The Battle of Technologies in Motorsport: Rallycross, Innovation, and the Future of Racing

Motorsport has always been a testing ground for the latest automotive technologies, pushing the limits of performance, safety, and sustainability. Today, the sport stands at a crossroads, where electric powertrains (EV) and combustion engines (ICE) are going head-to-head in one of the most significant technological battles in racing history. 

 
This shift is not just theoretical—it’s happening in real-time, from the rally stages of Austria to the circuits of the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX).

A Turning Point for Motorsport

The increasing focus on sustainability has led to revolutionary changes in racing. As Philip Lueger, the technical mastermind of the Austrian Motorsport Federation (AMF), stated in one of the latest Blog Posts published on the ÖAMTC Blog:  

"The big topics in motorsport right now are propulsion technologies, with electric drives and fossil-free fuels taking centre stage."*  

Austria has been at the forefront of this transformation, developing the world's first technical framework to allow electric and combustion-powered cars to compete directly in rally racing. With the help of Kreisel Electric and Baumschlager Rallye Racing, the AMF introduced regulations that made fair competition between these technologies possible.  

This pioneering step mirrors a larger trend across motorsport. 

A category that is really highlighting their usage of electric and combustion cars is World Rallycross. They started calling this "The Battle of Technologies".

The Electric Revolution in Rallycross  

World Rallycross (World RX) has become the epicentre of the electric vs. combustion showdown, with top teams pushing the boundaries of innovation. Competitors were given the choice to decide between EV and ICE cars with sustainable fuel.

Emilia Abel, the FIA Head of Off-Road Categories explained in an interview that "the battle of technologies is not at all to prove that one [technology] is better than another one. The aim is [to] bring them alongside [...] so each powertrain, each technology can  prove their best features."

One of the Teams that has chosen to run with electric cars is Hansen Motorsport with the two brothers Timmy and Kevin Hansen competing in Peugeau 208 full electric cars. 

Team manager Susann Hansen explained their choice in an interview with the FIA:

"The major thing for me is that we keep this championship sustainable because the climate crisis is upon us. And as a sport, we need to take our responsibility as well. So we run full electric cars." She further explained to New Scientist that "it was also a personal belief that we need to do something. That I can look my children and grandchildren in the eyes and say 'we did something'."

Transitioning to electric in rallycross has been a learning experience, revealing the different strengths of EVs and ICE cars when racing together. As Kevin Hansen explained: "We a bit heavier cars in the electric tend to suffer a bit in the corners, but gain that back on the straights."

To balance the competition, electric cars are required to be 160kg heavier than their combustion counterparts, compensating for their additional 100 horsepower advantage.

Hansen Motorsport

The Hansen brothers, Timmy and Kevin, have been dominant figures in rallycross for years, now spearheading the electric transition.

CE Dealer Team

Another team opting for electric power is the CE Dealer Team, featuring Swedish driver Klara Andersson, the only female competitor in the category.

Fossil-Free Fuels: The Alternative to Full Electrification

While electric powertrains are leading the sustainability charge, e-Fuels are also gaining momentum. 

According to Philip Lueger, progress in e-Fuels is moving fast:  

"Engines are increasingly compatible with these new fuels, and development is accelerating. Motorsport is once again proving to be a key driver for future automotive solutions."*

Motorsport as a Testing Ground for Future Mobility

History has shown that innovations born in motorsport often find their way into everyday vehicles. From seat belts and crash structures to hybrid systems and regenerative braking, racing has driven advancements that benefit all drivers.  

As Lueger puts it in the article:  

"Motorsport is a massive testing ground for technologies that can make all our lives safer."*

The knowledge gained from rallycross, Austrian motorsport initiatives, Formula E, Extreme E (soon to become Extreme H), or similar initiatives will shape the next generation of road cars, whether through electric drivetrains, e-fuels, or other exciting emerging new technologies.  

The Future of Racing: A Thrilling New Chapter

The battle between electric and combustion technology in motorsport is more than just an engineering challenge—it’s a reflection of the broader societal shift toward sustainability and innovation.  

As teams like Hansen Motorsport and the CE Dealer Team continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, they are not just competing for podiums—they are shaping the future of racing. With drivers like Klara Andersson and the Hansen brothers leading the way, rallycross is demonstrating that this new era of motorsport can be both thrilling and sustainable.  

The "Battle of Technologies" is far from over, but one thing is clear: the future of motorsport is innovative, more sustainable and more exciting than ever.  

To close with an inspiring quote by Kevin Hansen: "We can't make the world green by ourselves, but we can impact others." 

And with that, I could not agree more.

* Translation. Quote is originally in German.