Electric vehicle controllers and control systems

Two members kindly replied to my query regarding a battery charger, for which I am grateful.

This prompted me as a newbie to investigate other areas of the Forums, mainly the power systems.

There´s the rub! Being of somewhat senior years and comparatively new to this wonderful world of pollution-free transportation, I quickly become bogged down by some of the observations made by members, e.g., overvolting, amperage, etc.

I'm designing my e-bike, and I really, really want a Vectrix-style twist-grip control. Namely, go forward by twisting backward with your right hand, release the grip and it rotates to neutral, and apply regen braking by twisting forward. Now, this is not brain surgery. For example, for the Kelly BLDC controller, you need a 0-5V pot for the accelerator, and a 0-5V pot for the brake. So, questions:

Hey everyone.

Well project number three is well under way. I am going to order my controller Monday.
I am wondering if I should purchase a 600 amp controller or a 400 amp.

As far as I understand, the higher amp controller will help provide more acceleration?
I also understand that the higher amp controller will "allow" me to drain the batteries at a faster rate, thus reducing range.

However, the 600 amp controller is programable, and I can limit the amount of amps output.

Hello, I'm just starting to understand series wiring. I found these really interesting 12 volt 3 bulb lights that I would like to use on my 36 volt trike.

This was posted on the Xebra_EV list (link below) and it looks pretty cool

ELVIS ELectric Vehicle Integration System Java based Touchscreen Infotainment Software Currently works with the PakTrakr. Future Modules ... all » will include Alltrax, Zilla, Link10, eMeter, Valence, Curtis, Kelly, etc. Runs on on PC, Mac, Linux, PDAs. Future Bluetooth connectivity for Cell Phones.

Here's how I'm testing my controller just for the benefit of anyone who needs to know how to do this. With a few small batteries, lots of jumper leads, a 120v light bulb, two rubber bands, and a potentiometer (0-5k, 0-10k, 0-15k, ect, will all work). I have a printout of the controller wiring diagram which really helps not to screw something up (not shown). Double check everything before energizing the main + or - to the wiring diagram, as it's easy enough to fry something.

This is only for a brush motor controller. I don't know how to bench test a brush-less motor controller.

Hello. I own a 2004 Evader 100-S- 48v 1000w motor, 3.50 Tire size. I have learned a lot reading the posts here as I knew nothing about electrics before. I am still very much a beginner. I smoked the stock controller and need a replacement. Kelly controllers are reasonable. They have a small, 60V, 100A for $150. Although it appears stronger than the stock, should I go a step up to to the 24V-72V 200A for $280. My aspiration is to add an additional 24v (smaller AmpHr). I have also read that different tires will help with increased speed.

OK, now I know what the ideal controller is ;-) Let's hear what makes the ideal regen system.

It strikes me that the goals of the ideal system are (not necessarily in this order)

1- Recover the most energy possible
2- Integrate seamlessly into the riding experience

Hi everybody.

I'm new around here, so pardon my ignorance. That said, I did search around here for quite a while, and while I've seen a couple people allude to this possibility, it didn't seem like it has been fully explored, so I thought I'd ask around.

I'm looking for some help with my latest project. I'm building a 32 foot trimaran and want to power it with a electric motor. I looking at either a Etek or Perm motor run at 48 volt. I would probably use a Sevcon controller with regen capabilities. My concerns is in two categories. First is in regen mode, what stops the batteries from being over charged. I assume that the controller cuts the connection to the batteries but what protects the motor from producing current if it is still free-wheeling. Second is the use of a generator for extended cruising under power.