Trike power

[kent1956]

Ok guys, and gals,

You all have been super helpful will real world adivce on my projects so far. EZ-1 e-build, on back burner for now, but still considering it. E-Scooter upgrade, and Motorcycle E-build.

Another idea I am working on is a tri frame, with power to the two wheels. Considering hub motors, of course the major problem I see is lack of supply for large hub motors, say in the 3-5kw range. Yes I want a full power vehicle, like the Tesla, and I will build it for the long range too. But I want to be way under their base price of $109k.

Thinking wheel hub motors or double shaft motor, or hook up motor to transverse gear box.

My first choice would be hub motors, but I understand there is a balance issue to work out, to keep both motors at the same RPM at the same time.

Next I would prefer direct double shaft motor, one shaft to each wheel. Seems like the direct drive would loose less power in the transmission to the two wheels.

Third would be hooking up to a transverse gear box. This would also allow me to use the gearing for different ranges of driving.

fourth consideration is driving just the single wheel. I have seen this design from Riley, http://rqriley.com/xr3.htm this is his XR3 design, a trike with steering two wheels in front. Not a Cheetah trike, which is open. This is a three wheeled car. You can use it rain or shine. Important here in sub-tropical SW Florida, believe you me.

This would limit my options as to the size of a wheel hub motor, or the engine compartment to house a chain or belt drive motor.

Another idea is to build as a hybrid. With full electric drive, all the time, and a small 3hp diesel generator set to recharge the batteries when stopped and not near an outlet to plug into. Would also allow extended range trips, with some stoppage to fully recharge the battery bank. Perhaps not for cross country trip of 3,000 miles, but across the state for a 300 mile trip.

Anyone's adivce and warnings along these lines are greatly appreciated. If you have discussed some of these ideas already, please give me the link and I'll gladly review them

Thanks all, you guys are great!

[dogman dan]

I think a rear end from a small all wheel drive car or even the traditional trike, the VW bug transaxle, would be a good starting point for something like that. Look at how simple and reliable a golf cart is, and then see what's in junkyards that would scale that up a bit. That way you can run a big motor that has a fan blowing air through it for cooling. Living in the desert, I have serious reservations about large hub motors myself.

[Drunkskunk]

hub motors on your stearable wheels would be a bad idea without something to keep keep them from overpowering your steering force. you would end up with a sizable amount of torque steer.


Where have you found a 3hp diesel generator? I'd love to get ahold of one if you have a link.

[Roy Von Rogers]

Quote by Kent

Next I would prefer direct double shaft motor, one shaft to each wheel. Seems like the direct drive would loose less power in the transmission to the two wheels.

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You cant do that, unless you have some kind of positraction device, what happens when you make a turn with a solid axle ?

Roy

[kent1956]

Drunkskunk,

Here is link to Kubota, only found a 13hp motor in their mini series. This is the one that Riley recommends. http://www.kubotaengine.com/products/nsm/z482-e3.html

Here is another example, though it is set up for 120/240V and for construction or temporary power application. it shows a small diesel motor, 3.7hp

http://www.coloradostandby.com/catalog/ ... a734181d02

I know of Yanmar from boats. They are one of the most respected names in marine engines, whether driving a prop or a genset. I would use it for recharging batteries on the fly....