My electric go-kart with four motors is finally operational

My Quad-Motor Electric Go-Kart Finally Works

Electric go-karts are not uncommon, but a go-kart with an electric motor on each wheel is a rare sight. In the previous edition of this series, my attempt at cheap kart suspension failed. This time, I rectify that and get the machine moving for the first time under its own power. Spoiler alert: It’s a beast.

To fix the suspension, I decided to get rid of it completely. Once again, Oshcut, the sponsor of this project, came to the rescue. I designed some tubes in CAD to keep the wheels in their original position but mount them directly to the chassis. After uploading the files to their site, selecting the material, and ordering them, the tubes arrived a few days later at my doorstep, ready to be installed on the kart. The most challenging part of the process was removing the old suspension. Who designed that junk anyway?

The fact that Oshcut offers lasered tubes is a significant advancement. They are the only company among the few businesses that offer instant-quoted laser-cut/CNC parts. I used laser-cut tubes on the Motocompacto project and now on this one. It won’t be the last time you see them. They are truly a game-changer.

The parts I received were exactly as I specified in CAD, making the installation process easy. Next, I assembled the new front steering system. I beefed up the tie rods by doubling their thickness and added strength to the uprights and their mounting positions. The bent sheet metal parts used are also from Oshcut. Some of them even have threads on them, which you can specify during the upload process on their site.

Finally, I bolted up the motors. The rear motors were installed without much difficulty, but the front ones required a different approach due to the width of the steering system. The front axle ended up wider than the rear axle, but instead of accommodating this with additional tubes, I decided it was not worth the hassle as the kart was already substantial in size.

Now, let’s talk about the electric drivetrain, the exciting part. Hub motors have power ratings that specify the amount of power they can handle continuously and for a short burst. The burst rating is an intense output that cannot be sustained indefinitely but will put a smile on your face. My hub motors are rated for 2.5 kilowatts of continuous output each. That’s 3.35 horsepower, 52 amps at 48 volts. Adjusting the current is where the magic happens.

In my experience, hub motors can handle about twice their rated current for a short period. With four motors, that means a potential peak of 20 kW or 26.8 hp. Even without reaching the maximum power output, the kart is fast. Despite its excessive weight, the driving experience is thrilling, with car-like cues and satisfying dynamics.

Despite the weight, I am not inclined to add more battery to increase power as I am content with the current state of the kart. Instead, I plan to change chemistries to unlock more power in the RWD configuration. Stay tuned for the next edition of this series as we delve into maximizing the kart’s potential with an AWD battery.