Los Electric vehicles have made the definitive leap into competition And they are no longer a rarity on racetracks or rally stages. In just a few years, we have gone from seeing them as a technological curiosity to making them protagonists of international and national championships and regularity rallies where both speed and energy efficiency are measured.
Beyond Formula 1 or traditional rallies, today there is a whole universe of competitions for electric, hybrid and alternative energy carsFrom high-performance single-seaters to zero-emission off-road SUVs, including production cars and experimental prototypes, the variety of categories is enormous and spread across the globe: Europe, Asia, the Middle East, America… Electricity is no longer the future, it is the present of motorsport.
The rise of electric car racing
The expansion of these events is no coincidence: brands, organizers, and federations have seen them as a way to promote sustainable mobility and test new technologies Under extreme conditions. After all, competition has always been a rolling laboratory where everything that eventually makes it to the street is pushed to its limits.
Although the sound of electric motors is very different from the roar of combustion engines, the spectacle is not only maintained, but in many cases multiplied thanks to the Brutal instant acceleration and torque delivery from zero revolutionsMany fans who were initially skeptical have become hooked on these championships because of the race pace, energy strategies, and mechanical parity in some categories.
Furthermore, major electric competitions have become a global showcase for cities and countries that want to associate their image with the sport. innovation, sustainability and clean energyThat's why we find urban races in major cities, races in natural environments highly sensitive to climate change, and national championships that reward efficient driving on open roads.
In this context, it is worth calmly reviewing what the major electric and alternative energy vehicle competitions, how they work, what type of cars are involved and what role they play in the evolution of the automobile as we know it.
Formula E: the world championship of electric single-seaters
Formula E is probably the world's most famous electric car competitionThis is the FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation) sanctioned all-electric single-seater championship, which started its first season in 2014 and has since grown steadily in relevance, involved manufacturers and media coverage.
Its format is reminiscent of Formula 1 in many ways, but with some very interesting nuances: the competition is mostly in urban circuits laid out in the heart of major citieswith compact, highly dynamic races full of energy management strategy. The idea is to bring the spectacle closer to the people and, at the same time, demonstrate that electric vehicles can perform at their best in real and complex environments.
Over the last few seasons, Formula E has established itself as a benchmark world championship, with a calendar that It distributes its major prizes across a dozen countries And it includes more than fifteen races a year. That means teams and drivers face a demanding schedule, with constant travel and highly varied track and weather conditions.
One of the distinctive features of the category is that all participants use a common chassis, which guarantees a Very high technical equality and extremely close racesAlthough brands develop their own powertrains, the car's base is shared, preventing one team from getting away by having a radically superior concept.
The Spark STR05e electric single-seaters
The heart of Formula E is the Spark STR05e single-seater, a car that, although it shares certain proportions with a Formula 1 car, is designed from scratch for to fully exploit the specific advantages of electric propulsionThe chassis is made of carbon fiber and has all the advanced safety features required by the FIA ​​for top-level championships.
In terms of performance, the Spark STR05e is capable of developing a maximum power around 250 kW (about 340 hp)However, in racing configuration it's limited to around 200 kW (approximately 270 hp) to balance performance and fuel consumption. Despite these limitations, the figures are impressive: it can reach a top speed of around 280 km/h.
Where this type of single-seater is most impressive is at the start and on corner exits: thanks to the instantaneous thrust of the electric motor, it achieves a Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2,8 secondsIn other words, it's in the same league as many racing cars with much noisier and more fuel-guzzling combustion engines.
Battery management, regenerative braking, and optimizing the use of available power are key parts of race strategy. Drivers not only have to be fast, but also very precise in managing energy turn by turn to reach the end of the test with the optimal load level.
Where to follow Formula E and additional resources
Anyone wanting to enjoy this championship live has several options. In many European countries, including Spain, the races can be watched via… pay-TV platforms that offer the Eurosport channel, available from operators such as Movistar, Vodafone, Orange or Euskaltel, among others, depending on the offer in force at any given time.
