The FIA has unveiled new technical details for its new electric-powered GT formula, which includes fast charging during pitstops.
According to the FIA, the series will race at full-length permanent circuits and will set ‘new standards for electric vehicles in motor sport in terms of performance and range.’
The cars will compete in a similar performance window to that of current GT3 machinery, but will outperform them in acceleration and qualifying pace.
The FIA states that the class is ‘based on direct manufacturer involvement’, and will be open to both manufacturers specialised in electric vehicle construction without motorsport experience as well manufacturers already committed to GT3 racing.
The minimum weight will vary 1490 to 1530 kilograms, with maximum power reaching 430kW (roughly 580 horsepower).
The class will not rely on standardised batteries, the FIA claims. Instead, French firm Saft, which also works on Peugeot’s Hypercar programme, will supply bespoke lithium-ion pouch cells, which will allow manufacturers to develop their own battery layouts.
These cells allow for 700kW peak regen and 700kW fast recharging. A major factor is that these batteries will be able to be recharged up to 60 percent within a few minutes during a mid-race pitstop.
All manufacturers will have the freedom to chose their own powertrain set-ups in order to maintain road relevance, with both two- and four-battery set-ups allowed, as well as both two- and four-wheel drive configurations.
“The FIA’s vision is to make motor sport a laboratory for sustainable mobility,” said FIA president Jean Todt. “The announcement of this new electric-powered GT car category is a key milestone serving this goal as it will pave the way for new battery and fast-charging technologies. A perfect illustration of our race-to-road approach.”
Leena Gade, FIA GT Commission President, added: “The market for high-performance electric road supercars is on a constant rise, hence a platform to allow manufacturers to develop and showcase their technology was much needed.
“Creating these technical regulations has been a key project for the FIA GT Commission over the last eighteen months. We’ve held regular discussions with GT manufacturers through our Technical Working Groups and there’s keen interest in this new category.
“It also widens the FIA’s GT portfolio, coexisting alongside with GT3 which will remain the focus of the customer racing market worldwide for the time being.”
They’d better get busy on sewing some big red curtains with “Interlude” embroidered on them, to close across the stands, like what they used to have in the pictures, back in the olden days when they had to change the spool. Never thought I’d see (I won’t, I’ll not be watching) motor racing with a half-time interval when the drivers can have a cup of tea and an orange.