Electric rallycross has been trying to break into global motorsport for the last few years. The original concept was scheduled for 2020, but despite interest, no manufacturers committed and the project collapsed.
Now, IMG together with STARD have formed a new ‘electric development series’ called Projekt E that will be racing alongside World RX in 2020. But why should rallycross go electric"

Why is rallycross suited to electric"
From an engineering point of view, rallycross is the most suitable category to race electric powertrains and this is due to several reasons:
1) The start
In World RX, races kick off with a five-wide sprint to the first corner. Current World RX Supercars accelerate from 0-60mph in 1.9s, which is faster than today’s F1 cars. This is down to a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 600bhp and 900Nm of torque. Maximising this acceleration phase of the race requires high power and instantaneous torque – both of which can also be provided by high-spec motors.
2) Race profile
The World RX races are short sprints around 1-1.4km twisty circuits, once again requiring high power and instant torque throughout the race. Furthermore, the format of several four lap qualifying races, followed by a six lap semi-final and final means that the battery does not have to last long and it can be recharged or changed in between races.
STARD developed an electric rallycross car in the form of a Peug...