Study of the difference in energy and performance of a converted electric car when using different traction motor powers

This research aimed to test and study the differences in energy and performance of modified electric vehicles when using different motor powers. The electric vehicle was modified with a suspension system, a transmission from a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle, and an open-body for lighter weight. The car was equipped with brushless direct current (BLDC) motors of 5 kW and 10 kW power ratings, and powered by a 5.76 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC) battery. The testing was conducted to compare the characteristics and energy consumption using the WLTP driving cycle and evaluate the acceleration performance. The results showed that using a smaller electric motor resulted in a lower electric energy consumption of 23.2%. However, in terms of performance, the larger motors provided acceleration rates from standstill to the desired speed up to 1.0 time faster.