General Motors is seeking to patent a “Endurance mode“to help electric racing cars go the long way.
Not to be confused with something ill-fated electric pickup truckAccording to a GM patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on August 22 and originally filed by GM in early 2023, Endurance Mode is designed to emphasize range over actual speed.
A common saying in racing is “to finish first, you must finish first.” As GM explains in its application, an EV may not be able to complete the required number of laps in a given race at its full power output. GM’s solution is to create a power-limited driving mode that allows the car to complete more laps at a set pace.
NASCAR electric race car prototype – Photo via Bcomp
The onboard controller will monitor a number of factors to achieve this, but the main focus will be on battery temperatureby application. The controller will consider the ambient temperature as well as the cooling needs of both the vehicle’s climate control system and the package.
Endurance Mode could be packaged as part of Track Mode, with the driver able to switch between long-range mode and Qualifying Mode that allows for full-power runs in short sprints, GM suggests in the application. That would be similar to current track-capable EVs like Hyundai Ioniq 5N And Sapphire Clear Airand that’s what GM discussed in a separate patent filingGM added that drivers can also customize settings based on specific track locations.
NASCAR electric race car prototype – Photo via Bcomp
Not every patented idea is commercially viable, and in this case, GM also has to consider the rules of specific racing series. Formula E The rules have limited power output most of the time, only allowing drivers to use full power in pre-race qualifying and in specific circumstances during the race. But the rules also specify less power on the car than is necessary. complete a race at top speedforcing drivers to conserve energy.
GM doesn’t currently compete in any electric car racing, but it’s no stranger to motorsports. Switchable driving modes could be useful if something like that were to happen. electric NASCAR prototype shown earlier this year has run on the track, or in electric corvette The automaker has confirmed production for 2022.
