Battery Vehicle Society

Historically, yes, but as of late the cost of Inverters has dropped quite a bit.

But, given the weight advantages and the fact that they're a bit more pokey I'd go for one

Hi Nikki,

What sort of costs have you found for an AC motor and controller?

The best I can find is Metric Mind and Evisol. Thier AC motor and inverters are £6K plus batteries. This is 3 or 4 times the cost of a DC setup.
http://www.metricmind.com/index1.htm
http://www.evisol.com/ac-motors.html

Sepex motors offer all the advantages of AC, regen braking high effientcy etc but a the same cost of a series DC setup.

Cheers,

Ian

Electric Motorsports does a Curtis 1238 and induction motor package for $3200. Peak power is 46 hp at 84V. Motor weight 46 lbs. One horsepower per pound. Nice.
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_motors_ac-induction.php