We're talking lawnmower-type speeds, 4 wheels, and front-wheel drive. It's not a motorcycle at all, but I'm hoping to use motorcycle tech. 0-6mph 0-4.5mph 0-3 or 3.5mph 0-2.5mph (would be nice) 0-1.25 or 1.5mph 4 or 5 speeds would be ideal This would not be an on-road vehicle, though it would have lights and a horn.
Jeff, you honestly don't need a transmission to utilize the full torque of your electric motor. Especially if you keep it at these speeds. We're accustom to the torque of a combustion engine which peaks in short bands, but an electric motor's torque is, for the most part, constant. This is one of the great things about an EV. I think you should look at a fixed gear setup and spend the transmission money on a higher output motor. I went looking for a graph to illustrate what I'm talking about, but the only graph I remember seeing that makes this comparison is on the Tesla Motor's site. Notice how the red line is flat and starts to taper of at high rpm. This is characteristic of an electric motor. http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/performance.php In fact, if I remember correctly, the Tesla Roadster above only has two gears. One for in town and one for on the highway. Can someone please point us to a more relevant graph. I know I've see torque graphs on small electric motor sites specific to the motor for sale. Another advantage of not using a transmission is reduced complexity and weight! Jesse
