The electric vehicle nicknamed “Little Giant” from Team Vesco and reVolt Systems set a new maximum speed record last October.
The vehicle gradually accelerated to record speed.
The electric car, driven by Eric Ritter, achieved a one-way maximum speed of 574.5 km/h and an average speed of 568 km/h on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on October 1. Although this speed surpasses the current world record by 19 km/h, for it to be officially recognized, the vehicle needs to complete runs in both directions within 60 minutes, which Team Vesco was unable to do. However, this speed still allowed Little Giant to claim the national record in the United States.
“The speed is truly astonishing! The car surged forward like a beast with incredible torque, and it didn’t stop. I believe the vehicle could reach speeds of up to 643 km/h.”
“Little Giant” operates on 1,152 prismatic lithium-ion battery cells.
The Team Vesco based in Rockville, Utah, is renowned for high-speed records. In collaboration with reVolt Systems in Oceanside, California, this project saw Little Giant powered by 1,152 prismatic lithium-ion battery cells. The vehicle utilizes a pair of modified motors with enhanced power from Tesla. Greg Peek, an engineer from American Track Roadster, was responsible for designing and constructing the complex drivetrain that connects the motors and transmits power to the wheels. The car features an aerodynamic design inspired by fighter jets, designed for a single occupant.
The land speed record has remained unbroken since October 15, 1997, when the supersonic Thrust SCC achieved a speed of 1,277 km/h. For fully electric vehicles, the previous record belonged to the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 from Ohio State University, which reached 549 km/h in 2016. According to AutoEvolution, Team Vesco aims to set a higher record for electric vehicles, targeting a speed of 643 km/h.
