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human
Could an electric vehicle stand a chance in a racing event?

Telsa released their new roadster just a bit ago, which is a very powerful car, and completely electric. Would an electric vehicle have any benefits in a race? Fuel efficiency or decreasing the weight of the car maybe?
gpt
The energy density of batteries is much lower than that of gasoline (or similar fuels). So to bring the same amount of total energy, an electric car will be heavier than a fuel-powered car. In addition, as the race progresses, fuel is burned and the fuel-powered car gets lighter. The batteries stay at the same weight, full or empty. So even though an electric engine is more efficient than a combustion engine, you'll need to drag more mass around the track for it to work.

However, electric engines do have a large advantage over combustion engines that could be useful in racing. A combustion engine produces it's highest torque in a specific RPM range. When accelerating from low speeds with a combustion engine, it may take some time to reach the point of maximum torque. Electric engines, on the other hand, can deliver their full torque immediately from the start. This difference is so significant that a modest full-electric vehicle can match high performance fuel-cars at a typical traffic light sprint.

So in a race that covers only a short distance (not much battery needed) and has many sharp corners that have a large reduction in speed (so the value of rapid acceleration is extra noticeable), an electric vehicle may come out ahead. In longer races with larger sections of straights or high speed turns, their advantage is rapidly nullified.

However, some race and sports cars use the best of both worlds. Many of the high-end sports cars are becoming hybrid-electric, using the electric engine for that extra punch, but relying on the good old fuel-burner for the longer haul. Formula 1 engines have incorporated a hybrid electric system for several years now (with battery management and deciding when to employ the electric boost becoming relevant skills for a driver).