by David
(Long Beach, Ca)
LA Freeway Commute
It seems direct drive is the trend from the factory sponsored concepts. Can this be done by the do-it-yourselfer on a budget? In-wheel motors are out of my budget but what about a 2 motor, rear wheel drive set up...will this get me up to speed on a LA freeway commute?
Hi there, David -
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that it's probably less a matter of budget than expertise. Most brand new, wet-behind-the-ears electric car converters are lucky to get their ONE series-wound DC motor installed correctly, using the manual transmission Chevrolet so thoughtfully provided.
You, on the other hand, have a whole different plan. It's not a half-bad notion you've got, either, considering the performance you've got to get out of it to keep you from being EATEN by the Hummers on the LA freeway system.
Randy at Canadian Electric Vehicles told me that direct drive is not as simple as it sounds, but it's a good thing - once it's done. He says it's common for OEM electric cars and sometimes high-end AC conversions, but most converters keep their original transmissions.
Unless you're frequently mistaken for an electrical engineer, I'd steer clear of a complicated first project. You run the risk of winding up with a Project. You know, the kind that fills the garage with miscellaneous parts and never quite gets on the road?
Tell you what I'd do: I'd go see the good Reverend Gadget at Left Coast Electric (I think he's in Culver City?) and chat with him about your ideas.
Good luck!
Regards,
Lynne
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