Recommend controller amp help

[Bgt2u]

I have a Motenergy ME1202 motor, and will be purchasing either a Kelly, or Sevcon controller for it. The vehicle that it will be powering is 6 wheel drive, has skid steering, with the motor connected to a chain driven LSD, that drives 3 wheels per side. It is very small (50"×28"), and weighs about 300lbs (or less) with me in it. The controllers range from 350A - 700A. I am not sure what amperage to go with. I have included the specs for this motor (in case no one is familiar with it). I obviously don't want to either underpower, or overpower the motor. Can someone please give me their opinion on what amperage would be the best for my application? Thanks again everyone!

 

[EpsilonZero]

What is your battery setup? More amps as an option is great as long as your batteries can handle it and they give enough ride time to make it worthwhile buying more controller instead of more battery, if budget is a concern. Otherwise, 600-700A is great.

 

[Bgt2u]

Right now, l only have 200a max, but will be getting more batpacks soon. Can l just underpower the controller, until l up the battery amperage?

 

[EpsilonZero]

As long as you limit the current in the controller software, you should be fine.

 

[Bgt2u]

Okay, thank you for the advice.

 

[Functional Artist]

IIRC
Sid always recommends to use a controller with a continuous Amp rating, that meets or exceeds the motors max Amp rating

This way the motor can never "overexert" or "draw too much" from the controller

 

[Bgt2u]

So with that information, that you provided, l assume that a 300A-350A controller is more than enough, will work just fine for it, and it would not need any thing bigger (amperage wise).....ls that basically correct?

 

[EpsilonZero]

It is enough for 300-350A going from your batteries, into the controller, and into the motor. If you are planning on getting enough batteries for 600-700A to hit peak current on your motor then it is not enough for that. The motor won't be overpowered by a controller that can handle higher amperage.

 

[Bgt2u]

Thanks guys, l totally uderstand now. I was more concerned with getting a controller that was not enough for the motor. I now realize that even a 300A controller will power this motor nicely, and l only would require a more powerful controller,.....lF, l had a higher battery amperage. So, unless l up my battery amps past 300a (which is unlikely), the ME1202 motor will do fine with only a 300a controller. PLEASE feel free to correct me, if l still don't have it right...lol.

 

[EpsilonZero]

Correct. The motor can take in 180A continuously without burning up under normal conditions. It can use more power than that in shorter bursts, but will heat up. You'd typically see use higher than the continuous rating for things like accelerating from a stop, fighting wind resistance at high speed, tough inclines, or difficult terrain like driving through sand or mud. You don't have to build to hit peak motor amps to have a successful project and your batteries will last longer to boot.

 

[Bgt2u]

Well said, and very informative. I've got it from here. Thanks again!