As we recently reported, the Tesla racing championship Electric GT is still alive despite a crash and several delays.
Now, the company has received the green light from FIA after their modified Model S P100D passed crash tests.
Electric GT announced today that its racing championship, now called the Electric Production Car Series (EPCS), has been officially sanctioned by the FIA, the governing body for world motorsports.
The company first planned to launch its championship with the Tesla Model S P85+, but they instead decided to use the Tesla Model S P100D with ‘Ludicrous+’ after it was announced. They claim that a stripped-down racetrack-ready Tesla Model S P100D can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.0 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds).
The change turned out to be a good decision since they ended up crashing their original Tesla Model S prototype race car during testing – pictured above.
As for their modified Model S P100D, they claimed that they reduced the weight by 1,100 lbs with biocomposite and by stripping the interior.
The new vehicle has now passed the FIA crash tests for approval. Here it experienced a frontal collision against a rigid barrier – a block of concrete that weighs 130 tonnes covered with a 19mm wooden plate – at a speed of 14 m/s (50.4 kph):
The vehicle was supposed to debut at their first official race in November, but it was delayed and instead replaced by a “Day of Light” event during which they made several announcements and unveiled the supporting events around their championship, like a virtual reality race and e-kart race.
But now with FIA’s approval, they say that they can move forward.
Electric GT CEO Mark Gemmell said:
“This is such an exciting day for us as we confirm that the Electric Production Car Series has been officially sanctioned by the FIA. We respect the FIA and we are honoured to have their support ahead of our inaugural season.”
They released all the rules and regulations of the series for the 10 teams and 20 drivers. Here’s a quick summary of them:
“Electric GT Holdings Inc. has also published the EPCS sporting regulations, which include a three-heat (585kW) qualifying format. Rounds will include a day race (60km) and a dusk race (60km). EPCS race power will be set to a maximum of 585kW (778hp).
An innovative “Drift Off” competition will also take place at suitable circuits, where fans will see the top two finishing drivers plus two fan-voted drivers go head-to-head to complete a series of drifting challenges to secure three further championship points.”
558 kW and 300 kW.
The company has released an updated calendar yet, but we expect to have more information soon.
Electrek’s Take
It could be an exciting electric race series, but it looks like their troubles and delays might have lost them the first mover advantage.
Of course, Formula E has been doing well for a while now, but Jaguar is now also launching an all-electric race series using new I-Pace with Formula E.
I am glad that they are moving forward, but I won’t hold my breath until I see those 10 Model S P100Ds on the starting grid.
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