An electric dragster is a

drag racing Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles compete, usually two at a time, to be first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most c ...

vehicle which contains an electric propulsion system which is powered by batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors (ultracapacitors), and sometimes they include a combustion engine to recharge their ESS (

Energy Storage Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. A device that stores energy is generally called an accumulator or battery. Energy comes in ...

Systems).

Electric vehicles An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion. It can be powered by a collector system, with electricity from extravehicular sources, or it can be powered autonomously by a battery (sometimes cha ...

are becoming increasingly common because electric propulsion systems have recently been gaining recognition as a replacement for

gasoline Gasoline (; ) or petrol (; ) (see ) is a transparent, petroleum-derived flammable liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines (also known as petrol engines). It consists mostly of organic co ...

and

diesel Diesel may refer to: * Diesel engine, an internal combustion engine where ignition is caused by compression * Diesel fuel, a liquid fuel used in diesel engines * Diesel locomotive, a railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engin ...

powered propulsion systems. They are being considered as replacements for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles for many reasons, including the high efficiency of electric motors, their reliability, as well as their torque curves which can be achieved without a costly transmission. The torque characteristics of electric motors are attractive because they produce large amounts of torque, and they start producing most of it at zero RPM. One of the most significant problems which affect electric vehicle performance is the power density of their energy storage systems (energy density is a contributing factor too). Batteries and

supercapacitors A supercapacitor (SC), also called an ultracapacitor, is a high-capacity capacitor, with a capacitance value much higher than other capacitors but with lower voltage limits. It bridges the gap between electrolytic capacitors and Rechargeable ba ...

especially have relatively low energy densities compared to liquid fuels such as gasoline. Associated increases in mass can result in slower acceleration when compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle with similar power and weight characteristics. Increased mass can also increase braking distances and pitching. Offsetting these disadvantages is the benefit that batteries in an electric dragster can be evenly placed along the floor to keep the

centre of mass In physics, the center of mass of a distribution of mass in space (sometimes referred to as the balance point) is the unique point where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass sums to zero. This is the point to which a force may ...

low.

References

Drag racing cars Electric drag racing {{Electric-vehicle-stub

See also

References