Does it make sense to build an electric go kart at this point in time?

[SquidBonez]

I have considered converting my Manco Dingo to electric sometime in the future (I already have different plans for it at the moment), and that got me thinking - does it even make sense to build an electric go kart over a gas one at this point in time? Electric karts are still a fairly newer trend in the hobby and there seems to be much less info on how to build them and less common knowledge/experience out there about them in general (I could be wrong). I'm aware that some of you are very experienced in building electric karts, but by and large most kart builds these days are gas-powered. They're also a lot more expensive at the moment, but aren't the components for electric vehicles as a whole dropping anyway?

This leads me to my question: would it be better to wait a couple years for electric karts become more established and wait for the prices of batteries/motors to drop?

 

[anickode]

Battery prices aren't going anywhere. Manufacturing processes are as advanced and streamlined as they can get for the current technology. If anything they are going to increase as the demand for raw materials increases.

Go karts as a whole are niche markets with a limited customer base, so anything that is specifically electric go kart oriented is going to remain expensive.

 

[Quinc]

Unless you are worried about noise, or just want to have a fun project. Stick with gas. It is cheaper in every possibly way. Mainly to have any kind of speed/torque and range you will be spending more then that kart is worth on just batteries. Then you have the cost of a decent charger. And then waiting hours between rides for charge time.

 

[mr kart]

Battery technology?

 

[Mikel]

Battery technology?

You dont just slap thing together and magically its a battery

 

[itsid]

You dont just slap thing together and magically its a battery

Hm essentially that's exactly how the first batteries were made.
Somebody slapped a few things together (forgot about them) and magically some electricity came out.

Nowadays usually people do know a lot more about the chemical and physical process behind it
so the process is a bit more refined but still..
new materials, new substrates and new polymers are tested almost daily..
people slapping things together in order to find out if such made battery is better or worse than known combinations, so to speak.

'sid

 

[Functional Artist]

Battery technology?

The "Battery technology" we currently (currently ) have is fine for use on "small vehicles"
…& NOT super expensive

I have demonstrated the ability to ride ~30 - 45 min "many times" using 12V 12AH SLA batteries (~$25.00 ea.)

Check out the "Torsk" kart http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=38905

...48V 1,000W motor (with reverse) (~$100.00)
…(4) 12V 15AH SLA batteries (~$120.00)
…~25 MPH top speed
...distance 5 mi.+
...run time ~45 min
...recharge time ~2 - 3 hours (using a 2.5A charger)
...very little noise
...no toxic/hot exhaust
...SUPER FUN

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

…& if/when you want "step it up" to the "next level" there's Lithium