A big ol bus

mortonc said:

I'm trying to size up the conversion of a bus.

I don't yet have said bus but it's likely to be a double decker or single decker if it has to be. Think Leyland Olympian (bus) or Setra s328 (coach).

Average MPG of these jobbies (diesel) is 8MPG

HP for these busses seems to range from 300-500hp and torque around 700nm - 1500nm

Let's say that when it's loaded up I would expect total mass of between 10 and 15 tonnes

Now for my use I would be looking to achieve a range of around 60 miles between charges, used on mostly flat roads but with the capability to make it's way up a mountain once in a while (who wouldn't want to take their bus skiing!)

50mph would be more than sufficient.


So, where would you begin with finding a motor and batteries to carry out such a project?

Click to expand...

The bad news, as everone here already pointed out, is that you're a bit out of spec for typical salvaged EV components. The good news is that you're into the range of industrial motors. You can probably afford the space and weight of a 400V/690V three phase induction motor (about a cubic meter and 1.5 tons for a 200kW 50Hz 4-pole motor).
The even better news is that if you run that 50Hz motor at 60Hz it's now a 240kW and at 70Hz it's a 280kW motor at about 2000 RPM. Allthough that might be a bit quick for direct drive, so a reduction gear or keeping the original gearbox would be essential. There are of course slower spinning 6 or 8 pole motors, but not as abundant as 4 pole.

So two Leaf packs, and a 690V 200kW motor, with a suitable industrial inverter (DC bus access, but this size usually does anyway, for external resistive braking) configured for torque control from accelerator pot.
Whether you'll be able to find this at an affordable price is a huge question, though.