Electric Kart - Here's the plan

[Dan from MA]

Hi all -

It's been a steep learning curve the past couple days...thanks for the answer to the previous question.

I want to build a go-kart this summer with my kids, and I'd like to use an electric motor. (I'm considering doing an electric conversion of a full size car a few years down the road, and am looking at this go-kart project as a learning opportunity.)

Here's the kart plans I am looking at: PLANS

Here's the parts I plan on using: PARTS (I know I won't need all these parts as some are ICE specific)

And here's one of the motor combos I am considering: MOTOR


What I like about all these options is they are "pre-kitted"...I'd like to avoid having to figure out things like which controller I need to use with the starter motor from a WWI Italian tank, or how many batteries from a Ryobi cordless string trimmer will I need to run in parallel to get enough Ah...if you're into that kind of thing, more power to you, but I am trying to keep things simple (and admittedly paying more to do so).

I'd also plan to document and post the build process, in case anyone is interested.

So I have a couple questions, if people have any insight to share -

1. Has anyone seen any other good 2-seat kart plans? I've searched around a bit, and I like that this Kart comes with it's own pre-kitted parts, but I[m interested if there are other options.

2. Welders...It's looking like I can get a cheap MIG welder from Amazon like this one or rent one for about the same amount of money per day - is there a consensus on the best approach?

3. Regen - the motor/controller linked above includes regen, but costs $200 more...is there any tribal knowledge on the real world benefit of regen? I like that it has a braking effect, but does anyone have any feel for how much it extends battery life? 5%? 50%?

4. I've seen a couple AC options ...any experience with these versus DC alternatives?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Interesting. You've got to be pretty gung-ho about electric to dish out 2 grand for a powertrain. But hey, if you can swing it, go large.

Welcome to the forum and keep us updated.

 

[HelloYOU]

Hi all -

It's been a steep learning curve the past couple days...thanks for the answer to the previous question.

I want to build a go-kart this summer with my kids, and I'd like to use an electric motor. (I'm considering doing an electric conversion of a full size car a few years down the road, and am looking at this go-kart project as a learning opportunity.)

Here's the kart plans I am looking at: PLANS

Here's the parts I plan on using: PARTS (I know I won't need all these parts as some are ICE specific)

And here's one of the motor combos I am considering: MOTOR


What I like about all these options is they are "pre-kitted"...I'd like to avoid having to figure out things like which controller I need to use with the starter motor from a WWI Italian tank, or how many batteries from a Ryobi cordless string trimmer will I need to run in parallel to get enough Ah...if you're into that kind of thing, more power to you, but I am trying to keep things simple (and admittedly paying more to do so).

I'd also plan to document and post the build process, in case anyone is interested.

So I have a couple questions, if people have any insight to share -

1. Has anyone seen any other good 2-seat kart plans? I've searched around a bit, and I like that this Kart comes with it's own pre-kitted parts, but I[m interested if there are other options.

2. Welders...It's looking like I can get a cheap MIG welder from Amazon like this one or rent one for about the same amount of money per day - is there a consensus on the best approach?

3. Regen - the motor/controller linked above includes regen, but costs $200 more...is there any tribal knowledge on the real world benefit of regen? I like that it has a braking effect, but does anyone have any feel for how much it extends battery life? 5%? 50%?

4. I've seen a couple AC options ...any experience with these versus DC alternatives?

Many thanks in advance!

Go AC. Use this kit:http://www.electricmotorsport.com/ev-parts/motor-drive-kits/ac-induction-motor-kits/ac-9-kit.html
Be sure to select C-face mount.

DC is garbage and needs brushes. AC is better for the high RPM and no maintenance. They are the most used motor in the world and have been around since 1888. The only recent technology is that controllers can make AC motors perform like DC motors. So you can now get high start up torque that was not possible about 25 years ago with AC motors since they have poor low end torque, but controllers changed that. Think of it as the speed controller turned the AC motor into a man where as the brushed DC motor is a man without needing a controller.