More and more electric racecars are entering the mainstream, which means great things for the advancement of electric vehicle technology. But most don’t attempt this kind of a feat: Alister McRae and Tim Coronel want to take an electric version of their McRae Pro Dakar 4×2 buggy for a 14-day sprint across the grueling deserts and mountains of Argentina and Chile. These photos of the gas-powered buggy’s ride last year give some idea of what they’re up against.
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[youtube width=”537″ height=”456″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esIdf3rwTNk[/youtube]
The Dakar Rally is a tough race for any car, a 5500-mile run across blazing hot desert dunes. The video above shows just how punishing the conditions can be. But McRae, the brother of late rally driver Colin McRae, and experienced European racecar driver Coronel, believe their buggy is up to the challenge. The McRae Pro Dakar EV will feature a lithium ion battery and 268-horsepower motor, and the car will use regenerative braking and innovative energy recovering shock absorbers to extend the EV’s range.
+ McRae Buggy
Via Wired.com
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]