Title: Exploring the Feasibility and Possibility of

Transitioning from Fuel Driven to Battery-Driven

Formula 1 Race Cars
Abstract:
The paper's objectives center on reducing air pollution through the adoption of
battery-driven cars. Key findings include the assessment of battery competence,
maintenance requirements, construction and maintenance costs, suitability of
recharging infrastructure, and the cost of electricity for recharging. The
conclusions weigh the worthiness of transitioning from fuel-driven to battery-
driven cars, taking into account their potential for reducing pollution and economic
justifiability, considering factors such as purchase costs, fuel savings, maintenance
expenses, and government incentives.

Introduction:
Race cars are meticulously engineered machines designed for high-speed
performance and precision handling. Each component plays crucial part in
achieving optimal performance, as outlined below.
Engine:
The engine is the heart of the racing car, producing immense power and torque. It’s
responsible for moving the vehicle forward. High-performance racing caring
engines are set up to maximize horsepower while ensuring reliability under
extreme conditions.
Fuel Tank:
The fuel tank stores the racing fuel required to power the engine. Its deign focuses
on weight reduction and fuel distribution to ensure a consistent flow to the engine,
providing the car with power to maintain top speeds.
Chassis:
The chassis is the car’s structural backbone, providing stability and safety. It’s
designed to be lightweight, rigid, and aerodynamically efficient. The chassis also
incorporates a roll cage for driver protection in the event of a crash.
Transmission system:
Race car transmissions is responsible for managing power delivery from the engine
to the wheels, It includes gearbox with multiple gears, allowing racing driver to
use power of the engine in maximum.
Wings:
Aerodynamic elements such as front and rear wings enhance downforce and reduce
drag, improving grip and stability during driving corners in high speed. These
components are adjustable to be changed for different conditions of the racing
track.
Suspension:
Race car suspensions providing maximum traction and responsiveness for a F1 car.
They feature adjustable shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bars to optimize grip
and handling through various conditions and turns.

Air pollution has detrimental effect on the environment and it is imperative that we
reduce the carbon addition automotive industry has already started to shift to
electric batteries. However, the electric vehicles (EV) are yet to be used in racing.

Historical Context:
The history of electric cars spans five periods, starting with pioneers in the 1830s.
Early electric vehicles faced limitations, but in the 1880s, William Morrison
created the first practical electric car. By the 20th century, electric cars competed
with steam and gasoline vehicles, with gasoline eventually dominating.
In the 1970s, rising oil prices renewed interest in electric vehicles. The 1997
release of the Toyota Prius marked a milestone, and in 2003, Tesla's founding
sparked an electric revolution. Advances in battery technology and the introduction
of models like the Nissan LEAF contributed to electric vehicle growth.
From 2021, electric vehicles experienced a tipping point, with a surge in sales and
countries like Norway leading in adoption. The future looks promising, with the
International Energy Agency predicting significant growth, and governments and
businesses committing to sustainable transport. The electric mobility trend signals
a brighter and more sustainable future for the automotive industry. [1]
Technological Advances in Battery Technology:

Exploring cutting-edge EV battery innovations like solid-state and graphene

technologies reveals promising advancements. Solid-state batteries, replacing
liquids with solids, promise safer and longer-lasting energy, potentially boosting
EV ranges significantly. Similarly, graphene batteries, with an ultra-thin graphite
layer, offer faster charging and increased energy density, outperforming traditional
lithium-ion counterparts.

