General Motors is looking to patent an “Endurance Mode” to help electric race cars go the distance.

Not to be confused with a certain ill-fated electric pickup truck, Endurance Mode is designed to emphasize range over outright pace, according to a GM patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Aug. 22, and originally filed by GM in early 2023.

An oft-repeated saying in racing states “to finish first, first you must finish.” As GM explains in the application, an EV may not be able to complete the required number of laps in a given race at its maximum power output. GM’s solution is to create a drive mode that limits output in order to allow the vehicle to complete more laps at a set pace.

Onboard controllers would monitor a number of factors to achieve this, but a main focus would be on battery temperature, according to the application. Controllers would look at ambient temperature as well as cooling demand for both the pack and the vehicle’s climate control system.

Endurance Mode could be packaged as part of a Track Mode, with the driver able to toggle between the long-range mode and a Qualifying Mode that allows for full power for short sprints, GM suggests in the application. That would be similar to current track-capable EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Lucid Air Sapphire, and it’s something GM has already discussed in a separate patent filing. Drivers could also customize settings based on the specific track venue, GM adds.

NASCAR electric race car prototype – Photo via Bcomp

Not all patented ideas prove commercially viable, and in this case GM would also have to consider the rules of specific racing series. Formula E already limits power output most of the time, only allowing drivers to use full power during pre-race qualifying and in specific circumstances during a race. But the rules also specify less onboard energy than would be required to finish a race at maximum pace, forcing drivers to conserve energy.

GM doesn’t currently participate in any electric racing series, but it’s no stranger to motorsports. Switchable drive modes could prove useful if something akin to the electric NASCAR prototype shown earlier this year ever hits the track, or in the electric Corvette the automaker confirmed for production in 2022.