Electric Go Kart Project

[charlesfries]

Hey everyone!

I've been looking at this forum for a while now and I've decided that I am going to build my own electric go kart. My inspiration came both from this forum and the Neurotikart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CykCx1xLEzQ). These are the parts I will be using to build my kart. Please tell me if you see a flaw.

Motor: EMC-RT (ME0709) (http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_motors_me0709.php)

Controller: Alltrax AXE-7234 (http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_controllers_alltrax_7234.php)

Contactor: Albright SW180 (http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_contactors_albright_60-72.php)

Batteries: 6 Optima YellowTop Batteries (Wired in Series)

Frame: Standard XR Racing Kart Frame

And miscellaneous wires, sprockets, etc.

I will be following this wiring diagram: http://www.alltraxinc.com/files/Doc100-081-A_DWG-AXE-PermMag-no-Rev-wire-dia.pdf

Thanks!

- Charlie

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum Charlie. Not too many people have done electric projects here, so it will be interesting to see how yours turns out. When you get going, start a build log so we can see how you are doing.

PS: Those are some expensive parts you are buying there! You probably don't need a 19HP electric motor for what you want to do

 

[FBW4]

That is the same system I have in my Kart. You can get that package from EVDrives.com for $200 less.
http://www.evdrives.com/kits_conversion.html
If you haven't seen my setup check out my web site.
http://www.equadsandkarts.com/
I am starting work on a Birel kart and have been looking at the GoldenMotors brushless motor as a more powerful setup. I would like my Racing Kart to really cook, like 80mph+ with good acceleration out of the turns.

Good luck with you project.
Frank

 

[stonny9]

I am also gonna use that same motor on my racing kart frame @ 72v. Was looking at cloud electric to get my ev parts. The motor is $40 cheaper. Gonna check out evdrives now that fbw4 mentioned it and compare prices as it is best to compare total package price including shipping.

If you could post a complete parts list that would be nice.

I have a build thread here and plan to document the whole process and all parts used. I have yet to find a complete build process for people like me who have never done an ev build before and dont all the parts to get.

I have yet to decide with either an alltrax or kelly controller and what max amp. Should you go with the max rating of the motor or go bigger and lower the controller max via programming. Maybe go bigger so in the future u can upgrade motor without changing controller? I am kinda thinking to just go with a smaller one and go bigger if/when needed. Would save money now and upon motor upgrade it might not even be the correct or best controller.

I have also found that regen isnt worth it cause of the light weight of the kart but maybe in a racing application it would be?

 

[stonny9]

PS: Those are some expensive parts you are buying there! You probably don't need a 19HP electric motor for what you want to do

For some people the power and lack of traction is half of the fun.

 

[CAPTAINCAVEMAN]

when the batteries drain do you constantly get less power or do you get full power until the batteries are fully dead? just asking because I have never experienced an electric automobile

 

[stonny9]

when the batteries drain do you constantly get less power or do you get full power until the batteries are fully dead? just asking because I have never experienced an electric automobile

Depends on what battery tech you use. The latest tech like lithium and lipo4(sp?) i think just shut off when the voltage gets low enough with no powerloss before hand.

A google search will get you the complete and correct answer. I read it a few days ago but already forgot the details.

 

[jman231994]

Depends on what battery tech you use. The latest tech like lithium and lipo4(sp?) i think just shut off when the voltage gets low enough with no powerloss before hand.

A google search will get you the complete and correct answer. I read it a few days ago but already forgot the details.

Its LiFePo4, and yea Lipo and them will both have negligible powerloss until they hit their minimum voltage at which point they should just cut off assuming your using a low voltage cut off. They will have power loss when close to the cut off, but it wont be overly noticeable.

SLA and others, on the other hand will definitely have a noticeable power loss through the discharge cycle. Not really something which can be avoided sadly.