#2) Project Forkenswift electric car: 1st CONTROLLED powerup

by on 2009/12/29


www.ForkenSwift.com - Here's the Forkenswift's motor being spun up (and down, and up, and down) with a used golf cart controller. (Thanks to the EVDL folks for help with connecting the oddball Curtis.) Apologies for the poor vid quality - this was shot with a 20 year-old camera. Titles are hard to read in some places, so here they are 1. Another Forkenswift milestone... 2. First CONTROLLED electric power-up 3. No more welded jumper cables, like last time... 4. This time we're hooked up to a ...

{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }

urbex2007 December 29, 2009 at 11:10 AM

a CVT would be most efficient.

triangletrexx December 29, 2009 at 11:44 AM

why do you use a transmission? wouldn’t it be more resource-saving when using a bigger e-motor without transmission?

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 12:32 PM

So you can turn it into a hybrid. Charge the batteries with it.

creamyfilling102 December 29, 2009 at 1:02 PM

a catalytic converter on an electric car? i’m not following.

BigFishingShop December 29, 2009 at 1:52 PM

Does the controller vary the voltage ??

lazzer408 December 29, 2009 at 2:30 PM

What?

ForkenSwiftDotCom December 29, 2009 at 2:50 PM

The car is using a 48v pack of 6v golf cart batteries now. The 12v batteries shown were just for testing. And we stuck with the Curtis controller: 48v 400A peak (used golf cart controller).

retaessa69 December 29, 2009 at 3:49 PM

hey , have you tried using 6volt deep cylce bateries instead , just to try to increase distance? i know that they are alot more heavier but you’ll gain some pep , if i were u i wouldnt spend time on the ev 1 motor controller cus it has too many security features that will cut out power , and it controlles speed (slow speed that is) stick with the curtis type and experiment with the amp ratings on them , they are much more simple to work with

TommeyLeeReed December 29, 2009 at 4:40 PM

My speed controllers design.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 4:51 PM

yawn.

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 4:59 PM

Who says I’m arguing; it’s just an idea. And check out the tzero, you will see what I am talking about. I noticed a lot of engineers are pricks like you.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 5:22 PM

seriously dude, you need to stop arguing and simply do some research. or, build an electric vehicle. or do a check on what the definition of “power” is. and research the torque/power curves for an electric motor. and research how the Zilla controller operates. or do some power calculations and benchmarking of different IC engines. or simply calculate volume of fuel to KWh for different engines; and electrical systems while you’re at it. and then have a little respect for other people who do.

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 5:58 PM

There is this Honda Generator that has an output of 3000W, lasts for 10 hours on a small tank of gas. Pretty efficient.

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 6:52 PM

If you can make an electric car, why not attach a catalytic convertor to it? It’s not that hard. And how about add a gear system so it has a mechanical advantage; higher RPM = more power. The T-zero uses this system.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 6:59 PM

remember kids; arguing on the internet is like the Special Olympics – it doesn’t matter if you win, you’re still a retard.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 7:05 PM

there’s maybe some gain in the effectiveness of the system because the generator would be running at optimal RPM; but then you loose all that gained power because the car weighs just as much as a normal swift, you have spent double the amount of money, you’re putting out just as much pollution, and you have less power under the hood. I’m not being a dick; but we have to weigh these things out. plus, a mechanical engineering degree helps my education a little.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM

do they have catalytic convertors? onboard air/fuel mixture computers? some are 2-stroke, most aren’t even fuel injected. generators are built for quick, easy, light power in remote places; no matter what the cost is. power generators are horrid for emissions; and 10HP will NOT cut it to “increase the range” of the vehicle. for highway travel, you need a good 30HP to keep your speed. without re-gen braking on this car; why have an electric system at all if you’re going to install a gas engine?

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 7:37 PM

I’ve seen some Honda generators that focus on efficiency. Plus it’s a small 10 hp one; not too much pollution.

simeybinker December 29, 2009 at 7:42 PM

generators are far less efficient than car engines; you may as well toss in a V8, and you’ll be putting out the same amount of pollution.

Charles2337 December 29, 2009 at 8:09 PM

Why dont you get a gasoline generator, a small one, and use it to charge the batteries during long range driving.

bicostp December 29, 2009 at 8:34 PM

As far as batteries go:

Strong / Light / Cheap

^ Pick two.

testacorsa150 December 29, 2009 at 8:38 PM

I know your car is beer budget, and my hat of for that, but do you know any light batteries, that hold a lot of power, and dont cost a fortune?
I am a petrolhead, but your idea is just perfect for a new project for me, so I want to lean stuff – and quickly too :-)
Nice job guys, and thanks for posting these amazing videos – they where very informative, interesting, and funny as h**l.

Best regards
Brian.

TommeyLeeReed December 29, 2009 at 9:11 PM

about $400.00 water cooled.
rotarypistonengine(dot)com
for price list.

ForkenSwiftDotCom December 29, 2009 at 9:50 PM

OK – how much for a 48v 400-600A unit ? :)

TommeyLeeReed December 29, 2009 at 10:36 PM

What really sucks that most controller are cheap to build.
WE build controller for less 50% less then any company out there.
120v 600amps advanced technology controller for $500.00
120v 1200 amps $1000.00
rotarypistonengine(dot)com

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