If I use an electric motor on each front wheel will I need to have two controllers or will one do the job?

Question

I was thinking of using two smaller motors, one for each axel and no transmission. Will I need to use two controllers or will one control both motors? Will they sync or fight each other?

Answer 1

With DC motors: Old railway streetcars are chock full of answers.  The streetcar "K" controller was designed for 2-motor streetcars.  However most streetcars are 4-motor, so they simply wired pairs of motors in parallel and the K controller was none the wiser.

With AC induction motors:  Just put them in parallel. Done.

With AC synchronous motors: You'd need separate controllers unless you were willing to put up with them fighting each other.

Answer 2

If the motors are the exact same make, size and brand, one will do.

If you use two controllers, how will you synchronize them?

Also if the motors are even slightly different, you will have a fight on your hands, quality counts here!

Answer 3

I agree with Hot, but also think that your controller will need to be rated at double of each motor.

Why do you want to use two?

I have a little concern about what is going to happen should one motor ever fail or lets say the power to one side accidentally gets shorted, disconnected, or cut .....

Could this suddenly drive/force your vehicle into a hard uncontrollable turn?

I have seen remote controll boats with dual motors in line connected to a single output . Not sure why they didn't just use a larger motor.

Good Luck

Ok, but I would still worry if front wheel drive , if motors are in rear ... I see no danger should one fail.

I remember driving a small vehicle that included a turbocharger and front wheel drive.  As the turbo began  to produce boost ,the amont of  "tourque steer" was very disturbing.

I think your situation if your motors are able to develop much power/tourque and one should fail(or ?) could leave you in a dangerous situation.

Do you know of the electric buses that employ a "motor within the wheel". I think they actually have a thrid motor also and not sure if the motors in the wheels are primary or secondary. It is stated to be very efficent and very expensive. As of now i dont think any are avalible that would work on small vechicles, but maybe someday......