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July 2004
The Analysis
Both AC and DC motors are available to power electric vehicles, and they both have advantages and disadvantages.
| Characteristic |
AC Drive |
DC Drive |
| |
Pro |
Con |
Pro |
Con |
Safety
|
Controller fails, power turns off |
High voltage (>300v) |
Lower voltage (approx 150v - but still lethal) |
Controller fails, power turns full on |
Gearing
|
Wider torque band requires minimal shifting |
|
|
Typically requires two gear shifts |
Cost
|
|
approx $10,000 |
approx $5,000 |
|
Efficiency
|
Higher voltage, less amperage, smaller wires |
|
|
Higher current, larger amperage, larger wires |
Quality
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Typically built to OEM automotive specs |
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|
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The Selection
AC system was chosen as it requires less gearing (simpler to operate), more efficient and of very high quality. Obviously, the downside to AC is the much higher cost.
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