After a few years of trying to convert the FIA World Rallycross Championship to all-electric has now arrived as the FIA has presented next year’s car grid which will consist at the moment of 14 cars that will drive in the new RX1e class, which takes over the internal combustion engines from the current class RX1 (formerly Supercar).
The cars that makes the step into the world championship will have two electric motors developed by Austrian firm Kriesel Electric in collaboration with Rallycross Promoter GmbH and governing body FIA.
The powertrains which will be fitted in various of different rallycross car chassis will produce a power of 500kW, will have around 680bhp and 880Nm of instant torque.
The charging units will be supplied by the French firm GCK Energy and will be transported to the tracks in containers with loaded with 900kWh of electricity in each unit.
Right now, 14 of these conversation kits have been sold to current teams and new ones, the cars and livery will of course look different for each team, but everything inside the car will be the same.
“We are delighted to be heading full-speed into 2022 with an electrified World RX. As promoter, we have a responsibility to nurture and grow this wonderful sport to ensure it continues to thrive for many generations to come – and teams and drivers have been enthusiastic in their support for our exciting new electric, more sustainable era. We are additionally in positive discussions with a number of manufacturers, who share our vision and our commitment to fully embrace the key pillars of sustainability – from economic to environmental and social.” Arne Dirks, Executive Director, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said.
“Not only that, but rallycross’ short, sharp races lend themselves perfectly to electric propulsion. With no need for energy conservation, drivers will have more power at their disposal than ever before and they can exploit it to the max at every moment. I’ve been lucky enough to go for a ride in the RX1 car myself and I can confirm, it is an absolute rocket!“
“Since its inception in 2014, World RX has always been the absolute pinnacle of international rallycross, and there is tremendous prestige in being crowned an FIA World Champion – only five drivers receive that honour every year.“
“Moving forward, we want to ensure that World RX remains the series that brings together the best drivers, the best teams, the best circuits and the best racing, and we have analysed and assessed every single aspect to ensure that ‘Generation Alpha’ rallycross is the very best version of the sport it can possibly be.”
The electrification of World RX has been met with all sorts of criticism from both fans and people who work in the sport, but we from The Checkered Flag believe that electric cars will be the next big thing in the motorsport world and the climate change has always been an important part for us!
