How to Race Electric Cars

Electric drag cars are the chosen vehicles for electric car racing. Entering into an electric car race means following strict and specific rules spelled out in the National Electric Drag Racing Association manual. All competitors must have only electric motors in their cars. This is the most important rule, although you can have more than one electric motor installed. All fuel systems must be removed. Only batteries are allowed. If you are considering becoming an electric car racer or maybe just a curious observer, read through the following steps to learn how the race is done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric car Batteries

1. Hop into your electric car and get in line at the start of the race with your competitors. Make sure your batteries are fully loaded and start your engines. When the flag goes down get ready to go, full speed ahead.

2. Put your foot on the accelerator and, depending upon how many laps your race is, reach top speed after the second lap, and continue down the track. If you are racing in a single lap, top speed would be 104 mph. A two-hour endurance race would take you to about 69 mph. Racing a quarter mile could get you to a top speed of 150 mph.

3. Replace your electric car's power supply when your battery line is low by installing 1,500 pounds of batteries. This should take a mere nine seconds. If you are racing in a 25-mile sprint, make sure the batteries are already charged. There isn't a stop during this short race and cars have been known to burn out due to circuit breakers overheating.

4. Pull your car into a garage charging area if your batteries need to be recharged and not replaced. Plug your car into a built-in receptacle for a quick charge. It might take four minutes to charge your battery to 50 percent.

5. Drive with your windows down so you can signal to other drivers that you will be passing. If your race is a no-pass race you must get permission before you pass. If a driver approaches closely behind you with an intent to pass, give him permission by pointing to the left side or arm out the window and hand over the roof as a means to say pass to my right.

6. Continue around the track for longer races, making sure to avoid other drivers yet maintaining a proper pace. Stay away from the railings as you enter into a curve. Just as when you are driving on the road, take the curves a little slower to avoid losing control. It is best to brake as you enter the curve and then to speed up as you exit the curve.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose an aerodynamic car style for maximum performance. This sleek style glides right through the wind with less drag. If you are thinking about racing electric cars, keep in mind that there also are electric go-cart races and electric bike races.
• Batteries must be charged in order to keep cars racing at maximum speeds.