By the way, the Edison2 VLC gets close to 100Wh/mile with a DC motor, which are significantly lower plug-to-wheel efficiency, typically. If they used a high efficiency AC motor, then the range would go up.
Question: is it possible for a motor with permanent magnets to free wheel coast *without* generating power? I realized that the MES-DEA motor that Seven has is an induction motor, so the passive spinning generates nothing if the controller is not in regen mode.
Oh, and the MES-DEA motor is no longer sold here in the US, as far as I can tell. I like the looks of the BRUSA SSM1-6.17.12 (
BRUSA SSM1-6.17.12 | Metric Mind Corporation ) along with the Getrag GX629 6.4:1 EV Transaxle assembly (
GX629 6.4:1 EV Transaxle assembly | Metric Mind Corporation ). That puts the ~5500RPM which is the peak efficiency of the motor right about 55-60MPH (depending on the tire diameter you use).
No rare earths used and lower cost (though certainly not inexpensive), and a compact package (roughly 11" x 20"?) with no 90º turns - we may have a winah!