Electric Car Power Brakes Experiment

experiment in creating vacuum for power brakes in home-built electric car conversion
For more on homebuilt electric cars, please visit http://300mpg.org/

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• electric
• car
• power
• brakes
• vacuum

[spudrust85]

I have a VW beetle and wondering if i could use a golf cart motor and controller? I need to got 30 miles and would like to go at least 50mph.

[BenjaminNelson]

@spudrust85

A golf cart doesn't go 50 mph, so a VW bug with a golf cart motor won't either. They do now make some very nice motors that are the same size and shape as golf cart motors. You would want at LEAST a 96V system for a car like that and large batteries. Check out the EV Album to see what other people have done with VWs. evalbumDOTcom/type/VOLK

[marshalllhiepler]

This is your auto-insurance rep., Ben. Just watched your vid on the aquarium pump operated, vacuum brake/Frankenstien grafted contraption thingy.

We need to talk. In person. Don't drive to meet me; I'll drive to you. In fact, Ben...don't drive at all. Just wait for me. Oh, and have your insurance card handy for confiscation..er..I mean, conversation.

Ha, ha, Ben. Just kidding. Loved your video!

You know, we all have an electric car circuit hidden somewhere in our brains. Charge it!

[BenjaminNelson]

@marshalllhiepler

In all seriousness, this was just an experiment done in my driveway to test and learn about the theory of vacuum-assisted brakes. The working version of the car has an industrial vacuum pump with redundant safety features.

My insurance agent knows all about my car. I have standard insurance through Progressive.

[TheReasonWhyGuy]

Seems like you likely would need a more powerful pump, since even with 100% sealed... it will still reach a point quickly where it can no longer pull air out.

[BenjaminNelson]

@TheReasonWhyGuy

Note the title of the video - "EXPERIMENT". This was just a proof of concept. The final vacuum pump was a 12V industrial pump with automatic vacuum switch. Works great, and the vacuum reserve is 3 times the capacity of the car's original!

[182deuce]

"so now it sucks instead of blows." My car does that too...

[MrJacob1777]

I know a hydro booster would required some kind of power steering pump or hydrolic pump but why didnt u do that? Does it take to much power??

[TheReasonWhyGuy]

@BenjaminNelson Oh I know, and enjoyed watching the experiment :)

[BenjaminNelson]

@TheReasonWhyGuy

Note the title of the video - "EXPERIMENT". This was just a proof of concept. The final vacuum pump was a 12V industrial pump with automatic vacuum switch. Works great, and the vacuum reserve is 3 times the capacity of the car's original!