Saturday, December 10, 2011

What’s next: Electric motorsports


Electric Motor Sports as we know it
Think of zero emission, high performance and high speed motor racing and electric motor sports is what comes to your mind. Motor sports is slowly trying to move away from the current petrol blazing version to a more sustainable and environment friendly version. Many feel that electric motor vehicles may lack the speed quotient when compared to the petrol drinking and roaring V8 engines in their non-electric counterparts. But the fact is that electric powered vehicles have instant torque effect where the entire power of the motor is instantly transmitted across to the wheel at 0rpm. These electric motor vehicles come with KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that stores energy that has been generated while breaking, converts this energy into electricity that is used as a power boost at the press of a thumb.

Boost buttons' spark electric cars
Need for change
Electric motor sports are into focus, mainly on account of environmental issues like global warming and emission of greenhouse gases. Governments of several countries are taking initiative to reduce CO2 emissions by encouraging industries to manufacture electric vehicles that can be powered by converting wind and solar energy into electricity. Today's conventional combustion engine utilizes approximately only 20 percent of energy from the fuel in the tank to move your car or for air conditioning. The rest of the energy is lost in engine and idling. As against this, electric motors convert more than 75 percent of the energy from the batteries to power the wheels. GreenMotorsport is one such manufacturing company that aims at zero carbon emission and as the name suggests, Eco-friendly motor sports. It builds a range of products for the emerging electric vehicle market including efficient electric motors that are cost-effective as well. This electric motor can be used in sports utility vehicles, boats or in conversion packs that change family vehicles to be converted to electric drive.
1. Boost buttons' spark electric cars
As the name suggests, Boost buttons adds a boost of instant speed and power to the wheels of electric powered cars, at the press of a thumb. With the instant torque feature coupled with the boost buttons, these cars can easily overtake other racers. Unlike conventional racing cars, electric powered cars will not lose power when they near slipstream of the car in front. Rest assured, switching to electric cars will not in any way reduce the adrenaline rush spectators get when experiencing the conventional car racing.
The main disadvantage of electric cars using boost buttons is that they function using KERS, which makes the car a little heavier. Besides, teams using these cars have less ballast to move around and balance the car's weight distribution which makes this vehicle a disadvantage to heavy weight drivers. The technology is also unsafe during high speed collisions.
2. Brammo's second-generation electric motorcycle
The Brammo Empluse 10.0 is a sleek looking, powerful and fully electric second generation motorcycle, with a mind blowing speed of more than 100 mph. On a one-time 2 hour charge, it can zoom ahead for 100 miles. Power packed with a powerful battery, an efficient controller and a powerful water cooled motor, the Brammo Empulse 10.0 lives up to more than its 100 mile range. In spite of all different features in addition to tough LSL headlights, bar end mirrors and sleek frame with yellow battery packs, it is quite compact and light weight. Available in 3 models with varying speed ranges, Empulse 6.0 is priced at USD 9,995, the Empulse 8.0 is priced at USD 11,995 and the Empulse 10.0 is priced at USD 13,995. The good news is that these prices are subject to government rebates and incentives which may result in the Empulse 10.0 costing as little as USD 7000 in some states.
The disadvantage is the charging part. Electric charging points are many times not conveniently located. Besides the recharge time is always long, as against fuel based bikes which can be started immediately after fuel refill.
3. Toyota EV Racing Prototype
Toyota MotorSport GmbH has unleashed a new EV racing prototype powered by its very own high-performance electric power train. This electric power train uses two electric motors to deliver a power of 280kW and a top speed of 260 kmph with zero emissions. Commercial sale of this power train technology is scheduled to begin in 2012. This two seater sports car weighs just 970 kg and is powered using a lithium ceramic battery . This prototype is sure to set a competitive lap record at motor sports events.
This electric vehicle prototype is still in testing phase, where improvements are being made on its current lap record. Besides, it uses KERS and carries a few disadvantages of KERS along with it, like - disadvantage to heavy drivers.

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