EVTC

[Gary Flo <innevate@PACIFIC.NET>]

Dave Erb <dave_erb@MINDSPRING.COM>
wrote:

>C1)  We're supposed to be showcasing the capabilities of EVs, yet we've
>got a race format which forces everyone to notice that we've drained the
>batteries in 7-10 miles.  Gary Flo says this is no different than pit
>stops for IC cars.  After struggling at numerous public appearances to
>make the distinction between seven miles range at race speeds vs. 80
>miles at normal speeds (approximate values for OSU's Lightning), I
>disagree vehemently.  Fifty mile range for a champ car averaging 230 mph
>at Fontana is a non-issue to the fans.  Seven mile range for a Lightning
>averaging 70 mph at Firebird is news:  extremely bad news.

I can't argue with your real life experience of talking to the public, and
I sympathize.  Every group I have ever spoken to about EVs, without
exception, makes a big deal about the limits of batteries. But 99% of them
have never seen or driven an EV.  I always make a point of asking these
same people how far they drive every day, and most of them drive under 30
miles, so in fact the batteries would be a non-issue for them.

Have you asked the people in the stands at an electric race?  There is a
difference between fans in the stands at a race, and the audience at public
appearances.  The audience at a talk are probably armchair racers, who like
my audiences have never seen or driven an EV, and probably never been to a
race. I think fans, on the other hand, want to see the cars go fast and
don't care about battery changes.

Having said that, let's face it, there aren't any fans for electric racing!
Except maybe mom and pop and the other participants.  Some say the sport
can't survive without spectators and the revenue they bring. Perhaps that's
true.  I have also been to an IC autocross event with over 100
participants, and no spectators so I don't know.

Your points about complexity and expense of battery change and charging are
all valid, and come from real life experience.  But the high school race,
no matter how competitive and close, just isn't quite as exciting for me,
as one of the few spectators, than the close Lightning race, due to the
higher speed.  Maybe a little slower with less changes it would still be
exciting?  How about Inductive pickups in the track with NO BATTERIES and
unlimited power?  Just a direct feed to the local (nuclear?) power plant
;-).

Gary




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