Reply #143: We have a basic disagreement [View All]

[Mopar151]

You would like to beleive, and I'm more into facts. The trouble is, moral superority does not solve some very real problems of pure electrics. First, the energy density of batteries per pound vs. liquid fuels - it's why the Apollo & Gemeni capsules used fuel cells instead of batteries. So far, the best electric cars have energy storage roughly equal to a gallon of gas. Second, if electric drag cars had the power of Frank Mazi's Opel, they would need the huge tires, wheelie bars, and the like. If it's on a race car, and costs a dime or weighs an ounce, there's a reason for it. Third, electrics have an issue that is rarely raised - FIRE!
We treat battery cables and battery terminals in race cars with the respect accorded poisinous snakes - for good reason. High amperage electrical arcs will burn anything - and I mean anything! You can aim a fire extuinguisher directly at the arc and it just don't matter - It'll fuse the extuinguisher powder. Now multiply that by 20-30 X (typical EV battery pack) and the results can be spectacular - especially if the fire gets into the insulating material of the battery pack itself.

As far as "such places", you won't find those duck n'weave idiots there either - they aren't "racing types" at all. Most of them are so fearful of being embarrased by anyone with real skill and good equipment that they want to "race" average citizens instead, or someone with even less on the ball then they have. And then you have the self-important jerks who depend on the mercy of strangers 20X a day, as they intimidate the little people out of their way. And there really aren't many professional racing drivers - there are quite a few professional drivers in racing, but most of them drive trucks or heavy equipment. You want to see joyous abandon, take a guy out of a cement mixer and put him in a Honda CRX!