Lola-Drayson electric LMP is as fast as an F1 racer

Depleting conventional fuel sources have led us to come up with alternative energy to meet our needs. Most proponents of green energy make use of renewable sources like solar, wind and tidal energy to power a wide range of gadgets and equipment. Industry sectors, in particular automobile manufacturers, are increasingly coming up with fuel efficient or, better yet, zero emissions vehicles. Most of these concept cars rely on electricity to function. But while electric vehicles are probably the answer to how we can incorporate necessity with fuel conservation, it’s a known fact that such cars can’t equal conventionally powered vehicles in terms of performance and speed. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why electric cars don’t go down so well with speed enthusiasts. That’s all set to change, however, with the launch of the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV which claims to be as fast as a Formula 1 race car despite using an all-electric powertrain.

Lola-Drayson Electric Racing Car

Unveiled at the MIA Low Carbon Racing Conference recently, it’s hoped that the car will be able to enter the first ever FIA Formula E competition strictly for electric vehicles which is to be held in 2013. So, how is it that an electric vehicle has the capability to run against an F1 car? The answer, according to Lola-Drayson B12/69EV’s co-developer, Lord Paul Drayson, is due to high-tech batteries and aerodynamics. The team-up between Drayson Racing Technologies LLP and Lola Cars International Ltd. hopes to propel the EV segment to the forefront of racing cars as well as increase appeal among the masses.

The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV is powerfully built, generating a massive 850 hp which allows it to go from 0-60 mph in just three seconds. That’s about as close to competing against a conventional racing car as you can get. Moreover, the wings of the car can be lowered depending on the incline of the track. What’s unique is that charging will be done wirelessly in pit garages with the use of charge pads. And if

Picture Gallery

Lola-­‐Drayson B12/69 EV

The car showcases advances such as inductive charging, composite battery power, moveable aerodynamics and electrical regenerative damping

The only drawback that we can perceive is the time taken at the pit stop. While conventional racing cars have everything done in a matter of minutes, the B12/69EV and other EVs will more than likely take close to half an hour at the pit stop. Of course, as long as it isn’t racing against a conventional race car, that shouldn’t be a problem.

The FIA Formula E contest will see around 24 electric vehicles competing against one another. However, if one automaker is to race two cars, the difference in performance will be calculated between the two. It’s an exciting moment for the EV racing segment which has striven to pit itself against the performance and speed of conventional vehicles, particularly race cars.

Via: Eaem