I find it challenging to accurately compare the performance of an electric car to a gas car, specifically as it relates to participating in track events. The classing systems many organizations use, that are designed to level the playing field between ICE cars- like weight-to-horsepower ratio, just don't work as well when EVs are involved for a couple key reasons: 1) Without gearing, it is impossible to keep an EV at high hp and torque. EVs have the advantage of max torque at low RPMs, but once it falls away at higher RPMs there is no way to get it back up. 2) Across the board decreases in HP & torque curves at lower states of charge. To compete with ICE vehicles that may be gaining speed as their fuel load burns off, the EV has to capitalize on the first couple of laps while power is still high. This is tough as we just can't get as many competitive laps in each session. I think I understand (barely) some of the technical limitations behind this, but I do find it interesting when watching Formula E that they race right down to 1% SoC. I'm assuming they can only do this as they don't care if the motor and/or batteries are fried once the race is over.
Just for fun I went through the Scan My Tesla data from my last track event to see how the HP and Torque numbers came out at various states of charge. No surprise - It pretty much follows the Dyno results I've seen posted from Mountain Pass Performance and others, just on track instead of a dyno.
Anyway - I wonder how this will flush out over time and how events like Global Time Attack, NASA TT and others will adapt as more EVs enter and the technology evolves. Interested to hear other's thoughts and predictions for the future of electrified motorsport.
Just for fun I went through the Scan My Tesla data from my last track event to see how the HP and Torque numbers came out at various states of charge. No surprise - It pretty much follows the Dyno results I've seen posted from Mountain Pass Performance and others, just on track instead of a dyno.
Anyway - I wonder how this will flush out over time and how events like Global Time Attack, NASA TT and others will adapt as more EVs enter and the technology evolves. Interested to hear other's thoughts and predictions for the future of electrified motorsport.