In addition, there is the option of subscribing to specific sports streaming services, which offer live broadcasts and on-demand contentIn addition, there's the official Formula E YouTube channel, which regularly compiles the best moments of each season, race summaries, on-board camera footage, and very interesting technical pieces to understand how the cars work.
For more detailed information on the calendar, teams, drivers, or regulations, the reference resource is the Official website of the championship, where news, results and statistics are centralizedIt's the best way to closely follow the evolution of the category and to see how, year after year, times decrease and technology advances by leaps and bounds.
FIA E-Rally Regularity Cup: Efficiency over Speed
While Formula E focuses on maximum performance, the FIA ​​E-Rally Cup regularity championship takes a different approach: here, the important thing is not to be the fastest at all costs, but to be the most efficient and consistent throughout the entire routeIt is also organized by the FIA ​​and is specifically aimed at electric vehicles that operate in conditions similar to those of the open road.
In these tests, participants must follow a defined route, respect time limits, and above all, minimize energy consumptionThe winner is the one who best manages the timing and uses the least amount of electricity, not the one who crosses the finish line first. It's a very direct way to demonstrate in practice the real-world range of different models, as well as the driver's skill in managing the battery.
The main peculiarity of this championship is that the participating cars are, for the most part, production vehicles virtually identical to those sold in dealershipsThey must have a valid registration, comply with all traffic regulations, and cannot be modified in any way that alters their nature as a daily-use car.
The regulations also allow for electric prototypes, provided they are legally roadworthy in the European Union and designed for everyday use. This opens the door for brands and technology centers to test new solutions in a regulated environment where performance is measured. energy efficiency under real-world conditions.
Unlike other championships, the FIA ​​E-Rally Cup does not have widespread television or streaming coverage. However, it usually has a very close monitoring by clubs, electric vehicle enthusiasts and specialized media in sustainable mobility, which cover the various events on the calendar.
Spanish Alternative Energy Championship
At the national level, one of the most interesting competitions is the Spanish Alternative Energy ChampionshipIt is promoted by entities such as RACE, among others. It is a regularity and efficiency championship that, in several of its events, is also integrated into the FIA ​​E-Rally Cup calendar, giving it international exposure.
This championship is characterized by bringing together different types of environmentally friendly propulsion technologies. Its categories include: 100% electric cars, plug-in hybrids, self-charging conventional hybrids and bi-fuel vehiclesprovided they are standard production models approved for use on public roads.
As with the E-Rally Cup, the cars retain their factory specifications: they are essentially the same as what a user can buy from a dealership. That makes the championship a A very realistic thermometer of how these models behave on a daily basis, with routes that may include open roads and diverse traffic situations.
The tests focus on consistency, fuel consumption, and driving precision, so participants must manage their energy very carefully, while strictly adhering to traffic regulations. It's also a competition that serves as a showcase for to encourage more drivers to consider the transition to less polluting technologies.
In terms of broadcasting, the Spanish Alternative Energy Championship is not usually shown live on television, but it generates a growing interest in specialized media and local administrationswho take advantage of these tests to promote sustainable mobility in their municipalities.
World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the role of hybridization
Although the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is not a purely electric championship, it plays a key role in the transition to new forms of propulsion. This category features a mix of electric and electric vehicles. high-performance hybrid prototypes with combustion modelsand for years it has become a crucial testing ground for electrified technologies.
The WEC has its roots in the 1950s, with a historical legacy that includes such legendary events as the 24 Hours of Le MansIn 2012, a major milestone occurred: Toyota became the first manufacturer to compete in this championship with a top-level hybrid car, the TS030 HYBRID, paving the way for a new era where efficiency and energy management became as crucial as raw power.
