(During the month of October, we’re publishing a series of stories on the “futureproofing” of collector cars through the use of electric powertrains, which also are coming to seemingly every automaker’s vehicle lineup. As always, your comments are welcome, and if you have converted a vintage vehicle to electric power, we’d love to share your story with others. Contact us at [email protected].)
“We are excited about the future of electric vehicles and happy to be a part of shattering the notion that electric cars are slow,” team owner and Bonneville Salt Flats veteran Rick Vesco proclaimed after the Vesco 444 reVolt Systems streamliner set the EV speed record of 353 mph earlier this month.
“Little Giant parked some big records on the salt,” Vesco added after the car hit 322 on the first two days of running.
According to the team’s news release, both runs “crushed” the National Electric E3 speed record.
To achieve such speeds, Team Vesco worked with Eddy Borysewicz and his reVolt Systems and also got “significant contributions” to the effort from Greg Peek of American Track Roadster and from engineer Trenton Wonsley.
“Borysewicz learned about not being afraid to do something that has never been done when he loaded in 1,152 prismatic lithium ion batteries and heavily modified (a) pair of Tesla motors,” the news release notes.
Peek was responsible for the design and building of the complex powertrain section that connects the motors together and then sends the necessary energy to the driveline, and to the wheels.
“In design, you start with things that you know and the things you don’t, then fill in the blanks and connect the dots,” the hot-rod veteran explained.
“What an incredible ride,” driver Eric Ritter is quoted. “The torque off the starting line — it’s a monster — it bolts without hesitation and keeps pulling, non-stop. Our time slips tell the story, with the 357 mph top speed, that 400 is now a reality, no longer just a dream.”
Team Vesco noted that the Little Giant’s battery pack was recharged with solar power between its runs.
The streamliner chassis converted to an electro-mod dates to the mid-1950s and has been a consistent 300-mph vehicle in recent decades with a variety of liquid-fueled engines, the team said.
Ho-Hum don’t care.
Pistons have earned a solid spot in our love affair with cars, but we are a clever lot with plenty of great thoughts to shepherd the hobby, the sport and industry forward. When the push truck is louder than the race car, it not only raises awareness but gets us thinking about possibilities. Oh, and there is a sound…but it comes at you like a powerful whirling wind up that demands simultaneous attention and caution.
Different is not bad, rather an adventure into tomorrow.