www.recumbents.com
10 kW
This has probably been discussed previously, but here goes.
Converting an existing car to electric assist is usually difficult and not worth the cost. I was thinking, why not attach a big 10KW hub motor (hub monster?) mounted in a heavy duty wheel to a car's rear trailer hitch? Use a spring to preload the wheel tension. It would need to be able to turn a bit to prevent tire slippage in corners. Batteries and controller in trunk. Current-limiting throttle. Probably not so good for accelerating from a stop, but for cruising at 30-40 MPH, 13 HP should be adequate. Gas motor would be idling most of the time to keep power steering, brakes, etc working. Should be pretty efficient and easy to move between cars. Fantastic regen with all that mass. Any issues at highway speeds? I would think just powering it down would keep it from being harmed.
Thoughts?
-Warren
Converting an existing car to electric assist is usually difficult and not worth the cost. I was thinking, why not attach a big 10KW hub motor (hub monster?) mounted in a heavy duty wheel to a car's rear trailer hitch? Use a spring to preload the wheel tension. It would need to be able to turn a bit to prevent tire slippage in corners. Batteries and controller in trunk. Current-limiting throttle. Probably not so good for accelerating from a stop, but for cruising at 30-40 MPH, 13 HP should be adequate. Gas motor would be idling most of the time to keep power steering, brakes, etc working. Should be pretty efficient and easy to move between cars. Fantastic regen with all that mass. Any issues at highway speeds? I would think just powering it down would keep it from being harmed.
Thoughts?
-Warren