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Accelerating engines, screeching tires, and heart-stopping action have always been synonymous with motorsport. However, a new frontier of racing has recently caused a stir, where silent powerhouses speed through iconic city streets and remote terrains, leaving nothing but clean energy in their trail.
Welcome to the electrifying world of the electric racing series!
Gone are the days of gas-guzzling beasts dominating the tracks; it is now the era of electric racing cars, where advanced technology and sustainable practices come together to create a breathtaking spectacle like no other. From the busy streets of global metropolises to the remote corners of our planet, electric motorsport has found its footing, fascinating fans and drivers alike.
In this blog, explore the nine best electric racing series worldwide. Let us examine the depths of the world of Formula E racing, witness the speed of the MotoE World Cup, venture into extreme landscapes with Extreme E, and experience the harmony of solar power in the World solar challenge. But that is not all! We will also rev our engines with GT Electric Car Racing, brave the off-road trails with Electric Rally Car Racing(RX2E), and indulge in the action-packed excitement of Rallycross - Projekt E.
So, get ready to be amazed by the sheer brilliance of innovation and witness how these electric racing cars and motorbike series are shaping a greener and cleaner tomorrow, one race at a time. So, without further ado, let us dive into the thrilling world of electric racing!
Formula E
Formula E racing, officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, is an electrifying single-seater electric motorsport championship exclusively for electric cars. Conceived in 2011 by FIA president Jean Todt and businessman Alejandro Agag, the championship held its inaugural race in Beijing in 2014. Since 2020, Formula E has gained FIA world championship status, becoming the first single-seater racing series, apart from Formula One, to achieve this recognition.
The Formula E schedule features high-speed, electric racing cars reminiscent of the style of Formula One's hybrid-drive vehicles. Excitingly, racing occurs on temporary street circuits in city centers, making each race thrilling. The race day commences with two practice sessions, followed by a qualifying session that involves group classification and dueling races. To enhance competition, drivers can utilize the "Fanboost" feature, gaining extra power after fans vote for them. Moreover, introducing "Attack Mode" adds strategy and excitement, granting drivers a power boost off the racing line. With innovative technologies and fan engagement, Formula E racing has established itself as a pioneering championship, leading the way in sustainable and electrifying motorsport.
Moto E
MotoE, officially known as the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, is a revolutionary addition to the world of motorcycle racing, featuring all-electric motorcycle competitions at the highest level. Introduced in 2019 as part of the MotoGP World Championship, MotoE has quickly gained recognition for its intense and thrilling racing action on some of the most historic motorcycle racing circuits.
In its early years, MotoE utilized Energica Ego Corsa motorcycles, manufactured by Energica Motor Company, which showcased remarkable performance and received high praise from the riders. However, starting this year, the electric motorsport series switched to legendary bike maker Ducati, raising anticipation for further advancements in electric motorbike technology. A notable change in the last season was implementing a new qualifying structure, aligning with the format used in the MotoGP classes. Riders now compete in a Q1-Q2 qualifying format, providing more opportunities to achieve the best grid positions for the thrilling two-race events on Saturdays and Sundays. MotoE represents the perfect combination of daredevil riders and high-performance electric motorcycles, with the captivating whine of electric motors adding to the excitement of the races.
FIA ETCR
The FIA ETCR - eTouring Car World Cup, formerly known as Pure ETCR, was a groundbreaking electric touring car series. Introduced in 2018, it was the world's first multi-brand all-electric touring car championship. The series featured powerful electric cars from manufacturers like Hyundai and Romeo Ferraris. The cars utilized a standard power unit and battery pack, producing up to 500 kW of peak output. Races followed a rallycross-style format with short battles and power boosts for overtaking. The series obtained official FIA World Cup status in 2022. Unfortunately, in March 2023, the promoter announced that the series would not continue due to unresolved differences among stakeholders. Despite its discontinuation, ETCR remains a pioneering series that showcased the capabilities of electric touring cars and contributed to the advancement of mobility in electric motorsport.
Extreme E
Extreme E is a groundbreaking all-electric off-road racing series with a unique mission to raise awareness about climate change by organizing races in regions already affected by environmental issues. The championship showcases the capability of all-electric SUVs in extreme conditions and promotes sustainability and gender equality in motorsport by requiring teams to have both male and female drivers. The off-road vehicles used in Extreme E look futuristic and race through breathtaking terrains, including deserts, rainforests, and Arctic locations. Despite the lack of in-person attendance, the virtual experience is exhilarating for racing fans. Moreover, Extreme E's "Legacy Program" aims to support the locations with social and environmental challenges. The championship's commitment to addressing environmental concerns through thrilling races makes it a pioneering force in electric motorsport.
