Conversion Question: Power or Horsepower?

by Cliff
(NJ)

The power of the motors for conversions I've seen is pretty small. The max I've seen is about 48 HP continuous. At 10,000 RPM it is unlikely that this would produce more power than a gasoline car engine.
Unless you have the computer skills and technical savvy to put a motor on each wheel, how does the electric motor possibly compete?

Hi, Cliff -
With an internal combustion engine, all that horsepower is used primarily to get the car moving from 0-30 mph, which it does quite inefficiently, hence all the horsepower.

Your average electric car motor, however, doesn't need a lot of horses to perform this feat, having more natural talent in the low gears.

Electric drag racing is alive and kicking, with low(er) horsepower and high speed!

The secret? Sucking a LOT of amps; )

Regards,
Lynne