[Peter Holderith] A while ago I started building an electric go-kart. While not that unusual in itself, what makes his project unusual is the fact that each of the four wheels has an integrated hub motor.
This cart project is slowly progressing. [Peter] I previously tried and failed to build (and then scrap) a cheap suspension system. However, despite being limited by the power source (a battery pack salvaged from an Audi Q5 Hybrid), it is fully operational as all four wheels can provide an incredible amount of power.
The cart may not look like it, but it weighs 177 pounds (80 kg), with the battery and motor accounting for nearly half of that weight. What's it like to drive? “It's nothing short of thrilling,” he says. [Peter]. It has no suspension and is fairly barebones, not to mention limited power by the battery, but [Peter] It's a satisfying drive, yet brings a car-like feel to the driving experience. The build is not completed, so [Peter] Rather than increasing the weight of the battery, we plan to see if more power can be made available by switching the battery chemistry.
Building and driving an electric vehicle is extremely satisfying and an area where meaningful innovation is possible for enthusiasts. For example, a self-balancing unicycle looks like a lot of fun. Hey, researchers have discovered that even rats seem to enjoy driving just for fun.