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davepamn | August 21, 2009 02:05 PM | in Science & Mathematics

How many Horse power is required to move 500 pounds, 20 mph on flat ground?

I'm building an EV soap box racer and need to know how big of a electric motor to use to move 500 pounds of weight 20 mph.

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BEST ANSWER decided by votes | rishiku | August 21, 2009 02:26 PM

Estimated 0.33

source(s):
http://www.wallaceracing.com/et-hp-mph.php

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Voted as best: stanar, badaspie, lilyloretta

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davepamn | August 23, 2009 03:43 AM

Are you saying a .33 hp electric motor could propel a 500 pound car to speeds of 20 mph

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badaspie | August 23, 2009 11:20 AM

It takes about 0.33 horsepower to propel a 500-pound car *at* 20 mph, but acceleration to top speed would take some time. Compare this to someone pushing a stalled 3000-pound car: A healthy person can produce a maximum of a bit over 0.4 horsepower for a short period, enough for a top speed of about 12 mph...eventually. If you want faster acceleration, you'll need a bigger engine.

http://www.wallaceracing.com/et-hp-mph.php
http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~et181/hpv/hpv.html

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davepamn | August 25, 2009 05:10 AM

Most people think that a 5 to 10 hp EV motor is required to accelerate a 500 pound vehicle over various terrain.

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Voted "No best answer": philipy,