Hub Wheel Vs Electric Motor?

Question

So, I want to build my very own electric vehicle. Partly because my Mazda MX-3, while having decent mileage, needs to be toped off at the pump every week; and partly because I think it'd be so freaking fun to drive.

I'm still designing it, but while researching parts today, I came across something that made me stop and think. Should I use a normal electric motor and chain to drive the rear wheel, or should I invest in a hub motor and let the rear wheel drive itself?

Please back up your thoughts with numbers if you can.

Oh, and I'm going to use a three wheeled design. One wheel in back to push, and two in front for stability and steering. Maybe if I go with the hub motor, I could have every wheel powered?

Nah, that'd cost too much in hub's. If I had $5000 to spend on wheels, I'd just buy a pre-existing kit and save myself some trouble.

Oh, and if you're new to the subject, please Google a little first before you form an opinion. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hub wheel sounds like the future in electric cars.  Righty so, as this design make so much sense.  Motors in the wheels, batteries in the car.  None of the weight from transmissions, engines, axles and such.  A graphite and aluminum alloy, 4 passenger car that weighs 1200 lbs, with a 400 mile range, for under $15k.

Answer 2

I concur with the first answer.

Answer 3

Why use a chain drive? Several motorcycle companies have come up with driveshafts for their bikes. Check out what BMW did. As to the hub motor, it's good in theory, but it locks you into one particual technology. You might want to research 'e.v. gray' and Joseph Newman before doing that.

Answer 4

Am thinking about having the motor sitting on the driving wheels x2 , so a diff will not be nesessary, and  the motors will assist in braking,when they are not powered, you can have simolar configuration if you are considering a 4x4, bearing in mind the steering will make the steering wheels a challenge and the cost will be high than expected

Answer 5

Don't mess with the suspension geometry.  Just hook a motor to a manual transmission; you can buy adapter plates already pre-machined for a number of different transmissions.  You'll get a better car out of it for less money and hassle.