Like to convert 3-wheeler Urban Transport to Electric - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

digimart · 08-05-2013, 09:55 AM

Currently Rickshaw ( an auto rickshaw, also called a tuk-tuk ) is used for urban trnsport within city. These have a 200cc to 250cc gasoline 4-stroke engine installed. Apart from driver there is space for 2-3 passengers to sit. NO air-conditioning is needed.
A picture is attached herewith for better understanding.

I will like to buy a used rickshaw, with a totally worn-out engine, but repairable body. Repair the body parts. Replace the engine with a Brushless DC Motor. Battery pack can be stored under the driver or passenger seat, as the case maybe.

A daily run of 100 - 125km is more than sufficient for the driver. Maximum speed can go upto 30km/Hr. Lots of start & stops as it be moving within downtown area with heavy load of traffic.

Any suggestions about size of DC motor, type and AH of bateries etc ? No on-board battery charger is required. An additional battery pack be at the main over-night parking lot. This additional pack would be charged through solar panels during the day. And daily the battery pack can be swapped before start of the work-shift.

Omar

sheepdog 44 · 08-05-2013, 05:22 PM

You'll typically want to size your DC motor to be around the same horsepower as the gasoline motor if you want the same performance. How much does your rickshaw weigh?

Daox · 08-05-2013, 05:38 PM

I don't think I've never seen someone install a ~100hp DC motor in a car, it would be gigantic! Most guys go with 1/3 to 1/4 the hp rating. Any golf cart type motor would work quite well for that size of vehicle and those low speeds.

As for batteries that is a good question. I have no idea what kind of Wh/km youll get, but I'd probably have to guess and say 200 wh/mile (conservative I think, but others feel free to correct me this will alter calculations drastically), which would be 125 wh/km. If you want that kind of range, you're still going to need a decent size pack around 23 kWh of lithium cells and much more if you're thinking about going with lead acid. I'm thinking a 48-72V pack. At 72V you'd need 300Ah worth of battery (I'd recommend lithium). At 48V you would need 450Ah. That is all calculated based on 125km (~80 miles) of range.

sheepdog 44 · 08-05-2013, 07:10 PM

If he only wants a top speed of 20mph, then he should get phenomenal range out of a small pack. The cheaper the better if he's planning on making it economically viable. For 60 to 80 miles of range 10-12kwh or less should suffice. If you look at commercial options for electric rickshaws, they run at 60 volts using a bank of lead acid batteries, and only a couple horsepower motor.

cRiPpLe_rOoStEr · 08-06-2013, 08:17 PM

Any 4hp motor out of a golf cart might get the job done decently.

renault_megane_dci · 08-07-2013, 12:48 PM

The guy is in Pakistan !
I wonder how the used golf kart market is over there ...

Ryland · 08-07-2013, 02:45 PM

rickshaw - Google Search

That is what comes up when you search for rickshaw on EValbum.com

Only a SepEx golf cart motor is going to allow regen breaking and for stop and go traffic that would be worth while, with heavy traffic you are also going to want to force cool the motor or you will burn it up.
A permanent magnet motor is also going to allow regen breaking but is going to be less powerful for the size and weight.

digimart · 08-08-2013, 06:56 AM

golf carts are available here
many golf clubs, and similar recreational facilities have these

digimart · 08-08-2013, 06:58 AM

How about if instead of using a single 5KW dC motor, i use two motors of 2.5KW each, and each connected directly to one of the 2 rear wheels.
the speed / current controller be common, and also a common battery bank.

what do u say about this /

Ryland · 08-08-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digimart

How about if instead of using a single 5KW dC motor, i use two motors of 2.5KW each, and each connected directly to one of the 2 rear wheels.
the speed / current controller be common, and also a common battery bank.

Alltrax has a wiring diagram for wiring up two speed controllers if for some reason it ends up being cheaper to use two smaller controllers then one larger one.
Disadvantage to having two motors would be cost and weight, a motor half the size is not always going to weigh half as much or cost half as much, altho that sometimes is the case, it all depends on what you can get in your area.
Advantage of course is that you don't need a differential and it opens up more motor options.