While some still doubt electric cars, Volkswagen has brought a record-breaking electric car to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The I.D. R is a powerful vehicle because of, not in spite of, its electric engine. The record, an astonishing 7:57:148, wowed the competition and showed that a sub-8-minute time was actually possible.
How Electric Beat Combustion
The Hill Climb is a great place for an electric race car to show up combustion engines. For one, the attitude of the hill makes it difficult for combustion to occur in the engine. For another, the temperature range is ideal for batteries. Further, you need not worry about range beyond the relatively short climb, so the battery doesn’t have to be big. The lack of the combustion engine cuts the weight of the vehicle down considerably, too!
I.D. R: Awesome, if Unpractical
While the record-setting vehicle is certainly a treat to see in action, it’s hardly a read-world indicator of electric supremacy. While companies are making great strides with electric engines, the I.D. R is hardly the model to base on. For one, it was made specifically for high-end racing and would be impractical in normal situations. Volkswagen isn’t trying to market it that way, of course, but it’s still worth noting. The best part of showcases like this, for automakers, is the controlled setting.
That all said, this does inspire confidence that electric innovations in everyday vehicles is on the way. While many still feel as though electric is a distant fantasy, companies like Volkswagen and Tesla are looking to change that. Tesla, for its part, is having some issues with production numbers, but their ambition is unquestionable.
One thing is certain though: if Volkswagen can set world records at prestigious races with an electric engine, the time for electric to shine is now. Oil companies will fight it tooth and nail, but electric might just be the way of the future. I, for one, can’t wait to not have to gas up anymore; that stuff’s expensive!
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