The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) recently unveiled the first technical regulations for a new electric racing class called the Electric Sport Vehicle (ESV). This marks the FIA’s first sanctioned class for electric race cars derived from road cars, and it aims to serve as an entry-level category for electric racing at both the national and regional levels. Additionally, the ESV class will allow manufacturers to offer turnkey electric race cars, making it easier for enthusiasts to participate in electric racing.
Taking inspiration from the Group N category for internal-combustion cars, the ESV class will only permit minimal modifications from road-going production models. It is open to a variety of vehicles, including grand touring cars and four-door, coupe-shaped sports sedans, with the requirement that the chassis height remains below 57.4 inches. This height limitation excludes electric crossovers that are currently popular in the market. For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which stands at 63.0 inches tall, would not be eligible for this class.
To homologate EV models for the ESV class, manufacturers will need to build a certain number of road cars. Initially, this requirement will be 300 units within the first 24 months from homologation. This production-based approach ensures that the race cars are derived from road cars and maintains a level playing field among competitors.
The ESV class welcomes both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, with a minimum power output of 410 horsepower. While the bodywork must remain mostly unchanged, the regulations do allow for certain modifications. For example, fender flares are permitted to house wider tires, and additional cooling ducts can be added. Additionally, certain components such as doors, rear hatches, spoilers, and diffusers can be replaced with lighter-weight versions as long as they maintain the stock shape.
To ensure fair competition, the FIA plans to apply its Performance Factor methodology from hill-climb racing to group cars based on factors such as weight, power, and aerodynamic performance. This methodology creates a value that enables organizers to categorize cars in a way that promotes equal competition. Furthermore, the FIA allows teams to monitor real-time energy consumption through onboard data loggers, giving them valuable insights into their race strategy.
While the FIA has previously supported categories such as the Formula E single-seater series and electric rallycross, this is their first dedicated effort to back a production-based electric racing class specifically designed for tarmac circuits. Past efforts included providing support to the Electric GT series, which aimed to use modified Tesla Model S race cars but did not receive apparent support from Tesla. Additionally, the FIA announced an electric category in 2021 that promised performance comparable to current GT3 cars, but that initiative did not come to fruition.
The introduction of the ESV class by the FIA underscores the growing prominence and interest in electric racing. As the automotive industry continues to transition towards electrification, it is essential to offer accessible and competitive platforms for electric racing. The ESV class serves as an important step in consolidating the future of electric motorsports and allowing manufacturers to showcase the capabilities of their road-going electric vehicles on the track. With its entry-level nature and minimal modifications, the ESV class provides an ideal platform for aspiring racers and automotive enthusiasts to experience the thrill of electric racing firsthand.
