DC, induction, reluctance and PM motors for electric vehicles

Small cars for commuting, shopping etc. usually travel only short distances each day, typically less than 30 miles, mainly through slow moving traffic, maximum 50 mph average 10-20 mph, carrying only one or two people. These are a good application for present technology EV´s i.e. DC motors and lead acid batteries, and many electric conversions have been made as well as some completely new lightweight vehicles. Here, the author describes possible propulsion mechanisms for such applications including: DC motors; induction motors; PM motors; and switched reluctance motors