Do you fancy electric remote controlled cars or do your kids take a liking to them? Presumably, you along with your kids are looking for a family recreational activity for some whole hearted entertainment. Building, racing, repairing and maintaining RC cars is a great hobby that help you spend your leisure time in a fun way. Most of the RC enthusiasts enjoy toying with their RC cars just as much as they do while driving them. Modern day RC cars come with tons of upgradable features that make this hobby all the more fun. If you are looking for the top electric RC cars, then this post will help you take a look at the best electric RC cars out there.
We have carried out hours and hours of extensive research to unearth these electric RC cars. These are ready to run devices that come with loads of features. They include best electric motors, radio systems and battery technology which make them slightly costly than usual, but they are worth it. To be honest, all of the below mentioned RC cars are simply magnificent.
Table of Contents
1 – Traxxas XO-1
If you wondered ever that you could never own a super car then all your life long dreams are about to come true. The Traxxas XO-1 is incredibly fast and equipped with state of the art technology.
Are these Electric RC Cars Fast and Furious?
The Traxxas XO-1 incorporates the biggest electric motor to have been in introduced in the electric RC cars industry. It enables the beast of a car to reach 0 to 60mph in 2.3 seconds and 0 to 100mph in 4.92 seconds. It is a ready to run car and does not require any assembly.
The App
Equipped with a Traxxas Link Wireless Module, the users can use the Traxxas Link app with their handheld mobile devices for unbelievable tuning features for their Traxxas XO-1. In addition to tuning features, the app also portrays data such as temperature, RPM, speed and voltage. The free app and correct batteries are required to reach the optimum speeds of above 100mph.
Performance parts
Some of the performance parts of this lightning fast piece of machinery are top quality. The drive shaft consists of extruded aluminum similar to real life cars, the differentials are enclosed, the shocks are mini sized racing shocks and the tires have been recommended to support top speeds of around 100mph. It is a marvel of modern technology but you still have to purchase a couple of 11.1V 3-cell LiPo batteries for the vehicle and four AA batteries for the radio controller. Here is an in-depth review of the Traxxas XO-1.
Pros
- Ultimate performance
- Top quality performance parts
- Ready to run out of the box
- Aerodynamics for optimum downforce
- Brushless Motor
Cons
- Not made for beginners
- Batteries and charger not included in original packaging
2 – Team Losi Audi R8 LMS Ultra RTR Car
The Team Losi Audi R8 LMS Ultra RTR Car is a 1/6 scale model that is an all-wheel drive machine designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.
Motor
Serious power is something that you should expect from this extravagantly fast car. It includes a 1200Kv brushless motor that is generally incorporated in larger sized 1/5 scale models at the team Losi factory. It can attain speeds in excess of 65mph which is quite a fast speed.
Control
As the car becomes more and more quick, it becomes harder to control and maneuver. The vehicle is loaded with Spektrum Active Vehicle Control that lets the drive customize the throttle control and adjust directional stability to ensure that optimum power is generated for enhanced performance.
Pros
- Huge motor for enhanced performance
- Top speed in excess of 65mph
- Realistic graphics and styling
- Large 18mm shocks
- Brushless motor
Cons
- A couple of LiPo batteries and charger need to be purchased separately
- Slightly expensive with regard to price
3 – Traxxas E-Maxx Electric RC Cars
The Traxxas E-Maxx is a 1/10 scale model that comes equipped with ready to run capabilities. However, you ought to purchase four AA batteries for the radio transmitter separately.
Batteries included
In contrast to other high-end vehicles, the Traxxas E-Maxx monster truck comes with batteries and a charger in its original packaging. However, the included NiMH do not promise scintillating performance but they are a great way to assist you to get used to this monster truck before you upgrade to more powerful batteries.
4 Wheel Drive
Similar to all other off-road Electric RC cars, the Traxxas E-Maxx uses four wheel drive all the time. A top quality drive shaft spins the differentials to transfer the power to the ground facilitating speed control and the tires stick into the ground with great vigor.
Pros
- Two batteries and a charger included
- 4 wheel drive
- Waterproof MXL-6 brushless motor
- Traxxas stability management system
Cons
- A couple of LiPo batteries and charger need to be purchased separately
- Slightly expensive with regard to price
4 – Team Associated RC8.2E RS
Boasting a skill level of 3, this buggy is suitable for intermediate drivers and packs a power punch.
Aluminum frame
The manufacturers have not compromised with regard to the quality of the car. The chassis is durable since it is made of 7075 hard anodized aluminum. The plastic chassis tend to get broken down rather early. The shaft and the axles are also made from aluminum which ensures their durability as well.
