World RX series promoters haved revealed the all new electric series - Projekt E

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX media

The FIA World Rallycross series promoters IMG have today announced a new electric series titled Projekt E.  

The Projekt E concept will see electric-powered cars competing on the same weekend as the traditional Supercars.

The full electrification of the FIA World Rallycross championship failed last week when series promoters IMG required at least three manufacturers and one specialist supplier in order to pass the switch to electric rallycross.

“In terms of the strategy for introduction of electrification to rallycross, we have been in discussions for nearly two years with a number of manufacturers," said Torben Olsen, the Managing Director of World RX for IMG. "Ultimately it emerged that the manufacturers were not yet ready to commit in sufficient numbers to make a fully-electric World Championship a reality."

“Our aim is to showcase, by 2021 at the latest, future mobility and relevant technologies in the tough, competitive environment of rallycross with production-based vehicles that consumers can relate to," said Olsen.

"However, we believe that Projekt E is a positive step forward to deliver on our 2017 pledge."

The new-look race weekend format will allow rallycross fans to enjoy the traditional internal combustion engines – and get a glimpse of the future for production-based cars. 

“Projekt E enables us to embrace emerging technologies, remain relevant, and show that electric cars are fast and fun,” said Olsen.

The FIA and IMG will be revealing more information at a later stage about the format for Projekt E and the electrified cars which will line up on the grid.

TEXT - Junaid Samodien.