IMG launches Projekt E, a 100% electric Rallycross series

This is information of primary importance in the world of Rallycross. IMG Motorsport, the company in charge of organizing the World Rallycross Championship (World RX) announced on Tuesday April 2 the arrival of an electric category from 2020.

Called Projekt E, the 100% electric series will compete on certain European rounds of the World RX calendar. Thermal cars will continue to fill the World RX grids in 2020, as Projekt E will be held on the sidelines of the World Cup.

IMG ANNOUNCES PROJEKT E – A PIONEERING ELECTRIC INITIATIVE FOR WORLD RX WEEKEND.

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— FIA World Rallycross (@FIAWorldRX) April 2, 2019

“IMG made a commitment in 2017 that electric would be an element of the future of World RX, explains Torben Olsen, the new Managing Director of the discipline, replacing Paul Bellamy. Today we can confirm our intention to respect this objective.

Our goal is to demonstrate upcoming mobility and relevant technologies in the harsh rallycross environment with mass-produced vehicles that buyers can notice. » 

Projekt E therefore replaces the desire for electrified World RX, initially planned for 2020 but postponed for 2021 due to lack of committed brands. “In agreement with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), we have held discussions for almost two years with a certain number of manufacturers, continues Torben Olsen. 

It finally turned out thatthey weren't yet ready for them to arrive in sufficient numbers to make the all-electric World Championship a reality. In fact, IMG has decided to take the opportunity to introduce an electric series that will run alongside the traditional World RX format.

Information relating to the calendar, the format of the events as well as the vehicles accepted will be revealed in the coming months.