FIA Electric GT World
The FIA Electric GT Championship (eGT) is a planned sports car racing series for electric grand tourers sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It will debut this year and aims to promote sustainability and innovation in motorsport. The FIA races will take place on full-length permanent circuits, and the inaugural season will feature at least six events across different continents. Each event will include a qualifying sprint race on Saturday and a 45-minute primary race on Sunday, with at least one mandatory fast-charging pit stop. The technical regulations are designed to match the performance of current GT3 cars, and manufacturers can retrofit existing GT3 models with gt electric car powertrains. The championship will initially have a minimum of fourteen full-season entries and at least two manufacturers, expanding in subsequent years. A "theme park" in the paddock will engage fans with electric mobility.
World Solar Challenge
The World Solar Challenge, or the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, is a biennially international event in Australia's outback. It features solar-powered cars from university and enterprise teams racing 3022 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide. This grueling competition tests car engineering's limits as the vehicles brave the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. The race's primary goal is to promote the development of solar-powered cars, serving as a design competition where crossing the finish line is a victory. The 16th edition of the World Solar Challenge is scheduled for October 20 to 27, 2023, with regulations to be issued in April and registration opening in June.
Andros Trophy
The Andros Trophy Series is a prestigious ice racing championship held in the French and Andorran Alps, featuring thrilling competitions with bikes, cars, and electric vehicles starting in 2020. The series encompasses different classes, including the Elite Pro class, where renowned racers compete at the highest level, and the Elite Class, encouraging smaller teams to participate in electric racing cars based on specific eligibility criteria. The addition of the AMV Cup 1996 brought dedicated motorcycle races to the championship. The Trophée Andros Féminin - Sprint Cars, introduced in 2002, featured female drivers and experienced instructors sharing a buggy-style automobile. The 34th edition transitioned to a fully electric Andros Trophy (e-Trophée Andros) with electric motorsports like electric 4-wheel drive and steering silhouette cars, providing enhanced performance and precision for an exhilarating experience. Celebrities also participate, making the Andros Trophy a captivating spectacle throughout the championship.
RX2E
RX2e is a groundbreaking FIA electric rallycross series, a joint venture between QEV Technologies and Olsbergs MSE, to nurture future rallycross talent. The series emphasizes driver ability in a single-spec format, providing a level playing field for all participants. The cars are equipped with motors and inverters that distribute power evenly to the front and back wheels, ensuring optimal 50/50 weight distribution with the 30kWh battery located next to the driver. The motors deliver a mighty 510 Nm torque output and 250kW (335bhp) power output. A unique feature allows drivers to experiment with three critical factors before and between races, adding additional expertise. The FIA RX2e Championship follows the World Rallycross Championship schedule, featuring practice sessions, qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and the final at each event.
Projekt E
Projekt E, launched in 2020 as a support series to the World Rallycross Championship, aims to introduce electric racing cars to the World RallyCross calendar. While the main World Rallycross Championship still uses gasoline-powered cars due to manufacturer resistance to adding an electric vehicle class, Projekt E, a collaboration between IMG and STARD, offers an opportunity to explore electric racing in line with the FIA's Roadmap for World Rallycross Electrification. Powered by STARD's electric powertrain, the electric rally cars produce 450kW (612bhp) and 1002 Nm of torque from three motors. These electric vehicles feature four-wheel drive (4WD), 612 horsepower, 1,100 Nm of torque, and can reach a top speed of 240 km/h, representing faster, cleaner, and more affordable racing options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the electrifying world of electric racing has ushered in a new era of innovation and green technologies in motorsport. From the urban jungles of our most populous cities to the most remote and rugged landscapes, these silent yet powerful electric racing cars have won the hearts of fans and drivers alike. Formula E's electric single-seaters racing through city centers, MotoE's daredevil riders on high-performance electric motorcycles, Extreme E's off-road SUVs conquering extreme terrains, and the World Solar Challenge's solar-powered cars redefining clean energy – each electric motorsports series offers an unforgettable and awe-inspiring show. As we venture into the future, the electrifying roar of electric motors in FIA races will continue to resonate, leading us to a cleaner planet. With innovation at the forefront, electric racing series are paving the way for a more eco-friendly and exciting motorsport landscape, positively impacting both the racing world and the planet we call home. So, let us witness the captivating journey towards a more responsible and thrilling tomorrow both on and off the track!
