You have a huge variety to choose from: trucks, semis, buggies, sedans, stock cars and more. Many cars come in "sport" or "competition" versions. First-timers might prefer the sport models for their lower cost and simplicity, though if you're set on racing you may want some competition features, such as ball bearings and oil shocks.

When you choose a car, make sure you understand what it does and does not include. Some kits already come with the motor and a mechanical speed control. Competition-level cars provide the basic rolling chassis, but often require you to purchase everything else (motor, battery, electronic speed control, body) separately. Follow the Accessories Required links for the model you choose to see a list of the items you'll need.

DuraTrax IntelliSpeed Auto-Sport Forward Electronic Speed Control

Speed Controls
  Speed controls give you command over when and how fast your electric R/C vehicle moves — as well as whether it goes in forward or reverse. Working together with your radio system, they deliver current to the motor based on signals you send from the transmitter.
  Cars and trucks designed for hobby newcomers once came equipped with Mechanical Speed Controls. These included a resistor and were fitted to a servo and linkage which mechanically controlled their operation.
  Today, nearly all “hobby quality” electric R/C vehicles, even those aimed at beginners, are engineered to use Electronic Speed Controls, or ESCs. The mechanical versions seem rough and jerky compared to the smooth, precise performance of ESCs. Electronic speed controls also allow higher speeds and increase run times.
  Electronics technology has advanced to the point where you have almost as many choices in ESCs as you do cars themselves. Even if you purchase a ready-to-run model that comes with an electronic speed control, you may eventually want to upgrade to another ESC — weighing such features as:

• size and weight
• simplicity of set-up
• ability to handle higher current loads
• compatibility with different battery types
• whether it has such functions as brake or reverse control
• whether functions that do not meet the rules and regulations for formal competition can be “locked out”.

Motors
  In R/C, there are two basic classes of motors:
Stock and Modified
 If your model comes with a motor, it's most likely the stock variety. Stock motors must be run as is...you cannot open them to make modifications (which few beginners should attempt anyway).

 Modified motors require additional current to operate and should be used only with an electronic speed control. Equipped with such features as ball bearings and adjustable timing, they generally offer more power and greater torque than stock motors—but also drain your battery pack faster.

Various types of chargers are available for R/C car batteries. Most beginners choose a "timed" charger (one that operates for as long as its timer has been set) that can be powered either from 110V AC household current or from a 12V DC car battery at trackside. You might also look for a charger with a "trickle" charge mode—these let you charge packs slowly overnight. Competitors often use a "peak detection charger." These units have electronic circuitry that can detect when a battery has reached its maximum charge, then automatically switch to slow trickle charge.

The lists below show some popular options in batteries and chargers to keep your electric vehicle running. Those under the "Basic" heading do the job for the lowest cost. "Mid-Range" and "Deluxe" choices add convenience features or versatility.

Find Parts FAST with the Parts Ordering Wizard!
 Tower Hobbies carries just about every individual part you might need for any electric vehicle that we offer. And along with direct replacement parts, we also have many "aftermarket" parts - such as wheels, tires, bodies, suspension and steering components, motors, batteries, decals, and so on - that you can use to improve your model's performance and customize its looks.

 Hate digging through the web trying to find the exact parts you need for your R/C model? Tower Hobbies is proud to announce our Parts Ordering Wizard. With just two clicks you can locate any parts listing on our web site. Finding parts literally now takes only seconds. Give our Parts Ordering Wizard a try today!