How Electric Vehicles Will Transform the Auto Racing Industry
As more people become conscious of the problems related to climate change, organizations focus on minimizing environmental impacts. The popularity of the electric vehicles (EV) has exploded over the years due to its environmental benefits. While internal combustion engines have dominated motorsports, EVs are making spectacular displays on racetracks.
1. NHRA Preparing for EV Racing
The National Hot Rod Association sees the EV revolution as a lucrative opportunity. The organization works with key stakeholders to ensure everyone is headed in the same direction to maintain performance standards as more EVs enter the racetracks.
While EV racing is currently legal, the newly established EV category in the sport solidifies the significance of electric cars. Typically, EVs participate in all seven divisions, where the national champion is crowned in a glamorous event held in Las Vegas.
Rules governing the new EV category are in place, allowing racing teams to build cars. However, modifications are limited to wheels, suspensions, and tires –at least for the first few years. On the other hand, racing stickers or other signage are unrestricted, so a brand like Look Our Way can help make a powerful impression.
2. Racing Venues Open to EVs
SUVs and pickup trucks are the most prominent EVs since the models are already popular in the Us market. Racing enthusiasts now have a venue to prove their off-road racing capabilities. The Mint 400 introduced an EV racing class that has attracted participants in droves.
The special racing class was born in response to inquiries from EV manufacturers and racing enthusiasts with interests in EVs. While participation is open to all models from any manufacturer, potential entries are yet to be determined.
The annual racing event runs in harsh desert conditions, where over 400 teams compete in stock classics, standard cars, and trophy trucks. Most EV trucks are suitable to race in brutal conditions, making a great proving ground for manufacturers and potential owners of electric vehicles.
3. EVs Racing Against Internal Combustion Engine Cars
Sacramento-based Entropy Racing competes in SCCA, and their electric racer has won multiple races against ICE vehicles. Notably, it’s among the few competitors with EVs racing against proven gas-powered cars on a real track.
The team’s achievements demonstrate the underlying challenges and opportunities of EV racers built by independent companies. Entropy has four functional EV racing cars, while three are under development. The models can handle NASA’s 25-hour Thunderhill race by swapping batteries.
Similarly, the EVSR Racing Championship Series is open to any vehicle model, but Entropy remains the sole electric participant. Entropy’s EVSR racing vehicles won their first victory in 2014 –thrashing mainstream models like Ford and have since won 20 victories.
The EV racers use lithium-ferrous phosphate batteries with a maximum range of 50 miles. However, the range is enough for the 30-mile races popular in the championship series. The EVSR racing model has multiple advantages over gas-powered cars and requires less prep time before a race.
Endnote
Seasoned professionals in motorsports influence what is considered excellent in the automobile industry. Innovators and marketers shape EVs’ overall perception and adoption by introducing electric cars on race tracks. The trend intensifies as more manufacturers show interest in building EV racers.
But will the fans – the paying customers, reject them?