Competition is important for brands. First, because racing is the best test bench for the technology that companies later adopt into their street cars. And second, because it’s a showcase to the world. It is therefore inevitable that car racing will follow the same direction as the market.of european parliament approved Ban the sale of gasoline-powered passenger and commercial vehicles from 2035, diesel and conventional hybrids. For this reason, it’s no surprise that the competition has taken two complementary paths for him. Formula E, Extreme E (Raid), World Electric Touring Car Championship (ETCR)We also want events like F1 to use sustainable research fuels to host zero-emission races. The future is here, and maker and event involvement go hand in hand. One example is FIA ETCR, Championship visited by MD in Cupraits current two-time champion, a few weeks ago sachsenring (Germany).

0 to 100 in 3.2 inches, almost 700 hp car

Their car performance is great.about the ride Nearly 700 horsepower, 100% electric, reaching 100 km/h in 3.2 secondsReal asphalt rockets go hand-to-hand in short races, don’t need admins, just accelerate to the max. It’s inevitable to ask the million dollar question: How is it possible for these races to be so powerful and clean? The answer is for everyone to see.

“Energy station”

After each battle, each car (shared by two drivers) heads to the center of the paddock. “Energy station” (Power plant). There, all spectators can see how the cars are loaded by the system. Xavier Gaborie, ETCR Directorhe explained to MD and even a small group of Spanish press. If it’s possible in Carr, I can make sure everyone in our house is fully capable.”

“It’s a simple technique, and viewers will see that if it’s possible in a racing car, it’s perfectly possible for everyone in our home.”

Xavier Gaborie, ETCR Director

The system is: There are no diesel generators to generate electricity. Because it makes no sense.There is a truck right next to the power plant 300kg of green hydrogen (clean fuel), from different suppliers for each race to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. Around 220 kg is spent on a race weekend. Gas passes through some cables at the top of the impressive structure. “Energy station” One for each team, it can reach each charging point and charge two cars simultaneously within an hour.

That gas reaches a generator, a fuel cell that converts nitrogen into electricity. A small amount of distilled water is also used in this process, which the team reuses for other work at the end of each event. The electricity goes to the machines responsible for charging her two cars on each team. In it, each set has a data panel. “The charger and the car are constantly talking because the machine recalculates the energy it has to deliver based on each car’s temperature and condition,” he points out. Xavi Serra, Director of Cupra Racinghe makes it very clear that these vehicles can be fully charged with a street car charger.

The most amazing thing happens later. “We only use one battery per car all year round. In the summer we take it to Williams to balance the checks. They gave them back to us , and we keep them going. Their cellular lifespan is certainly one season, and possibly more than one season,” he adds.

“I only use one battery in one car for the whole year.”

Xavi Serra, Director of Cupra Racing

And transport?

Therefore, the only carbon footprint of the championship is transportation. Discovery Sports Events, the promoter company of the FIA ​​ETCR, is also working in that direction. His intention is for all travel through Europe to be by train in 2023. He also wants to reduce the team’s staffing to reduce the number of planes affected, and has given each team a reduction in the carbon footprint generated by logistics, with the goal of reducing the global number of events in 2023. Ask them to analyze the entire volume.

“Manufacturers have a platform in ETCR where they can promote their vehicles through electric racing, and we can promote electric mobility. This is Discovery Sports Events’ social responsibility. We want to be the home of electric vehicles. Because we are a major shareholder and promoter of Formula E. Extreme E,promoter ETCR And we will be promoters of Electric GT (Electric GT competition). It’s part of the philosophy of Discovery Sporting Events, telling stories to change mindsets and educate people,” he said. Xavier Gaborieemphasizing the arrival of “surprise” By 2023, there are now Cupra, Hyundai and private company Romeo Ferrari with new brands involved in the FIA ​​ETCR.

“Will there be any new brands? 2023 will have surprises”

Xavier Gaborie