The prototypes of the highest class, formerly known as LMP1 and now evolved into new categories of hypercars, are fitted with sophisticated propulsion systems that combine a combustion engine with one or more electric motors capable of providing hundreds of additional horsepowerIn some of these cars, both the combustion engine and the electric motor can produce around 500 hp each, achieving truly spectacular overall figures.
In terms of performance, these endurance prototypes can exceed the 330 km/h on a straight lineWhile managing energy with pinpoint precision to complete multi-hour runs without losing pace, the energy recovery system during braking and its reuse during acceleration is one of the key features that has since been incorporated into hybrid and plug-in hybrid road cars.
To follow the WEC live, one option is to use sports streaming platforms that offer full race coverage. Additionally, The official championship website publishes up-to-date information on schedules, teams, results, and regulations.becoming the go-to source of information for endurance racing fans.
Extreme E: Electric off-road vehicle in extreme scenarios
Extreme E is a competition that has attracted attention from day one thanks to its concept: it's a 100% electric off-road competitionwhose vehicles compete in some of the most remote and climate-change-affected places on the planet.
All the teams use the same car, a Electric SUV called ODYSSEY 21 It develops around 550 hp. This vehicle is designed to handle very challenging terrain, with jumps, sand, mud, rocks, and all kinds of obstacles, so its chassis and suspension are oversized to withstand truly harsh treatment.
The locations chosen for the races are not random. Extreme E takes place in areas that already clearly show the effects of global warming and environmental degradationAmong the chosen locations are places like the Pink Lake in Senegal, desert areas like Al Ula in Saudi Arabia, and high-altitude regions in the Nepalese Himalayas.
The stated objective of the championship goes beyond sport: it aims to raise awareness about the climate crisis and promote environmental projects at each of the venues it visits. In this way, the competition combines spectacle, technological research, and concrete actions for environmental protection.
Furthermore, Extreme E has relied heavily on television broadcasts and digital content to bring the championship closer to the public. Through its official website and various video platforms, fans can Follow the races, documentaries, and the work of the teams at each stage.
Pure ETCR: High-voltage electric passenger cars
Among the new developments that have arrived on the electric motorsport scene, the Pure ETCR stands out, conceived as the first all-electric world touring car championshipUnlike single-seaters, what competes here are cars with bodies derived from passenger cars, but adapted to offer very serious performance.
The competition format has very attractive elements for the spectator, as it combines short and intense matches with a structured approach one-on-one races in many of their matchupsThis allows us to clearly see the performance differences between cars and the drivers' ability to extract the maximum power from the available cars.
The Pure ETCR vehicles are at a truly impressive performance level: they boast a power output of up to 500 kW, equivalent to about 680 hpThanks to a set of electric motors that can number up to four, one for each wheel, allowing for spectacular traction and response.
To power such a massive energy output, high-capacity batteries are used, with liquid cooling systems and capacities around 65 kWhThis allows for intensive use of power during races. The acceleration of these cars is blistering: they can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 3 seconds, figures worthy of supercars.
For informational purposes, the championship's official website offers details about teams, manufacturers involved, race formats and schedules, as well as audiovisual content that shows the evolution of this new electric category, destined to become a benchmark within the world of competitive touring cars.
ERX2 and the electrification of rallycross
Rallycross, a discipline contested on mixed asphalt and dirt circuits with short and very intense races, has also begun its transition to electric mobilityA good example of this is the ERX2 category, considered the second division of the World Rallycross Championship.
From 2021 onwards, this category has been specifically geared towards electric cars, which are equipped batteries of around 32 kWh capable of delivering more than 330 hpGiven how compact and lightweight these vehicles are, the result is explosive races, with spectacular starts and constant overtaking.
The move to electrification in ERX2 is part of a broader FIA strategy to transform rallycross into a competitive sport within a few years. discipline that is mostly electric in its main categoriesThis not only reduces emissions during the race, but also opens the door to new technical configurations and a more aligned image with current environmental policies.
Official information about the rallycross championship and its various divisions, including electric ones, is concentrated on the discipline's specific portal, where it can be consulted results, schedules, news and videos of the tests held throughout the year.
