[fox46]

Ah, quite right - I just took the spec off BaneBots and forgot it is listed at 18V. I'm not sure I agree with you on the calculation method. With your method you would be calculating power at 4%.

Max Power = Volts * Amps = 86A * 12V = 1032W
20% of 1032W = 1032 * 0.2 = 206.4W (312W for 130A)

By your method, (86 * 0.2) * (12 * 0.2) simplifies to 0.04 * (86 *12), the 0.04 representing 4% rather than 20%

My understanding is that the Jaguars control output by pulsing the power from the battery. They don't actually control the voltage or current. They are essentially a high speed switch which opens and closes at a specific frequency. The output of which is the percieved power to the motor and is essentially the RMS power of the frequency that it is switching at. At full power the switch is closed and supplying full power from the source. At 50% the switch is only closed 50% of the time and only 50% of the power is getting through per unit time. Likewise for other power factors. This is why the old Victor 883s had that annoying whine to them. Same with a cordless drill when you run it slowly. That is the mechanical manifestation of the switch power vibrating the motor windings and conductors just like the 60Hz humm you hear in electrical transformers and panels.

Then again, my background is Mechanical - I could be wrong but this is my understanding of how they work.