Electric Motor Power: 180 HP & Car Fitment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using a 180 horsepower electric motor in a car, specifically exploring options for AC and DC motors. The Tesla Roadster features a 3-Phase Alternating Current Induction Motor that delivers 288 peak horsepower and operates at 375 volts with a maximum current of 900 amps. To achieve 180 horsepower, a motor with an output of approximately 135 kW is required, translating to a need for higher power to effectively operate the motor. The calculations indicate that the power requirements for such motors can be substantial, potentially reaching 550 kW under certain conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric motor types (AC/DC)
  • Knowledge of power calculations (kW, amps, volts)
  • Familiarity with Tesla's electric motor specifications
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and motor operation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specifications of 3-Phase Alternating Current Induction Motors
  • Learn about electric motor power requirements and calculations
  • Explore electric vehicle design considerations for motor fitment
  • Investigate alternative electric motors with similar horsepower ratings
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, electric vehicle designers, and anyone interested in the integration of high-power electric motors in vehicle applications.

QAT
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The first question, is their any electric motor (ac/dc) that has 180 horsepower and can fit comfortabley in a car. Second question, (if no for the first question disregard this one) how much power would be needed to power it, amps and voltage.
 
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QAT said:
The first question, is their any electric motor (ac/dc) that has 180 horsepower and can fit comfortabley in a car. Second question, (if no for the first question disregard this one) how much power would be needed to power it, amps and voltage.

The Tesla electric car comes to mind:

http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/technology

The Roadster is powered by a 3-Phase Alternating Current Induction Motor. Small, but strong, the motor weighs just over 115 pounds. 375 volts push up to 900 Amps of current into the motor to create magnetic fields. It delivers 288 peak horsepower and 295 lbs-ft of torque at the driver's command. At top speed, the motor is spinning at 14,000 revolutions per minute.
 
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Note that one horsepower = 745.699872 Watts (according to Google Calculator, anyway.) This means that if you need 180 HP, you are looking at a 135 kW output electric motor, to give you an idea of what you need :)

The Tesla one would be 288 hp, which is 215 kw. That means you need more power than that to actually spin the motor, if I'm not mistaken. According to 375V, 900A, 3 phase AC, that's... 550kW? That seems high...
 

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