 Electric R/C cars and trucks have several advantages for new hobbyists. They're clean-running. They make relatively little noise. And they're easier to operate than "gas" models. You don't have to buy fuel, heat glow plugs or fuss over engine adjustments. Just charge your batteries and connect wires properly—then, your electric car should work.
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.
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.
What else do I need?
You have the car or truck, a motor and a speed control. That covers the equipment that makes an assembled electric model ready to race. But you need a few additional items to transform it from a static machine to one with the power to move at your command. Those include a 2-Channel or 3-Channel radio system, with "AA" batteries to power the transmitter—plus some Field Accessories, including NiCd battery packs, charger, and a field bag.
And, if you purchased a kit rather than an RTR (Ready-to-Run) model, you'll also need a few tools and finishing supplies to put your new vehicle together—such as:
Batteries and Charger
A rechargeable battery pack is required to run virtually all electric cars and trucks. These are typically made of 6 or 7 individual NiCd or NiMH cells, wired together and wrapped in a plastic film. Most drivers keep several packs on hand, using one to race while another is recharging (which usually takes about 20 minutes).
Various types of chargers are available for R/C car batteries. Most beginners choose a basic, affordable AC/DC charger that can be powered either from a 110V AC household current or from an 11-15V DC car battery at trackside. They 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, and then it automatically switches to a 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.
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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.
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