Your Guide To Electric RC Cars

by Tony Williams

Radio-controlled cars are becoming more and more popular, with people of all ages and gender getting into the hobby. However, as one first enters the world of RC cars, one learns that there are so many choices on the type, model, and kinds of cars. For example, you have to choose what will be the source to power your car: electric or fuel. As a beginner, you will look at the pros and cons of each. This article will be looking further at advantages and disadvantages of electric-powered RC cars.


Advantages of electric-powered RC cars:

1. These cars are easy to clean. With batteries as the source of power, these will have no grease nor oil patches to scrub off.

2. These cars are lightweight; they do not carry the extra load of the fuel and tank.

3. These are easier to control. Unlike in the fuel-powered RC cars, engines of electric cars have a more balanced torque. This makes swerving and drifting easier to control.

4. These cars have better throttle response. With a lighter weight and a smoother engine, electric-powered cars respond better to an increase in engine power, and, thus, they accelerate faster. This is a very important advantage in short distance races.

5. These cars are quiet and don't give off gasoline fumes. Without the roar similar to a real car and fumes like those from fuel-powered cars, electric RC cars are suitable for indoor racing.

6. These cars have minimal regular maintenance. Since electric-powered RC cars don't use fuel, you don't need to perform oil changes, engine tune-ups, fuel checking, and other maintenance activities as you would with fuel-powered cars. Maintenance of electric RC cars are limited to dusting off the dirt, checking any damaged and worn-out parts, and replacing them.

Disadvantages of electric powered RC cars:

1. It may take a long time to fully charge the batteries of these cars. The cars may run for only 10 minutes before the batteries need recharging, which may take thirty minutes to fully charge them. In some models, it may not be practical to carry spare batteries and replace the dead ones.

2. These cars achieve lower speeds than fuel-powered cars. Electric cars can run up to 40 mph while fuel-powered cars run over 70 mph.

3. Engines of these cars use permanent magnets that may overheat and get damaged during long runs. Thus, remember to cool down the engines after each run.

4. With the popularity of fuel-powered RC cars, manufacturers produce more of this kind of cars than electric-powered ones. Hence, replacement parts for electric RC cars may not be readily available in the market.

Even with these disadvantages, it is better for a beginner to start with electric-powered RC cars. The simplicity and easy maintenance of these cars make them ideal to the person who is just starting out with this hobby.


About the Author

The Author Tony Williams manages the RC Helicopters website where you will find excellent remote controlled toys and get discount remote control helicopters at low prices.