GM Developing Drive Modes For Electric Car Racing

A patent application for electric race car drive modes has been filed by General Motors, according to Motor Authority.

As per the application these modes would allow drivers to switch between energy conservation for the race and single-lap pace for a qualifying run. They would also manage the available energy in the battery pack uniquely.

While an endurance mode would limit output but allow the car to complete more laps at a set pace, a qualifying mode would make maximum power available at the expense of running time. According to GM in the application, modes can be chosen using a dedicated switch or button, a touchscreen, or a steering-wheel paddle.

A similar concept has already been implemented in the Formula E series, which is all electric. The current Gen3 cars in Formula E only use their maximum power of 470 horsepower in certain scenarios, such as the last lap of qualifying and Attack Mode, where drivers get a brief power boost for adopting a slower racing line. The remainder of the time, power is restricted.
In addition, the Lucid Air Sapphire has a Track mode with submodes for Drag Strip, Endurance, and Hot Lap. In addition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N features Track, Drag, and a N Race mode with Sprint and Endurance settings.

If GM keeps working on the concepts outlined in this patent application, it may eventually have a feature similar to this for its own electric performance vehicles, like the electric Corvette that GM president Mark Reuss alluded to in a 2022 interview.