Electric Racing at FIA Motorsport Games
But which categories in the 2024 Games will feature electric vehicles? And why are electric motors becoming a crucial part of the competition?
(For more about the history and concept of the FIA Motorsport Games, check out my previous post here.)
The FIA Motorsport Games 2024, hosted from the 23.-27. October in Valencia, will include several exciting electric racing events. The key category to watch is Electric Street, which covers two events: Auto Slalom and Karting Slalom and one new electric addition can be found under the Cross Car umbrella.
The growing presence of electric vehicles in motorsport aligns with global trends in the automotive industry. With the push towards reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels, motorsport has become a testing ground for clean technologies. Electric racing offers both high performance and a smaller environmental impact, making it an ideal fit for a future-focused competition like the FIA Motorsport Games.
One of the key events featuring electric vehicles is Karting Slalom, which is designed for young racers aged 14-16 years who hold a National Karting licence. This category provides an accessible entry point for future motorsport stars, using electric karts to keep the racing competitive while promoting sustainability.
Notably, former Karting Slalom competitor Doriane Pin, who represented France in the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games, has since established herself as a household name. Pin has since then competed in Formula 4 UAE, became a member of the Iron Dames, has participated in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Iron Dames, and is currently competing in the F1 Academy as well as Formula Regional EU by Alpine (FRECA). This demonstrates that Karting Slalom can indeed serve as a springboard to success in the motorsport world
Another must-watch category is Auto Slalom, which showcases the agility and precision of electric vehicles. This event challenges drivers to navigate a tight, technical course, making it a test of both vehicle performance and driver skill.
This year, Hyundai Motor Spain has been confirmed as the official Electric Street Auto Slalom partner, providing six units of the KONA Electric N Line for the event. With its fast charging capability, the KONA Electric N Line can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 41 minutes, making it ideal for the fast-paced demands of Auto Slalom.
Leopoldo Satrustegui, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor España, was quoted in the Games' press release from October 10 saying: "Our contribution through the new KONA Electric N Line demonstrates that electrification and competition are absolutely compatible."
Siri Hökfeld, a rising star in electric motorsport, will also be competing in Auto Slalom at the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games for Sweden. Currently racing in the NXT Gen Cup, Hökfeld is part of the growing wave of young drivers embracing electric racing as a future career path.
(To learn more about the rise of young drivers in sustainable racing, check out my post on the NXT Gen Cup here.)
The third electric category in the Games, originally named Cross Car Eco, was later rebranded as Cross Car Mini. When asked about the change, Press Officer Emma Spearing explained to The Racing Brain that "Cross Car Eco was renamed Cross Car Mini to align with [the] Karting ladder of categories." Cross Car events are known for rugged, off-road racing, and the Cross Car Mini category delivers this experience while replacing traditional combustion engines with electric ones.
The rise of electric motorsport is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary evolution for the future of racing. As the world confronts the challenges of climate change, motorsport must adapt, and electric racing is leading the way. By focusing on cleaner technologies, the FIA Motorsport Games 2024 not only deliver thrilling competition but are also starting to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable motorsport.
The 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia mark a significant step forward for electric racing, but this is just the beginning. As battery technology and electric motor efficiency continue to improve, it’s likely we’ll see even more categories transition to electric power in future editions of the Games. This will not only help motorsport align with global sustainability goals but also introduce a new generation of fans to the thrill and possibilities of electric racing.
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