Abstract

Electric vehicles are a gateway into the future of transportation. Not only do they produce less air pollution, but they do not rely upon foreign energy sources and perhaps most compelling to the consumer, the cost of charging batteries is less expensive than gasoline. An exciting variation in electric transportation is the electric motorcycle. With more nimble handling and the ability to obtain quicker acceleration the electric motorcycle can prove to be a thrilling and efficient commuter vehicle.

To obtain such an experience the power stage of the vehicle plays a crucial role. A three phase inverter is necessary to deliver the kick needed to provide an exhilarating ride by precisely regulating the voltage delivered to an electric motor. As a senior design project team Electric Wheelies have accepted the challenge from Novakinetics to design, build and test the power stage of a motor controller for an electric motorcycle.