Porsche Is Working on New Batteries for Electric Race Cars
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
While
electric vehicles
(EVs) are popular among drivers who value fuel efficiency and sustainability, one group might feel overlooked: race car enthusiasts. As emissions regulations shape the cars of the future, what will happen to high-powered, high-emissions racing vehicles? Car racing enthusiasts question whether the sport can still exist in a new era of EV technology.
Thankfully for racers and fans, Porsche is working with Cellforce to design battery cells that are compatible with high-performance race cars.
Why are race car enthusiasts worried?
Race car drivers are worried that stricter emissions standards mean their
modified
racing vehicles may be seized. Many racers rely on aftermarket devices that allow vehicles to produce more power but also more emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting more serious about cracking down on vehicles that use such devices. For motorsports to continue to exist, there’ll need to be clearer policies around modifying cars for competition or better emission-free race cars.
As
Autoweek
reported, the aftermarket parts advocacy group, Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is pushing back against the standards. SEMA argues that race cars should be exempt from emissions regulations if they’re exclusively used for competition.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Why is it hard to use electric technology for race cars?
MORE: You Should Stick to Speed Limits Even on a Race Track
The technology involved in producing EVs has improved considerably over the years, especially when it comes to the range they can reach after charging. But, race cars need more power than street vehicles, and they need to be light and quick to refuel.
Battery technology for race cars needs more work to be appealing to racers. That’s why many automakers are working to develop EVs that are suitable for racing. For Porsche, a brand with a long racing history, it’s even more important to bring electric technology to the track.
Porsche partners with Customcells to work on electric race cars
According to
Autoblog
, Porsche is working with Customcells, a German battery cell developer, to help power race cars with electric technology. The two companies have created a joint venture, Cellforce, whose goal is to design and produce battery cells that can meet the requirements for high-performance race cars. Cellforce is developing a battery cell that uses silicon as the anode material to improve its power while reducing size and weight. This solution will also help make the battery take less time to charge and be able to withstand higher temperatures.
New battery technology could move beyond the track
While the initial focus of the joint venture is on racing, these battery cells could be available for other high-end, race car-inspired vehicles. This could be appealing to drivers who want cars that are eco-friendly, but also powerful and fast.
For now, electric race cars are in the early stages of development. But, racing enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting future for electric race cars. Whether you drive an EV or a traditional gas-powered car, let
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