Electrathon

An electrathon is a three or four wheeled electric vehicle, somewhat similar in overall appearance to a Go-Kart, but powered by an electric motor and batteries. Electrathon class vehicles are principly defined and constrained by length and width (12 feet long and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide maximum) and by battery weight and chemistry (67 lb, sealed lead acid). Driver's weight is ballasted to 180 lb (82 kg) for fairness. Safety regulations require features such as braking systems, roll bars, and electrical disconnects.

Electrathon racing itself is a somewhat recent invention, first starting in Australia. The basic format is to determine which car can travel the furthest distance in one hours time within the limitations of battery weight and other factors mentioned above. The main design problem is posed by the fact that fast speeds drain the batteries rapidly resulting in the car not being able to continue in motion for the entire hour, so design teams must compromise speed in order to gain distance. The main desideratum is efficiency of both the machine and driving technique.

The relatively low cost of the electrathon racing has made the sport a popular activity for high school age studentsnworld-wide who learn skills related to design, problem-solving,teamwork, math, physics, and electricity.

At present, the world record for distance travelled inone hour is 55 miles (89 km).