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MazdaMatt · 02-26-2009, 06:00 PM

Okay okay... i am sure the questions "what's better, AC or DC" would bring a million hits on google by now. I have read many pages discussing the differences and they all make assumptions that i don't like.

First assumption - AC controllers cost more. NOT TRUE! At least not if i DIY my own controller! AC or DC does NOT matter on the controller side. +/- a hundred bucks in components, whatever.

Second Assumption - AC drive systems cost a lot, so you'll probably want $50k in top of the line batteries. HUH? Why? What diff does it make what batteries I have driving the motor?

So the real questions... If i have a 144v battery pack, plus a DIY controller... what is the real difference between an AC or DC drive?

From what I read, AC is more power efficient. True/false?

What about motor cost? If two cars had the same pack/controller, and they both had the same speed and range, but one was AC and the other was DC, which one has the more expensive motor?

I can't seem to find a 3-phase 110v motor. There are 1-phase 110's or 3-phase 240/480's. Can someone explain some of the differences?

I'd like to make a lengthy discussion of this. So the terms of car A vs car B - same battery pack, DIY controller, one is AC, one is DC... go.

02-26-2009, 06:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
MazdaMatt Master EcoModder Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 1,096 2k2Prot5 - '02 Mazda Protege5 90 day: 33.82 mpg (US) Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 14 Posts	AC vs DC for DIY Okay okay... i am sure the questions "what's better, AC or DC" would bring a million hits on google by now. I have read many pages discussing the differences and they all make assumptions that i don't like. First assumption - AC controllers cost more. NOT TRUE! At least not if i DIY my own controller! AC or DC does NOT matter on the controller side. +/- a hundred bucks in components, whatever. Second Assumption - AC drive systems cost a lot, so you'll probably want $50k in top of the line batteries. HUH? Why? What diff does it make what batteries I have driving the motor? So the real questions... If i have a 144v battery pack, plus a DIY controller... what is the real difference between an AC or DC drive? From what I read, AC is more power efficient. True/false? What about motor cost? If two cars had the same pack/controller, and they both had the same speed and range, but one was AC and the other was DC, which one has the more expensive motor? I can't seem to find a 3-phase 110v motor. There are 1-phase 110's or 3-phase 240/480's. Can someone explain some of the differences? I'd like to make a lengthy discussion of this. So the terms of car A vs car B - same battery pack, DIY controller, one is AC, one is DC... go.