Pump Motors Okay for Electric Cars?

by Sid Lambert
(Austin Texas )




Is it possible to size a commercial 3ph 5hp
motor to an inverter? I have several motors used as pumps that are looking for a home and the possibility of using them for electric cars would be a great way to recycle some of these used but very good motors.

Hi, Sid -
Probably not.
Sorry to say it, but I heard from the folks discussing forklift salvage that pump motors are not great for EVs - you want a traction motor. They were talking primarily about DC motors, and the pump motors were usually not series wound, but I think the logic still holds.

On the other hand...SOME motor is better than NO motor, and I have to admit, free is a really good price.

I'm not being very much help, sorry. Anybody else have something to say about this?

Regards,
Lynne

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by: [email protected]

What about using a washing machine motor? or any other motor other than a forklift? I have been wondering if maybe a washer motor might do the trick for a home built EV, but one on each of the rear wheels.
I have heard it said that people come by these forklift motors relatively easy. Not so for me. The sellers have 9 times wanted me to buy AND PAY to have the whole machine. To the cost of thousands for that.
So I'm just trying to find a cheaper way

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