Abstract
This project investigates how torque delivery from the motor controller affects mechanical stress on the rear freewheel ratchet mechanism of a three-wheel electric race car. Excessive initial torque has caused accelerated wear and tear on the ratchet mechanism, reducing drivetrain reliability during Kansas ElectroRally competitions. Preliminary testing showed that slower, gradual acceleration prevented malfunction and allowed the vehicle to maintain top speed reliably. Prior research shows that torque-control strategies strongly influence electric-drive performance. Current research focuses on optimizing the controller’s torque and speed using the Alltrax Software ToolKit to reduce drivetrain tension while preserving the car’s performance capabilities.
Faculty Advisor
Craig Malsam
Department/Program
Applied Technology
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-8-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Welch, Selene J.
(2026)
"Optimizing Controller Speed and Torque to Reduce Drivetrain Stress,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 37.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/37