Highlighting the crucial role of battery tech in steering the EV industry towards
sustainability, the text emphasizes recycling retired EV batteries for stationary
energy storage, actively reducing waste and aiding environmental preservation.
Envisioning a future of efficient, sustainable EVs underscores the collective
commitment to advancing technology and environmental consciousness in the
automotive sector. Battery technology emerges as the driving force for a future
marked by widely embraced, eco-friendly electric vehicles. [2]
The comparison between lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells is crucial in
the context of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, most EVs utilize lithium-ion or
Lead-acid batteries, storing energy for mechanical motion. In contrast, Hydrogen
Fuel Cells, developed in 1839, store energy in hydrogen to produce electricity,
water, and heat.
Fuel cells involve an anode, cathode, and a synthetic polymer membrane,
orchestrating a chemical reaction to generate electricity. Hydrogen's abundant
nature in the universe contributes to fuel cells' appeal. However, challenges arise,
such as the energy-intensive process of isolating hydrogen, its high flammability,
and issues with storage and transportation.
Despite offering an energy-dense and potentially clean solution, hydrogen fuel
cells currently present operational complexities and higher costs compared to the
more established, safer, and cost-effective lithium-ion technology in use today for
practical and high-performance electric vehicles. [3]
While these technological advancement and ongoing researches encourage for the
paradigm shift to battery driven Formula 1 race cars, the feasibility of this change
needs to be verified. The batteries should store sufficient energy for a Formula 1
race car to complete all the laps.
Energy Requirement for a Complete Race:
The minimum distance of a Formula 1 race is 305 kilometers. As per regulations,
since 2019, a Formula 1 car can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel
(Partridge). The fuel used in a Formula 1 is gasoline with a minimum octane rating
of 87.
The energy density of the fuel is 12,889 Watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). Hence,
110 kg fuel can reserve around 1418 kilowatt-hours (kWh) energy (Zodhya).
Average tank filling and usage is expected to be near 80%. Hence, total energy
reserved is 80 % × 1418 kWh or 1134 kWh approximately.
Now,
1 Wh= 3600 Joules
1134 kWh= 4.08 × 109 Joules
The thermal efficiency of Formula 1 car is about 51% [5]
So, the useful energy that we get= 4.08 × 109 × 51 %=2.08 ×109 J

6. Challenges and Limitations:

The most common batteries used for electric vehicles are lithium-ion batteries. A
lithium-ion battery has an energy density of 300 Wh/kg (Institute)
So, to provide 2.08 ×10 9 J energy, a lithium battery of mass about 1900 kg will be
required. This is impractical.
Solid state batteries have an energy density of 2 to 2.5 times that of lithium-ion
batteries (studiousguy). But even though a solid-state battery would weigh around
760 kg which is again impractical.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the transition from fuel-driven to battery-driven Formula 1 race cars,
while an enticing prospect for a sustainable future, presents substantial challenges
that are deeply rooted in the fundamental differences between conventional fuel
and current battery technologies. Through meticulous calculations and analysis, it
becomes evident that replicating the energy density of 110 kg of fuel, a standard
for Formula 1 racing, with existing lithium-ion or solid-state batteries is presently
impractical.

The sheer mass required for a battery to match the energy output of the traditional
fuel-driven system introduces complexities that extend beyond the technical realm.
A lithium-ion battery weighing approximately 1900 kg or a solid-state battery of
760 kg raises concerns about the impact on the overall performance, agility, and
safety of the Formula 1 car. These weight implications could jeopardize the very
essence of Formula 1 racing, which thrives on speed, precision, and aerodynamic
efficiency.

While advancements in battery technology are ongoing, the current limitations

underscore the intricacies of transitioning to a battery-driven paradigm in high-
performance motorsports. The feasibility of such a transition must not only address
energy density challenges but also consider the broader implications on the sport's
dynamics, regulations, and infrastructure.

In the pursuit of sustainable racing, it is crucial to acknowledge that a hybrid

approach might be the most pragmatic path forward. Integrating elements of
electric propulsion while retaining the efficiency of traditional fuel systems could
strike a balance between environmental consciousness and the exhilarating
demands of Formula 1 racing. Collaborative efforts between the automotive
industry, battery technologists, and motorsports enthusiasts are imperative to
navigate this intricate landscape and steer Formula 1 towards a future that
embraces both performance and sustainability.

References
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Guerrero, Alex. Evaluated-components-of-a-F1. 5 10 2020.

<https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Evaluated-components-of-a-F1_fig7_346103367>.

Institute, Clean Energy. research/energy-storage/lithium-ion-battery. n.d.

<https://www.cei.washington.edu/research/energy-storage/lithium-ion-battery/#:~:text=They
%20have%20one%20of%20the,Wh%2Fkg%20for%20alternative%20technologies.>.

jeremy. book of the year. New York: Reinforce, 2021.

Partridge, Jarrod. what-fuel-do-formula-1-cars-use. 23 07 2023. 25 11 2023.
<https://f1chronicle.com/what-fuel-do-formula-1-cars-use/>.

studiousguy. solid-state-battery-working-principle-uses-advantages. n.d. <https://studiousguy.com/solid-

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<https://medium.com/@zodhyatech/how-much-energy-does-an-f1-car-consume-
808155a1a356>.