Real World Comparisons

[SouthernFlyed]

Identical 1997 TXT DCS carts, both with B2 motors, 600amp controllers, 400amp solenoids, new F/R, 20" tires, all wires the same, all mechanical the same.

One cart with 36v LifePO4 (3 12v in series) --- One cart with 36v (LA in series)

Both carts carrying 2 230lb men (460lbs) ---- golf/sporting clays gear/drinks or beer/balls/shotgun shells 160lbs total

LifePO4 batteries 3 x 24 =72lbs LA batteries 3 x 83 = 249lbs

Total load 692lbs LifePO4 Total load LA 869lbs

What's the speed & torque gonna be with the 177lb (20.37%) difference in load?

Thanks!!!

[DaveTM]

I can't provide you with the hard numbers you're looking for....maybe one of those engineering math kind of guys can.

But I do question your battery weight differences. Your FLA's are only 3 in a series? Most carts use 6 FLA's at maybe 60-lbs each for 360-lbs of weight.

When I swapped to Nissan Leaf's I took out 8 Trojan FLA's at 62-lbs each totaling 496-lbs. I estimated my Nissan Leaf 14 module pack weights 170-lbs. (My SWAG) for a weight savings of 326-lbs.

Now, the cart with FLA's weighs (my estimation) 1,000-lbs. So with the 326-lb weight loss (or 32.6%) I do get to top speed faster, and my "initial takeoff" (torque) ....but again, my Alltrax SR controller settings have a lot to do with the torque curve I setup.

So....and I dunno if this helps you.....swapping to lithium is nothing but a plus. Longer run time along with zero maintenance of battery terminals is a huge plus.

That, and along with my now OBC makes "plug 'n play" anywhere much easier.

FWIW

[SouthernFlyed]

Thanks!

I just looked at the Trogan Battery website for 12v golf cart batteries to come up with that "'83lbs". 6 6v batteries at 62lbs would weigh 372lbs and give the LifePO4 cart approximately a 30% weight advantage.

I guess a much more simple question should have been about weight reduction percentage would be the same percentage increase in speed and torque.

Would a 30% weaight reduction get a 30% (approximate) increase in speed and torque?

Thanks again!!!

[DaveTM]

I can't say if that's a true statement or not. I'm thinking not.

But I'm not an engineer nor do I have much experience with measuring the speed thing. I use my cart for hunting so torque is what's important to me.

You can only go so fast thru the woods!!

[Volt_Ampere]

On level ground, weight reduction won't change top speed much at all but it will change acceleration to top speed. Torque won't change a bit since that is based purely on the drive line performance.

[SouthernFlyed]

Thanks!!!

So carrying 20/30% less weight will NOT increase torque, but it will make it easier for the cart motor to take it uphill, and perhaps at a higher speed?

Forgive me boys, I'm really new at this

[Volt_Ampere]

It'll feel faster because it will accelerate better and it will climb hills better. The downside is that it will ride like an empty pickup truck.

[SouthernFlyed]

Originally Posted by Volt_Ampere

It'll feel faster because it will accelerate better and it will climb hills better. The downside is that it will ride like an empty pickup truck.

Thanks again!

Most of the pickups I saw today were empty I can handle that here in NC

[fstop]

Originally Posted by Volt_Ampere

On level ground, weight reduction won't change top speed much at all but it will change acceleration to top speed. Torque won't change a bit since that is based purely on the drive line performance.

And it will stop quicker, too.

[SouthernFlyed]

Originally Posted by fstop

And it will stop quicker, too.

Which leads to another real world question ---- all the top controllers have field maps, but how do they deal with regen with the reduction of weight on the cart??? Thanks