Application of superconductive motors to electric cars

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential application of superconductive motors in electric cars, specifically addressing the challenges posed by cooling requirements. Currently, the fastest electric car is manufactured by Shelby Super Cars, achieving a top speed of 208 mph. Superconductive motors necessitate cooling with liquid nitrogen or liquid helium, which complicates their integration into smaller vehicles due to added weight and complexity. The consensus is that only the development of room temperature superconductors could significantly impact the automotive industry, although this remains a theoretical aspiration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superconductive materials and their properties
  • Knowledge of cooling systems, specifically liquid nitrogen and liquid helium
  • Familiarity with electric vehicle technology and performance metrics
  • Insight into current advancements in room temperature superconductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest developments in room temperature superconductors
  • Explore the engineering challenges of integrating superconductive motors in electric vehicles
  • Investigate the cooling systems used in naval vessels employing superconductive technology
  • Analyze performance metrics of current electric vehicles, focusing on speed and efficiency
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Automotive engineers, electric vehicle developers, and researchers interested in advanced propulsion technologies and superconductivity applications in transportation.

Ryuk1990
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At the moment, I believe the fastest electric car is made by Shelby Super Cars and it can go at a top speed of 208 mph.

Are there any estimates around predicting how fast electric cars will be once companies start using superconductive motors?
 
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The problem with superconducting motors is the cooling requirement, at best, liquid nitrogen, at worse, liquid helium. So even with LN2 cooling you have to have a supply of LN2 and a system to pump the fluid through the motor to maintain superconductivity. There are naval vessels using that technology and in a large craft like that, it can save a lot of mass over a diesel engine but in a small car, my guess is the added weight would wash out any gains in motor size or mass or efficiency.

Only the advent of room temperature superconductors would have any kind of bearing on auto's. Which is a dream at this point in time.
 

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