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AC Motors

The AC motor is the choice for more advanced conversions. It has the ability to operate larger vehicles than DC systems can, up to 3,500 lbs. factory curb weight. With its high rpm limit, the AC motor can be used without a conventional transmission for shift-free driving, or it can be coupled to a standard manual transmission. It provides regenerative braking to give dynamic braking action and recapture energy.

Azure Dynamics/Solectria

Azure Dynamics/Solectria has been manufacturing high quality AC drive motors specifically designed for use in vehicles since 1989. These AC motors have been primarily available to fleets and OEMs, but they are now available to the hobbyist conversion market, paired with Azure Dynamics/Solectria control systems. The Azure Dynamics/Solectria gearbox is a drop-in solution for direct drive in lightweight front wheel drive conversions.

Azure Dynamics/Solectria motors feature:

• High efficiency brushless design
• Sealed motor casing
• Compact lightweight construction
• Low rotating losses
• Low electrical resistance
• High reliability
• 1 1/8" keyed shaft for use with our taperlock adaptors, or splined for use with Azure Dynamics/Solectria gearbox (AC24 & AC24LS only). We do not have a single-speed gearbox for the AC55.

These are integrated drive systems, with the motor, controller, and charger all custom configured at the manufacturer to fit YOUR conversion. For this reason, we need very specific information about your system to place your order:

• Motor rotation direction (CCW is standard)
• Total battery pack voltage
• Battery brand & model

Motor Ratings

It is not accurate to refer to a "10 hp motor" or a "15 hp motor", because horsepower will vary with volts and amps, and the peak horsepower will be much higher than the continuous rating. It is also confusing to compare electric motors to gas engines, since electric motors are given a continuous rating under load, and gas engines are rated at their peak horsepower with no parasitic loads, such as water pumps or alternators. For accurate identification, a motor should be identified by name or model number.

The following chart gives specifications for the Azure Dynamics/Solectria motors we carry. The AC24 & AC24LS motors are suitable for vehicles in the 2,000 - 2,400 lbs. factory curb weight range (not gross vehicle weight).

The AC55 motor is suitable for vehicles up to 3,500 lbs. factory curb weight.

Nominal Pack Voltage

A few words of warning are in order here. First, it is difficult to impossible to fit enough voltage for the high voltage range into a vehicle that is light enough for the AC24 or AC24LS motors, so these are almost always operated at the medium voltage range. Second, for packs above 144V nominal pack voltage, you will need to upgrade other components such as the charger and DC/DC converter, at an added cost. Finally, these systems have been optimized to run at the 144V - 156V and the 312V level. The further your pack voltage varies from those optimums, the more your performance will vary from optimum.

Specifications