Building an electric quad bike for my project. want help.?

Question

I'm Manish, a final year engineering student. I want to buy an electric quad bike for my final year project. I have to start from the scratch like the basic design, layout, what motor to choose etc. I want help from people who have experience in similar matters, EV conversion, Quad-bikes etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

      Mister , It would be better that You come up with  a gocart style

      with say 27 inch tires , and with the disk type brakes , with a

      two speed rear end ..  Build it by extending the length ..., that

      You could put in two bench like seats (fit for two, for the front and

      back) .. then put in a wrench that is what they call a 4x4 to

      each wheel with four electric motors to each wheel , If it puts out

      say 10 pounds of pressure to the wheels , the four by four wrench

      would put the ten pounds of pressure up to 40 pounds , or 4 times

      the power ..(this wrench is used to put out for times the amount

      of pressure of what is put on it , but if needed put in a grease

      fitting in order that it does not  ware on the 4x4"s ..

      

      Put on a plastic (I cant remember what it is called , maybe

      plexiglass !?) with a windshield wiper , even if it is manully

      operated as well a long lasting tarp that You could use as a

      covering that could be rolled up from the back seated area ,

      as well put in snaps that will help keep the majority of rain

      off You ..        As well  put on fenders to help keep the water

      from runing up in where You sit ., as well maybe the need

      for a splash board ..  

      Hook LED light on each fenders , the front two for head lights

      as well get red lenses to use for the back , hooked up with

      a switch , to use for not only for parking lights , but for when You

      brake ..(It may be best to use the regular  two filiments as on  

      cars , so You can as well use for turn signals (for both frount and

      back) , along with the LED lights for the Head lights .. You could

      mount the batterys under the seats ,or build two for the front as

      well the back ..

      There are what they call hydrolic centrifical clutches , for like on

      gasoline motors ,(that a 5 horse engine will pull like a 20 horse) ..

      In place  of the 4x4 wrenches .. This will be more exspencive ,

      but , could be just as easily addapted ..

      For the sterring fit it mainly in the middle with a little swing , of

      about a foot to either the left or right side , so that either one in

      the front seat can control ..., giveing some one the chance to

      rest , or  learn , our just for the fun .. A  Tee handle would be ok ..

      Study , on what amout of weight one can pull as a whole ,  

      sufficiantly , (compasity) ..

      Keep all matirials made as light weight as possible ..

      mount on a battery charger , with a extention cord ..

      One may even want to add , a 5-6 horse motor with the hydrolic

      centrifical clutch on it for back up , providing the battery"s get

      low , as well one could put a voltage meter on this contraption

      that would let You know when it is time to charge .. Or give You

      a idea how far it may get You .. Some bicycles have a

      speedometer that You may like to put on this Quadrabike /Cart ..

      To get a two speed rearend You may have to get one at John deer,

      or establish one from some other sourse ..  Go out a little to

      establish a good design ..Patten it though Immediatly ..

      One of those small 1400 watt generators with the 12 volts built in

      maybe handy to have say in a baskett off the back .. As another

      form of back up use ..

      If providing You do make such one as like this .. E-mail me how

      it turns out , or a picture .. I"d like to see What You  come up

      with..   Inbetween the front seat put the two back cables from the

      disk back brakes together , agusted to brake evenly , and as like

      an emergancy handle ., and one up under the stering wheel ,

      hooked like wise the same , with the two cables evenly set that

      both front brakes work evenly together  .. They have some of the

      disk brakes with A hidrolic Style of brake that You may even be

      able all four together .. an excellarator You well need  to add

      were  it so comfortable to reach , the brakes ,steering , and as well

      brakes easily      WM ..        8/31/2008 My Idea WMDSNYJR ..

Answer 2

Hi Manish,

Sure, maybe we could be able to help you, sometimes it's only about having people to post the projects or advances online. The link is the following: www.agua-luna.com/forum

Good Luck on your project!

Answer 3

I found a downloadable book on how to build your own electric car, the information in it might help....

Answer 4

here is a place to buy a book that will walk you through it.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url...

Answer 5

The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.

However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00

Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.

If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…

- The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.

- Electric components are then installed in exchange.

- A battery bank is built and incorporated.

- Existing starter and driving systems are connected.

- Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.

- The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.

The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.

Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.

Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.

Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.

If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com

My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...

Advanced DC Motor

The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.



Adaptor plate

The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.

DC Motor Controller

The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.

Potbox (Potentiometer)

The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.

Main Contactor

An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.



Main Fuse

The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.



Shunt

A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.

  

Charger interlock

A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.



DC/DC Converter

The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.

If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or

www agua-luna com

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular Peop