Motor
The Team Associated RC8.2E RS features a Reedy 2000Kv brushless motor to ensure the requisite amount of torque. Similar to other cars, if you install the correct batteries, better performance is guaranteed.
Suspension
The caster and camber are customizable while the large sized oil filled shocks of aluminum are perfectly compatible with the aluminum body. This is a top quality vehicle that is available at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Aluminum components that guarantee durability
- High quality electronics
- Customizable suspension
- Affordable price
- Brushless motor
Cons
- 8 AA batteries and 3S-4S LiPo pack required to take the car out for a ride
5 – Redcat Racing S-TRYK-R Pro Brushless Electric RC Cars
The Redcat Racing S-TRYK-R Pro Brushless Electric Car is unique since it is a three wheeler and sports three wheel drive.
Belt Drive
Instead of drivelines and differentials, the Redcat Racing S-TRYK-R Pro Brushless Electric Car boasts a belt drive. This should not be a great factor in performance but you must remember to purchase additional belts since they tend to heat up and stretch over time, which can result in slipping.
Battery included
Equipped with a 7.4V LiPo battery pack and a charger, the Redcat Racing S-TRYK-R Pro Brushless Electric Car is a ready to run model and requires no assembly. You need to buy 8 AA batteries separately for the radio transmitter and off you go.
Shocks
The shocks are made of aluminum and are oil filled so they function in a similar manner to the modern day cars. They ensure that you get a nice, smooth and controlled driving experience. [ This product is currently out of stock]
Pros
-
- Affordable
- Versatile design
- Option to choose between brushed or brushless motor
- All wheel drive
Cons
- Belt drive may be unreliable
- Included battery pack does not provide requisite power
6 – Traxxas E-Revo
The Traxxas E-Revo Brushless comprises inbuilt and scalable dual battery compartments and is a market leader among all the monster trucks. It manifests top quality handling capabilities and splendid performance characteristics thanks to its high articulation engine system.
Batteries Included in Electric RC Cars
With Traxxas E-Revo, you get a couple of 7 cell, 8.4V 3,000mAh NiMH batteries to power up your monster truck as soon as you unpack its original packaging. More powerful batteries can be installed later on, once you get familiarized with this car.
TSM
The E-Revo is equipped with the Traxxas Stability Management System that controls all the operations and functioning of on-board electronic components and enhances wheel spin and steering performance during the drive.
Motor
It promises to provide tons of outdoor entertainment and fun to the drivers as its easy control and superb engineering furnish the much needed power, speed and acceleration. The Castle Creations MXL-6 brushless motor generates a tremendous power as high as 25.2V while the water-resistant electronics allow the drivers to give it a full throttle. It is an ideal RC car for racing and probably the fastest one around. If you purchase it, you will definitely not get disappointed.
Pros
- Cutting-edge chassis design
- TSM for better control
- Reliable
- User-friendly
- 2.4GHz TQi radio controlled
- Waterproof Castle Creation MSL-6S Brushless Motor System
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Requires four AA batteries for radio controller
Let’s, now, have a look at some of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration while purchasing a top quality electric RC car:
Motor
Electric motor is directly related to the performance of the RC car. Motors are rated in terms of kV and are either brushed or brushless. Brushed motors tend to wear out with the passage of time and their brushes need to be replaced. Brushless motors, on the contrary, are maintenance and friction-free and have longer lifespan.
Materials
Plastic is generally used while building the RC car chassis. However, there are manufacturers who make use of more valuable materials to construct RC cars. Plastic materials such as those used in drivetrain and suspension components are not durable. It is judicious to go for chassis made of metals or composite materials.
Batteries
Battery packs are required by all RC cars to operate. It is of no use to have spent hundreds of bucks on your RC car and not being able to drive it. Opt for a RC car that comes with battery packs. Keep in mind that you can always upgrade them later on.
The Final Verdict
All of the five above products are excellent options if you are looking for good quality electric RC cars. However, Team Associated 80908 RC8.2E RS RTR Truck is the outright winner here. It does not include battery packs in its original packing but you can order decent 3S or 4S battery packs and everything else will be shipped with the car.
It boasts a tremendous 3000kV brushless motor that promises to offer stunning performance and reliability. The aluminum chassis is the most eye-catching part of this car. Whether you are an advanced driver or an intermediate one, if you have owned RC cars for a long time, you must have had tons of crashes and accidents resulting in reparable to permanent damage to your plastic chassis.
The monster truck, on the other hand, has been design to sustain plenty of crashes so you can be rest assured of quality driving time with reduced maintenance time. The Team Associated buggy car is a great value for its price.
