Motor

Our prototypes to date for the Pulse have used DC motors because they are proving to be more cost effective than comparable AC motors. We are concurrently evaluating multiple options for AC motor solutions, so it is possible that an AC motor option may be available for the production version of the Pulse.

Thanks!

Austin Oehlerking
Mechanical Engineer, Arcimoto

Thanks for the question, Metalana. We are currently planning to go with a DC motor for 2 reasons:
1. Volume production for off-the-shelf DC traction motors in our power range is much higher than similarly-sized AC motors, meaning lower unit costs.
2. Control for a DC motor is simpler, reducing cost of the motor controller unit.

While AC motors do have benefits over DC (slightly higher efficiencies, no brush wear), we have determined that these benefits are not worth the added cost of an AC system, yet. Since our product is so low cost for an electric vehicle, we don't have the luxury to pay the price difference. However, in the near future, AC motors will come down in price enough, and we will most likely put an AC motor in our product.