Rallies and rallycross towards the hybrid and electric era
The world of traditional rallying has not been left behind either. The top category of the World Rally Championship has taken a decisive step by announcing the introduction of a new class called Rally1, which combines high-power combustion engines with an additional hybrid system.
In this new configuration, the current gasoline engines, which are around 380 hp powerThey will be supported by an electric motor that adds more than 100 extra horsepower. This way, the Rally1 cars will have a significantly higher combined power output, with the possibility of running in fully electric mode under certain circumstances, in accordance with the regulations.
Meanwhile, the World Rallycross Championship also plans to fully electrify its premier category. The so-called Supercars, currently equipped with very powerful combustion engines, will switch to assemble electric powertrains that can reach around 680 hp, thanks to a kit that includes two motors per axle, two inverters and a battery of about 52 kWh.
One advantage of this kit is that it allows adapt existing chassis of combustion engine carsThis facilitates the transition without forcing teams to develop entirely new vehicles from scratch. Teams can leverage their existing expertise in chassis and suspension systems while upgrading the mechanical components to a fully electric solution.
This progressive electrification in both rally and rallycross clearly shows that even the most traditional motorsport disciplines are moving towards Cleaner technologies, without sacrificing spectacle or performance that fans expect.
Spanish Alternative Energy Championship-RACE and the Eco Rally
Returning to the Spanish scene, the Spanish Alternative Energy Championship-RACE has been gaining momentum year after year. One of its most prominent events is the Eco Rally of the Valencian Community, which in its tenth edition is held in the province of Castellón and also counts towards the international competition of the same discipline.
The calendar for this championship usually includes a good number of venues spread across Spain, with tests in places like Mallorca, Llanes, A Coruña, Bilbao, Gran Canaria or Madridamong others. In this way, a fairly broad representation of different types of roads and real driving conditions is achieved.
The competition structure combines a technical and creative phase with a dynamic phase. In the first phase, teams must overcome challenges related to the design, innovation and communication of the projectAll of this is compiled in a detailed report presented to a panel of experts. Both the technical aspects of the vehicle and the participants' ability to explain and defend their proposal are evaluated.
In the dynamic phase, the cars are tested on the asphalt using different disciplines: slalom, acceleration tests, emergency braking, and endurance exercisesPerformance in each of these areas translates into scores which, when added together, determine the final ranking, with different awards recognizing excellence in each aspect.
This championship is not only a sporting competition, but also a training and promotion platform for technicians specializing in electric traction vehiclesBy facing real-world design, manufacturing, and commissioning challenges, participants gain invaluable experience that they can then apply in the electric mobility industry.
Innovation, training and new materials in electric competitions
Many of these competitions have become an ideal environment for experiment with new manufacturing techniques and advanced materialsThe need to reduce weight, improve rigidity and optimize energy efficiency leads brands, universities and technology centers to work side by side in the development of innovative solutions.
In championships such as the Spanish Alternative Energies Championship or training programs linked to leading teams, participants have the opportunity to testing chassis concepts, lightweight components, and electrical management systems which could later be transferred to mass production. It's a way of bringing cutting-edge engineering closer to the real market.
The availability of specific training in this field is also growing. Some companies specializing in electric motorsport, such as those managing projects in elite disciplines, offer Master's degrees for engineers and specialized courses in e-RacingThese programs combine theoretical classes with practical experience in competition teams, allowing students to learn firsthand how things work in a high-level pit box.
Thanks to this combination of competition, research, and training, the industry is generating an increasingly broad professional ecosystem around the electric vehicles and new mobility modelsProjects that originate on racetracks and stages end up directly influencing the development of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles sold to the public.
All this movement demonstrates that competition with electric and alternative vehicles is not a passing fad, but a a key piece in the paradigm shift towards more sustainable and technologically advanced transportwhere speed and respect for the environment can perfectly go hand in hand.
