Building an electric go kart question.

[Johnny2762]

So after some research I decide to build a small electric go kart instead of a gas one. I'm still kind of new to electric karts so I have a few questions.

So I want to build something with fast acceleration and a top speed of around 30mph. I was thinking of having 3 12 volt batteries. I was also thinking of using a car starter as a motor but is that good enough or do you recommend a better motor.

What size sprocket and chain do I need. Also can someone explain to me what amps and watts mean and how they contribute to your kart.

And for the throttle, for something like a golf kart controller is it easy to work with or do you recommend something else. Is wiring difficult? I've had some experience with motors and wiring in engineering class but not too in depth.

Overall what would the cost for all of the parts (I'm trying to make it have good performance for the lowest price possible). Is there anything I missed? Any other recommendations or tips? Any input would be appreciated Thanks

 

[Basement_Modder]

Well, watts are the product of voltage and amperage.

Watts= power
volts= density
amps= speed

Basically, batteries are valued in Ah or mAh, which is the (mili) amp hours, or how many hours it can provide an amp of current.

ex- 3Ah battery can run a 1A motor for 3 hours straight, or a 3A motor for 1 hour straight. this is because (obviously) Ah = Amps x hours.

voltage is density b/c it refers to joules per coulomb. Joules are an amount of charge, and coulombs are charges present.

ex- 1volt = x electrons flowing through, 2v = (2x) electrons flowing through.

Watts are just the two multiplied. If you get a Wh battery, divide it by 12 to get the Ah rating and calculate longevity.