Quote:
Originally Posted by examorph
Would the above post also hold true for a vehicle that travels at speeds of about 25-30mph and weights very little (can probably lift it up with one hand)?
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If you're driving on a track at a constant velocity you'll have your aero drag,rolling resistance,some curve resistance (which you can't do much about),and maybe some aero losses as a function of wind if the track is not sheltered.
*Of course your aero will be a function of frontal area and Cd.You want to minimize both as best you can
*Rolling resistance will revolve around your tire choice,inflation pressure (rule book?) and mass of vehicle and driver.
*Your battery range will be governed by the Road Load of aero and R-R at your given speed.
If you can cut weight do it.R-R will be a significant fraction of your overall load at low speeds.At higher velocity the aero would dominate (it;s 85% of drag with Honda's Dream 2 solar car at highway velocity).
*Your pit crew will be as important as the car if not more so.'Pre-race' the car all you can,and have no surprises come the day of the actual event.