[GRLUG] OFF TOPIC Electric Car

[Collin Kidder]

Matt Michielsen wrote:
> I'm also very interested.  I think it could be done for under $5000, 
> but that's with doing pretty much all of the work myself.  There are 
> some open source motor controller designs out there that seem pretty 
> decent.  MOSFETs for high amperage cost quite a bit.  I don't think 
> 100HP in necessary though, as you'll have a lot more low-end torque 
> (at least from a DC motor).  The more weight (batteries) you have, the 
> more power you need though, so I'd start with the lightest car possible.
>
> The discussion I had with Casey that prompted this thread really got 
> me thinking about this again.  I have several cars that could be used 
> for this project, and have the ability to make a controller.  What I 
> need is a motor or two.  And lots of batteries.
>
> I do think we should start a local group for electric/alternative 
> vehicles and start making things happen.
>
> -mm

Well, it's up to you but the lower the HP you go the more of a dog it 
will be and the lower the theoretical maximum speed. But, if you just 
want something that can do 55Mph and seat 2-4 then you could probably 
use something like 50-60HP.