Electric car maker Aptera in disarray as founders fade away

Re:Electric car maker Aptera in disarray as founders fade away by happenstance on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @11:38AM (#1098099)

DC motors are very efficient, so, I'd have to see some numbers to buy that.

Also, a big plus for DC motors is that the controllers are simpler. AC motors require a high-power adjustable-frequency inverter.

The only downside of common standard DC motors that I know of is that you have to change the brushes every n years, which I'll gladly take over oil changes. :)

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Re:Electric car maker Aptera in disarray as founders fade away by proee on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @04:13PM (#1098884)

Well you forced me into a google search. Here's a good read on dc vs ac type motors used in EVs.

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=45

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Re:Electric car maker Aptera in disarray as founders fade away by happenstance on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @04:43PM (#1098956)

Thanks for the link.

Though, I still tend to gravitate toward the simplest solutions, and in this case, a series-wound brushed motor is about as simple as it gets.

Regular DC motors have heavy and strong magnets (more expensive), but the series-wound motors are just wires (and, FWICT, a bit less efficient).

Regarding brushless, I'm sure they're quieter and require less maintenance, but they still are more complex than the series-wound DC.

I suppose the AC induction motors have their place, but for the DIY crowd, I think many will stick with the basics.

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