Can 60V and 72V Motors Be Used Interchangeably?
3 Answers
They can be used interchangeably, but it's important to note that the power meter and battery pack may not be compatible, so precautions should be taken to prevent over-discharging of the battery. There are two types of motors: servo motors and stepper motors. Servo Motors: Servo motors are widely used in various control systems. They can convert input voltage signals into mechanical output on the motor shaft, driving the controlled components to achieve control purposes. Servo motors can be either DC or AC. The earliest servo motors were ordinary DC motors, used in situations where control precision was not critical. Today's DC servo motors are essentially small-power DC motors, with excitation typically achieved through armature control or field control, though armature control is more commonly used. Stepper Motors: Stepper motors are primarily used in the field of CNC machine tool manufacturing. Since stepper motors do not require A/D conversion and can directly convert digital pulse signals into angular displacement, they are considered the most ideal actuating components for CNC machine tools. Beyond their use in CNC machine tools, stepper motors can also be employed in other machinery, such as in automatic feeders as drive motors, in general floppy disk drives, and in printers and plotters.
With years of experience in repairing electric vehicles, I can tell you that 60V and 72V motors are generally not interchangeable. The motors are designed for different voltages, and forcing them to work with mismatched voltages can lead to serious issues. For example, connecting a 72V battery to a 60V motor can cause the coils to overheat and burn out due to excessive voltage, or if reversed, result in insufficient power. The controller is a critical component; if it doesn't support multiple voltage inputs, the entire system can become unstable. Additionally, battery compatibility must be considered, as significant voltage differences can affect range and lifespan. Before any modifications, always check the manufacturer's specifications—using original parts is safest for reliability. Common issues include blown fuses or abnormal motor noises, which are relatively minor. Long-term use of incorrect voltages accelerates aging, ultimately leading to higher repair costs. If a change is absolutely necessary, professional tuning of the controller parameters is required, though successful cases are rare.
When I tried to save money by installing my old 60V motor on a new 72V car, the motor just buzzed without starting and drained the battery quickly. The mechanic said I was being penny-wise but pound-foolish—the voltage mismatch overloaded the circuit. Now I know better: 60V and 72V systems aren’t interchangeable. Large voltage differences can damage the motor core or trigger controller errors. It’s best to replace the entire system, including a matched battery pack. When modifying, check if wire harness connectors are compatible—some universal models might work, but I’ve never seen one. The real money-saving trick? Buy used OEM components instead of mixing parts.
