How to Choose the Right 20 HP Motor for Your Electric Vehicle Project (With Price Tips)
Selecting a motor is one of the most critical steps in building or upgrading a custom electric vehicle (EV) in India. A 20 HP (horsepower) motor is a popular choice for high-performance EVs, electric cars, utility vehicles, and even light commercial conversions. This guide answers the most common user questions, with a focus on 20 hp motor price, EV motor selection criteria, and India-centric tips for successful EV builds.
What Is a 20 HP Motor and Is It Suitable for EVs?
A 20 HP electric motor delivers around 15 kW of mechanical power. For EV applications, this can provide robust acceleration and higher top speeds, making it ideal for full-size hatchbacks, compact sedans, small commercial vans, or rural utility vehicles. It is not excessive for city travel, and offers a great balance of performance and efficiency, especially if carrying passengers or cargo.
Which Types of 20 HP Motors Are Best for Electric Vehicle Projects?
There are three main categories to choose from:
- AC Induction Motors: Reliable, affordable, readily available, suitable for most medium- to large-sized EVs. Widely used due to their mature technology and availability from industrial suppliers.
- Brushless DC Motors (BLDC): Compact, efficient, minimal maintenance, commonly found in scooters, bikes, and high-efficiency car conversions. Suitable if space-saving and efficiency are priorities.
- Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM): Higher efficiency and power density, but costlier and sometimes harder to source in India. Favored in modern electric cars for their torque and compactness (used by Tesla, Tata, MG, BMW, etc.).
What Factors Should Guide Your EV Motor Selection?
1. Vehicle Weight and Load
Heavier vehicles (4-seater sedans/SUVs or delivery vans) benefit from the extra torque of a 20 HP or higher-rated motor. Always check the curb weight and expected full load before deciding the motor’s power requirement.
2. Desired Speed and Acceleration
A 20 HP motor can typically propel a standard hatchback or compact sedan up to 70-90 km/h, with reasonable acceleration for Indian traffic. For highway use or frequent full-load, aim for a higher-rated motor.
3. Terrain and Use Case
Steep gradients, off-road routes, or hilly city roads require more torque. AC and PMSM motors may offer better performance in these conditions.
4. Voltage Matching
Choose a motor that matches your battery voltage: 72V, 96V, or 120V are common. Higher voltage = lower current for the same power = less heat and better efficiency. Confirm compatibility before buying.
5. Controller and Battery Pairing
Ensure your motor controller (the “brain” of your EV) can handle the peak current and voltage for the motor you select, it balances acceleration, safety, and smooth operation.
What’s the Latest 20 HP Motor Price in India?
- Price Range: A new industrial-grade 20 HP (15 kW) induction or BLDC motor costs between ₹1,10,000 and ₹1,50,000 from major brands like ABB, Crompton, Bharat Bijlee, or Krishna Electricals.
- PMSM/Custom Motors (Automotive grade): Expect prices upwards of ₹1.5 lakhs, depending on import duties and controller bundling.
- Used or Refurbished Motors: Can be found at significantly lower prices, but check for warranty or proven run hours.
TIP: Always prefer motors rated for continuous duty (S1), IP55 or higher for Indian dust/wetness, and with a matching warranty.
Where Can You Buy 20 HP Motors for EVs in India?
- Authorized electrical equipment distributors (ABB, Crompton, Siemens, Bharat Bijlee, etc.)
- Online platforms: Indiamart, Moglix, TradeIndia, Justdial, and local dealers in major industrial hubs
- EV conversion specialists and automotive suppliers, who may offer motor-controller-battery bundles
Should You Go for New or Used Motors?
- New motors: Offer reliability, better warranty, and newer technology, especially crucial for daily or commercial EV builds.
- Used/Refurbished motors: Lower upfront cost, but may require skilled inspection and often lack a warranty. Recommended only if you or your installer have EV build experience.
What’s the Cost Breakdown for Building a Custom EV with a 20 HP Motor?
| Component | Expected Cost (₹) |
| 20 HP Motor | 1,10,000–1,50,000 |
| Motor Controller | 35,000–90,000 |
| High-Voltage Battery | 2,00,000–4,50,000 |
| Transmission Mods | 15,000–50,000 |
| Misc. (wiring, BMS, etc.) | 30,000–60,000 |
| Total (est.) | 4,00,000–7,00,000 |
(Excludes vehicle body/shell, registration, and labor costs. These are indicative ranges as of 2025.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a 20 HP industrial motor directly in my EV project?
Yes, with proper controller and voltage matching, but automotive-rated PMSM or BLDC motors offer better packaging and EV compatibility.
Q2: Will a bigger motor give me more range?
No. Motor size affects acceleration and load-carrying, not range. For more range, focus on a larger battery and efficient driving.
Q3: Are 20 HP motors street legal for custom EV builds?
Check with your regional RTO. Output above 15 kW (20 HP) must comply with specific safety/regulatory approvals in some states.
Q4: Should I buy the controller and BMS with the motor?
Buying a bundled solution (motor, controller, wiring harness) reduces integration headaches and ensures compatibility.
Q5: How do I ensure safe installation?
Work with reputable EV conversion workshops or certified automotive electricians. Always prioritize safety with high-voltage work.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 20 HP motor for your electric vehicle project is about more than just power, it’s a mix of motor price, vehicle weight, intended use, battery pairing, and after-sales support. With clear goals, a compatible controller-battery setup, and careful supplier selection, you can build a robust, high-efficiency custom EV ready for Indian roads.