RMUTT mechanical students dazzle, turning gasoline vehicle to an EV

Yet another brilliant team performance for students of Mechanical Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi RMUTT, Mr. Pattarapon Khunprom and Mr. Tawatchai Nuanjun and their advisors, Assistant Professor Dr. Manop Yamfang and his co-advisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Teerapot Wessapan who collaboratively converted a gas-powered car with 1,500 cc engine to electric vehicle.

Dean of Mechanical Engineering, RMUTT revealed the conversion process of the gasoline to EV, “Since we all know that the trend of purchasing EV has risen sharply for the last couple years, conversion of 1,500 C.C. gas car to electric really capture our interests. Our mechanical students conducted their initial studies on motor drive, size of battery, EV acceleration and speed, braking distance, motor drive control devices as well as EV charging system. The results of the study revealed that the EV required motor of 10 kW 96 V with 8 Lead acid battery size of 12 V 130 A connected in series circuit having motor power of 12.48 kW. According to the speed testing results, the converted EV managed to speed under 60 kilometers per hour running one electric charging up to 45 kilometers. Regarding its acceleration power, in third gear from 0 to 50 km/h, the car enabled to run approximately 16.47 seconds, in fourth gear from 0 to 60 km/h., approximately 23.41 seconds, and in fifth from 0-60 km/h, 29.32 seconds. In regard to the braking distance, the car was able to efficiently brake at 29.5 m. Overall results revealed that a gas-powered car with 1,500 cc engine could be converted to electric vehicle should weigh not more 1,300 kg with 45 km running per charge. Nevertheless, precise calculation of motor size should be based on speed, power, type of transportation, and rolling resistances. Additionally, for better EV performance Lead-Acid Battery could be replaced with Li-Ion Battery to reduce the weight of the vehicle and increase its running efficiency.