each 18560.

My plan is to build two 7s60p packs for 48volts, maybe...

 

[garolittle]

If you have 600 cells, you can draw one amp off each cell however you have to build the pack. If you do 14s100p, that would be 6amps per cell to hit 600amps. Adding more helps the load and stress on each 18560.

My plan is to build two 7s60p packs for 48volts, maybe...

Very good point. As a general rule, the more cells in parallel the better. I will likely use 18650 cells capable of 20A continuous so a configuration of 20 to 24 in parallel should give me a reasonable amount of “amps per cell”. 100P would be awesome. I just don’t have that much “project funding”.

 

[Quinc]

Have you considered lipo?

 

[garolittle]

I gave lipo some consideration but opted for the Leaf Modules for the first build because the BMS I am using (Orion JR. BMS) seems well suited for this particular battery setup. However, I have seen some cool lipo powered karts on YouTube.

 

[Functional Artist]

Howdy, where ya been?

Why a pot box?
...a Hall effect throttle (twist, thumb or pull cable) is simpler & more reliable.

Your only gonna hit max amperage for "split" seconds
...usually at take off & on hard acceleration.

Check out this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ZaYSVmUN0

 

[garolittle]

Howdy, where ya been?

Why a pot box?
...a Hall effect throttle (twist, thumb or pull cable) is simpler & more reliable.

Your only gonna hit max amperage for "split" seconds
...usually at take off & on hard acceleration.

Check out this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ZaYSVmUN0

Hello sir. Awesome video. I always enjoy your project. Good point about the pot box. I will research some of the other throttle options and may switch. Simple and reliable is always a good option. Hope all is been well with you.

 

[voided]

I’d be interested in the leaf cells when you move on to the 18650 build..

 

[garolittle]

I’d be interested in the leaf cells when you move on to the 18650 build..

Hey Sir. Thanks for your message. The Leaf cells will be sold as part of the prototype “Photon” go kart but I appreciate your interest. Will definitely be using 18650s for the next build but I recommend the Leaf cells for karts such as our prototype.

 

[voided]

I’m in a league that races with modified power wheels.. most run some type of hybrid battery.. most of the fast cars are on leaf cells..

 

[garolittle]

I’m in a league that races with modified power wheels.. most run some type of hybrid battery.. most of the fast cars are on leaf cells..

The Leaf batteries do seem tailor made for electric karts. Very easy to stack 7 modules together for 54V (nominal). I like the lighter weight and higher energy density of 18650 cells but the price is certainly higher. However, I believe the higher costs will be justified for my next build.

 

[Functional Artist]

Hello sir. Awesome video. I always enjoy your project. Good point about the pot box. I will research some of the other throttle options and may switch. Simple and reliable is always a good option. Hope all is been well with you.

Thanks, Yup, still pluggin' away.

Check out these pull type throttle cables. They seem perfect for converting old ICE (gas powered) go karts over to electric.

Item # THR-99 ~$25.00
https://www.electricscooterparts.com/throttlesstandard.html

Cable Pull Throttle
Heavy-duty cable pull throttle. Great for converting scooters, motorcycles, dirt bikes, mini bikes, and go karts from gas to electric power. Body is made from tough reinforced nylon. Body dimensions are 5-1/8" long x 1-1/4: wide x 3/4" high. Body has four 0.16" ID (4.1mm) mounting holes that #8 machine screws fit through. Pull cable is 6" long and has a 0.06" (1.5mm) diameter. Cable pull distance is 1". Variable speed throttle is at zero when cable is released and at full when cable is pulled out 1". Cable has stopper that prevents it from being pulled out of the body. 35" long electrical cable. Wire colors: red, black, and white.