Need Thoughts on a project

[ben beethe]

I am looking for some feedback on a project that is in the planning stages.



I am planning on building a vehicle similar to a Kawasaki Mule.

I would like to completely revamp the drive train by using an engine to power electric motors that turn the wheels. This way I wouldn't need a driveshaft or a transmission.



I am unsure how to implement this and would like some advice/feedback.

 

[troy malone]

golf carts have electric motors mounted directly to the rear diferential. maybe try to find a golf cart fourm.. there are tons of people that modify golf carts.. not sure if anyone has taken out the batteries and installed a gas motor/generator to power it.. you would need some kid of power inverter since most golf cart motors are 36 or 42 volt systems.

electric motors are not cheap.. i installed a new 3.5 horse 3000 rpm electric motor in a ezgo flatbed work cart 2 weeks ago.. motor was $425 shipped.. top speed may be 15 mph.. it does have more torque than the 2 horse 2800 rmp motor it replaced,, makes a difference towing the welder around the job site.. the controlers for the motors are almost as much as the motors.. $275 and up.. you may even have to have batteries to store the power to run the motors and a onboard gas generator and battery charger that would run to charge the batteries for long distance travel..



good luck



troy

 

[ben beethe]

Thanks for the input.

I will do quite a bit of research on this yet before I start building it.