Motorcycle conversion ideas

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by TurnNBurn

ME0913 - $820


12 KW (180 amps DC) continuous @ 96 Volts
23 KW for 1 minute (600 amps DC) Peak @ 96 Volts

And

ME0201014201 - $425

90 amps continuous current at 48 VDC

Can someone explain the differences in the two? There are some specs on the first motor that aren't listed on the second motor, such as "23 KW for 1 minute (600 amps DC) Peak @ 96 Volts"

The 180 amps continues and 90 amps continues are what jump out at me there, because even if you could run a higher voltage in that 2nd motor you are still limited by how many amps it can handle and that number is exactly half, so I suspect they use both a larger gauge wire and more of it, that would account for the extra weight in the same size case.
Being able to draw 600 amps peek at 96v is pretty good, twice the voltage of my car and around the same number of amps that I see if I floor it going up a good size hill, so I'm almost thinking you could get away with using that motor... 3 phase controller would be the only real draw back, they tend to cost more.

[TurnNBurn]

Thanks for the info, that clears it up a bit. I've been searching some other forums and found some other bike builders and I've seen a few use the ME0913, one guy chose the ME1003.

I want to say I've settled on the ME0913, but I want some advice. Has anyone looked into the ME1003 versus the ME0913 on a previous build?

Here are the specs and prices for each:

ME0913 - $820
3-Phase Permanent Magnet Brushless Motor
24 - 96 Volts
Efficiency of 92%
12 KW (180 amps DC) continuous @ 96 Volts
23 KW for 1 minute (600 amps DC) Peak @ 96 Volts
Peak Stall Torque of 90 Nm (66 ft)
Designed for long life. No brush maintenance.
8" OD, 7.17" long (w/o shaft)
7/8"x 1-5/8", 3/16" key shaft
35 Lbs

Mars ME1003 - $625
The ME1003 has a double brush set capable of 11.5 KW (200 amps) continuous and 23 KW for 1 minute (400 amps) @ 72 Volts
Permanent Magnet
12 - 72 Volts
8" OD, 7.42" long (w/o shaft)
7/8"x 1-5/8", 3/16" key shaft
39 Lbs

Here's a link to the other thread I was reading

My #1 goal at this point is to pick out a motor so I can order it and get it mounted to the frame so I can begin fabricating brackets and painting the frame. The controller and everything will come later.

-edit-

Also, how are electric motors at freely spinning? If I'm letting off the throttle and coasting to a stop light, will the motor cause any resistance and slow me down?

[TurnNBurn]

bump. Any advice on the motors? Im thinking the ME0913 just because "you get what you pay for."

[Ryland]

I like the idea of the stronger more powerful motor because it should give you more pep and the motor it's self will be under less stress, you also gain 2% in range because of the increased efficiency of the motor.

Now depending on the controller you use, a 3 phase motor like that should give you nice regen braking as well.

[TurnNBurn]

About to pull the trigger on this ME0913 purchase. Yay or nay? Is it the engine I'm looking for?

[TurnNBurn]

Does anyone know if a prebuilt Open Revolt controller can be purchased? Or a kit?

[Ryland]

[EV Tradin' post] - Controllers has one listed for $700 fully built, but I don't think they will work with a 3 phase brushless motor, that is the only draw back to a 3 phase motor is that you need a 3 phase controller.

[TurnNBurn]

Also, Im weighing costs of kits versus buying parts individually. I know I'll need the controller, but not I'm reading (but not seeing) about chargers. Will I also need a $700 charger for the batteries to go along with a $500 controller?

I'm looking at $700 for the motor, $600 for the controller, and now a charger?

[Ryland]

$700 for a charger seems a bit much, I spent $650 or a charger for my car, but that was because I wanted a top of the line charger, other options seem to be in the $300 to $500 range, of course it also depends on what you have for batteries and what you want the charger to do.

[TurnNBurn]

Just giving you guys a quick update. Motor finally shipped and I should get it within a week. I landed on the ME0913 because it seems to be the most widely used for motorcycle conversions which means I'll have more community support if I have any questions or issues. It may not be the absolute best motor (AC15 or AC20 would have been better) but community support is important in this project, along with keeping it cost efficient.

I think I may begin photographing and documenting the project as I begin mounting the motor and making brackets for it, since right now it's a stripped bike. Nothing too special worth documenting now.