How to Build an Electric Car
By Marc Howe on Jun 18, 2010 with Comments 0
Electric cars are equally popular among the kids and adults or hobbyists. Electric cars are a great source of fun and enjoyment. The numbers of fans of electric cars are increasing day by day. More and more people are taking interest in electric cars. Electric cars are available in the market in reasonable prices except for those which are made for extreme performances. There are so many types of electric cars are available in the market now depending upon the nature of the user. Like from kids to professionals (hobbyist).
Important Features of an Electric Car
There are two types of remote control cars, electric cars and gas powered cars. A small electric motor and a battery are used to power the electric cars whereas a small engine is used to move the gas powered cars. Many electric cars can be powered by general AA, AAA, C or D type batteries.
Some electric cars mostly the advanced ones like intermediate and advanced level electric cars use rechargeable batteries. The basics cars are mostly used by kids and hence come with simple installation package. On the other hand advanced level cars are mostly used by advanced users and are sold piece by piece. These cars require advanced level modifications land customizations before being used.
A fully charged electric car usually functions for about 6 to 8 minutes with top speed of about 20 to 30 mph. Most of the fans prefer to buy two rechargeable batteries packs with a 15 minute battery charger. It is recommended that if you are supposed to use your car away from any electric channel, you should have a field charger which can run your 15 minute charger with the help of car battery as well.
Parts of an Electric Car
The chassis is the main part of the car to which other parts are attached. Besides chassis motor and battery is also an important part of an electric car. Electric cars come in different scales usually in 1/8 or 1/10. It is not difficult to exchange the parts of different scale cars. They can easily be used with any scale. Most advanced electric cars have a chassis made of aluminum or graphite for better strength and heat resistance. The chassis of the car also contains hood, frame and other accessories which are essential for an electric car.
Tires are always an important part of any vehicle; either it’s a normal car or a toy car. Electric cars are usually come with tires installed on it. But in some advanced electric cars they are required to buy separately. At times tires need to be replaced, depending upon the surface and conditions you drive it on.
Another important part of the electric cars is its Electronic Speed Control system. Electronic Speed Control is meant to get most from the motor and utilizes the battery for high class performance and speed. An ESC mostly replaces mechanical or servo speed control systems. The final and essential part of electric car is its Radio Control Unit. Radio control unit contains a small steering wheel for turning the car and also a lever or sometimes a button for acceleration and braking to control the movement and speed of the car.
Building a Basic Electric Car
Basic electric car is the best choice for the beginners. The people who are new into this hobby or sports, they need to start with the basic electric cars. Though, these cars are not very fast and have a limited performance, but yet they are affordable; easy to build and most all easy to operate. These basic electric cars can usually be purchased for less than $100. Basic electric cars are best for you to practice driving and you can learn basic skills which can help you to go to the advanced level. Basic cars are usually come preassembled but yet in most of the models you can make slight modifications.
Building an Intermediate Level Electric Car
An Intermediate level electric car is usually an expensive car, ranging from $75 to $300. These cars are most common among the people who are fond of modifying their vehicles and want the best performance out of it. Intermediate car mostly come in pieces and you have to install all the important components to the chassis. Intermediate cars offer full customization of the car. You can remove and add each and every part according to your liking.
Building an Advanced Level Electric Car
Advanced level electric cars vary in price, as they require total assembly, so you have to purchase each and every part of it separately. The chassis, the motor, brakes, ESC, tires, differential, wheels, battery pack, all things you have to purchase according to your liking. Though, these cars are meant to achieve higher performance and speed so you have to invest a lot of money on them to achieve the goal. The performance of these cars totally based on your abilities and precision while assembling them. You need to put each and every part in its right place to ensure the desired performance.
Remember you would not find these specific advanced parts in a toy store. You have to visit some hobby stores which offer you such parts for your electric cars. Visit them and choose the best out of them according to your choice and requirements. If you want to learn about new things and promotions or want any sort of help you can join RC communities or forums online. Where there are so many crazy fans of electrics cars ready to share new experiences with you.
Filed Under: Guides/DIY