Some friends at school and I are building an electric go-kart for our IEEE branch. I'm essentially heading it up.

We're starting with a basic gas-powered gokart. Then we're going to replace the engine with a DC motor (48 volt), build racks for four 12v lead-acid batteries, install a PWM controller (to have nice throttle controll), and some other stuff. Its also going to feature two braking levels: light regenerative braking that uses the motor as a generator and charges the batteries, then when the pedal is pushed further, the disc brakes will be used.

I'm pretty excited about this. So far the only motor in our budget that I've found is rated for 10hp, but I'd like to find a 15-20hp one. Although... from what I've read, a "10 hp DC motor" can actually produce peaks of 3 times that amount.

Sounds like fun keep us updated. Hit up Craigs list and Ebay. A buddy of mine found a motor for his radial arm saw that way.

Got the 48vdc motor:


I hooked it up to 24v to test, since the controller is on its way... and dang!! The arc on the battery post took a nice chunk out. Lotsa amps going into a stopped motor, yeeesh.
Weighs about 45 pounds.

I've secured a metal shop for roll cage fabrication (battery holding trays and motor mounts too).

sweet!

UPDATE:

The project is well under way. It will be in the metal shop for the next few weeks:
*extending frame
*full roll cage
*motor and jackshaft (intermediate gearing shaft) mounts
*tweak the suspension (what little there is)
*battery enclosures

Almost every part is here. We've spent our budget and are getting a couple sponsors. We could use more sponsors, so if anybody has a company who could sponsor any amount, we will be adding logos to the kart! We need $ for better batteries as well as powdercoat for the frame.

Torque.... ohhh buddy.... after the gearing, there will be 88 ft-lbs of torque. The low center of gravity (thanks to batteries being low and spread wide) and length of gokart might help prevent wheelies. Might be getting wheelie bars or at least limiting the electrical current.

Pictures to come.

this is pretty cool

You've got to make a video of that thing. I'm itching to see what it does. Also, anyway you can give us a price rundown for parts?

hey if your looking for another 48V motor i have one from an club cart