What's the min power needed for a DC motor to move 5K lbs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the minimum power required for a DC motor to move a 5,000-pound electric vehicle (cart) in a warehouse setting. The vehicle is expected to reach speeds of up to 10 MPH and navigate an incline of 8-10% to access a second floor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether a power range of 6 to 8 KW would be sufficient for the motor to achieve the desired performance on an incline.
  • Another participant suggests considering standard vehicles like golf carts, questioning the feasibility of building a custom solution due to potential liability issues.
  • A third participant likens the project to a substantial forklift, expressing skepticism about the safety and practicality of a DIY approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express concerns about the feasibility and safety of constructing a custom electric vehicle for this purpose, indicating a lack of consensus on the practicality of the project.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific requirements for power calculations, including factors like motor efficiency, load dynamics, and safety considerations.

George Stann
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I am making a some sort of an electric vehicle (cart) that will be used to move things around the two story warehouse.
I am trying to figure out what would be the minimal power of an a DC motor, considering that the max speeds will be up to 10 MPH, while being able to push forward to the second floor, using a regular vehicle driveway with a grade of about 8-10%.
Would 6 or 8 KW be enough?
 
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George Stann said:
I am making a some sort of an electric vehicle (cart) that will be used to move things around the two story warehouse.
I am trying to figure out what would be the minimal power of an a DC motor, considering that the max speeds will be up to 10 MPH, while being able to push forward to the second floor, using a regular vehicle driveway with a grade of about 8-10%.
Would 6 or 8 KW be enough?
Welcome to the PF.

Why not just use a standard golf cart? I guess that 5000 pounds is a pretty big trailer load for a golf cart, though. What other standard vehicles have you looked into? Making your own opens up some pretty serious liability issues that your company's insurance company may not be too happy about...
 
That sounds like a forklift and a pretty substantial one at that. I agree with Berkeman - I don't think this is something that would be a good idea to try to make yourself.
 
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