How to Drive a 225km/h Electric Race Car: A Tongue-in-Cheek Guide
Riding in an electric race car for the first time felt a tad peculiar, according to Sebastian Buemi, a renowned racer in the world of electric automobiles. These machines can be tricky to handle, but the unpredictability only adds to the thrill, he explained.
The popularity of electric vehicles is on the rise, and by 2030, it's predicted that 125 million of these eco-friendly marvels will hit the streets. Buemi, the star of the Nissan e.dams team, shares some insights on maneuvering an electric race car and why we should all get ready for the electric future.
Flooring the Pedal: Kickstarting your Electric Steed
Starting an electric race car follows a process quite similar to one in Formula 1, as Buemi, who once competed in the latter, explained to CNN.
Press a button named the "Main Switch" and then engage the "Ignition Switch" to activate the entire software system. Once done, simply shift from neutral to first gear, and voilà! The dance can begin.
“No need for a warm-up like in Formula 1, where the engine needs to heat up. The process is simpler, but it's essential to note that it's chock-full of software,” Buemi cautioned.
Saddle Up and Ride: Crawling Out of the Starting Blocks
Buemi's first time riding an electric race car in the inaugural Formula E season left him a little taken aback.
“The initial laps felt odd,” he reminisced. “But I’ve come to appreciate this new mode of transportation, much like how I used to love my Scalextric set and battery-powered race cars zipping around model tracks as a kid.”
A few years later, Buemi, a Swiss native, emerged victorious in the second season of Formula E with a fully-electric race car. Now, he enlightens us on navigating one of these bad boys and why we should all gear up for the electric era.
The Launch Sequence: Stomp on the Pedal and Go!
Alright, so you’ve got the basics down, and you’re ready to kick this thing into gear. But how do you navigate the launch sequence in an electric racer?
“The technique is just like in Formula 1,” Buemi explained to CNN, having previously raced with Toro Rosso in the prestigious series.
“There’s the 'Main Switch' and then 'Ignition Switch.' You switch to Neutral, then press the first gear option, and bingo – the show begins!”
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The First Ride: Trip Down the Learning Curve
Buemi's first attempt at steering an electric race car during Formula E’s inaugural season 2014-2015 felt a bit strange. Having never driven an electric car before, he admitted he was a novice to the quiet, software-driven realm.
“I quickly fell in love with it, though, just like how I adored those old Scalextric days. I never thought I’d drive a real-life electric racer then,” he chuckled.
Proceed with Caution: Less Software, More Hardware
“There’s less noise involved, but it’s not entirely silent,” Buemi noted. “You can still hear the whirring of the gearbox and a dash of engine noise, but it’s nothing like a traditional gasoline-powered engine.”
He continued, “Because of the absence of loud noises, many families and children will attend these automobile events. The quietness of the vehicle makes it more approachable.”
Unfortunately, the silent nature of electric vehicles also presents challenges. The US Department of Transportation mandates that electric and hybrid cars emit sounds at speeds below 30 km/h (18.6 mph) to ensure pedestrian safety.
Cruising at Lightning Speed: Real World Vs. Racetrack
The top speed of Formula E cars pales in comparison to those in Formula 1, which hit speeds of over 370 km/h (230 mph). Instead, electric racecars are limited to around 140 km/h (87 mph), as the restrictive tires elaborate on the concept of real-world efficiency.
“Formula 1 allows more freedom when it comes to car design, but in Formula E, nearly 75% of the vehicle's components are standardized. Your team is only responsible for the drivetrain and software,” Buemi explained.
The Art of Racing and Efficiency
“In Formula 1, the focus is on lap times, forcing you to add extra motors to pick up speed. But in Formula E, efficiency is key. Efficiency translates to less drag and slick tires for an even better ride,” Buemi explained.
Safety First: Strategy for a Winning Race
On the open road, conserving energy is crucial as a racecar's energy consumption is influenced by factors such as the type of acceleration, braking, and speed. In the realm of Formula E, maximizing each energy burst is essential.
The Influence of the E-Attack Mode
The E-Attack Mode is a feature introduced in this season for drivers to receive an extra 25 kW of power when they exit the track and activate the zone. The boost can significantly influence the outcome of the race, but drivers must use it wisely to avoid falling behind in the race.
Embracing the Electric Future
Buemi is confident of a wider adoption of electric vehicles in the future, saying his two young sons will inevitably grow up doing the same. He furthered, “The technology is drastically improving, and the range of electric cars is now impressive. With an improved charging infrastructure and governmental support, it will only grow more widespread.”
The International Energy Agency estimates that 125 million electric vehicles will be on the road by 2030. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and automobile races, it's only a matter of time before electric cars shape the very heart of the racing community.
Lessons from Formula E
Formula E serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry. By adhering to these lessons, electric vehicles are poised to surpass gasoline-powered cars in performance, efficiency, and convenience.
Sources
- Electric Race Car Basics (Fanboost, E-Attack Mode, & Pit Stops)
- The Insane Tech of Formula E's Fastest Cars (Formula E)
- How Formula E Works (Sportskeeda)
- Formula E Gen 2 Powertrain (Formula E)
