ForkenSwift.com mailbag: another potential forklift based Metro?

[MetroMPG]

Received these questions recently...

I have been thinking of exactly the same combination you did. I bought a Walker/Stacker w ith a 900# battery pack. Now I am looking for either a Swift or an X90 or a Geo Metro.

If you're planning to use the battery pack, you may need a different vehicle than a Metro or X90, simply because the pack will put you well over the gross vehicle weight limit for the vehicle. A compact pickup, maybe? Some people exceed GVWR, but you have to consider more than just the springs - brakes, tires, handling are all adversely affected.

If you had to do it all over again, would you use a Swift again?

Sure. Lightweight, cheap, plentiful, easy to work on. Though I'd also be tempted to do something a little more fun, like a Miata.

And where did you source your new electric motor, what are the specs of the motor?

The motor's not new - it's the hydraulic pump motor from the forklift. The specs are 36/48v, other than that it's a mystery motor because there's no tag on it. However, a motor expert has told me that it's quite suitable for use in a small EV. I can confirm that after the fact - it's never more than warm to the touch after a drive.

How did you figure out how to match a controller from a go kart to a forklift motor? Is there a formula of sorts?

Not really. All I knew was the controller was rated up to 48v, with a 225A current limit, and that it would drive a series wound DC motor, which is what we've got.

For a lot more examples of motor/controller combinations & conversion specifications, I highly recommend spending time at the EV Album.
Other good resources are the EVDL and DIYElectricCar.com forums.