Eureka! Institutional Repository

The incorporation of electric vehicles in Drag Racing, has a double advantage. In the first place there is a significant reduction in high emissions produced in such races, thus contributing in the effort launched by the European Union in 2018 in reducing pollution, through the utilization of electric vehicles. Furthermore, electric vehicles can offer high performance in a racing context. Though electric vehicles in America take part in Drag Races, this is not a widespread idea in Europe yet. The present thesis aims to promote this potential, through research. Specifically, the purpose of this research, is the conversion of a conventional vehicle to an electric one for Drag Racing in Europe. The questions raised in the research include whether there is equipment in the market that covers the needs for a Drag Race electric vehicle (motor, batteries etc.) and additionally, whether the electric vehicle can achieve high performance in a racing context, compared to conventional vehicles. Moreover, this thesis will discuss both positive and negative elements that will arise with the integration of electric vehicles in such races. To achieve the purpose, a specific methodology was followed. In summary, a conventional vehicle has been selected based on specific criteria, some desirable performances were set by proximity, and then the losses of the vehicle were calculated, in order to calculate the power of the motor. Based on the calculations, a web research was contacted in order to select the motor, as well as the rest of the parts that will be added to the now electric vehicle and they will be able to respond to the power of the motor. As shown by the results, the conversion of the conventional to the electric vehicle for racing use is possible and at the same time it provides many advantages compared to the conventional vehicle. Specifically, the electric vehicle can offer higher performance with zero emissions, compared to conventional vehicles. Regardless of some basic drawbacks, it is argued that with time these will be smoothen out.