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The Quiet Revolution of Formula E Electric Car Racing

Posted by samzenpus on from the quiet-time dept.

pbahra writes One of the greatest emotional triggers at any auto-racing event is the noise. In Nascar, it is the earthshaking growl of V8 American muscle. In Formula One, it is the chest-rattling wail of 15,000 rpm. To some the sound is repellent. To others it is like an opera. But what if there is no sound at all? Welcome to the quiet world of Formula E, a global racing series for electric cars, which debuts this month in Beijing.

6 of 116 comments (clear)

  1. Actually... by almitydave · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Although the current regulations allow Formula 1 engines to rev up to 15,000 RPM, they don't because that would exceed the maximum fuel flow requirements. I believe the practical limit is around 11,000. F1 introduced a new hybrid powertrain this year that ironically has caused some uproar because it's perceived as too quiet, compared to the screaming V8s and V10s that ran at 18-19,000 RPM. Audi's diesel LMP cars are also quiet compared to other ICE race cars - you don't need earplugs around them - but they're not silent.

    I'd love to check out a Formula E race if I have a chance, and I hope the series does well. I think there's the potential for an all-electric racing series to contribute toward the technological development of powertrains in electric road-going cars, just as traditional gas-powered auto racing has with ICE road cars.

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    1. Re:Actually... by jareth-0205 · · Score: 4, Informative

      And it's the most boring year for F1 ever.

      I mean boring is entirely a personal judgement but... *really*? A leading team rivalry that is up there with Hunt/Lauda and Senna/Prost in its intensity, a decapitation of the reigning champion (and humiliation behind his new teammate), the resurgence of Williams, a whole bunch of new stars on the rise? A bunch of new mistakes made all across the board as drivers struggle with twitchy cars?

      I don't know what F1 you've been watching but for me this year is far more interesting than the Red Bull-Vettel dominance of the last 3 years.

  2. Sounds Cool by CanHasDIY · · Score: 4, Funny

    I love auto racing, in all its forms. Can't wait until they start televising this circuit, especially every time a driver pits to swap vehicles; from TFA:

    The cars can run for about 25 minutes in race conditions, depending on the power level. That means the drivers will have to switch cars halfway through, because the technology to replace or recharge a battery midrace hasn't been perfected yet. Which creates pit stops with drivers scrambling out of one single-seater, hopping to another, and having mechanics buckle them in.

    That should be rather entertaining :)

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  3. Re:Put me squarely in by Shatrat · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You should check out MotoGP next spring as well. It's got all the noise and power of F1, but with actual overtaking.

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  4. Re:quiet = powerful by bjwest · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Unfortunately these cars won't do 200MPH...

    Neither did the Grand Prix cars in the beginning. Racing and its popularity helped guide the auto industry to where it is now. I can only hope that electric car racing will do the same for the innovation in the electric market.

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  5. Ugh. Noise. by TechyImmigrant · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I used to work in an F1 team.
    The thing I hated most was the noise.

    There is no downside to Formula E racing. It's quieter. There isn't liquid fuel sloshing around. The races are shorter.

    Let's just drop F1 and move over to Formula E. I might even consider going back if that happens.

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