Technical Regulations for Electric Sport Vehicles Released by FIA

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has recently released a new set of technical regulations for Electric Sport Vehicles (FIA ESV). These regulations specifically focus on developing racing cars derived from road-going electric vehicles (EVs), particularly GT-type cars.

It is emphasised that these rules have been formulated to support entry-level and reasonably priced electric racing while also maintaining strict adherence to high-voltage safety standards. The regulations encompass safety concerns and technological advancements, including an optional clause for performance management based on specific competition criteria.

The FIA ESV regulations are primarily aimed towards FIA member clubs to promote safe and sustainable motorsport in the future. This new ruleset has the distinct advantage of allowing the same car to be used in various sporting formats, from circuit racing to various sprint-type events, including those requiring vehicles with road-legal homologation, allowing competitors to drive to and from the actual events.

The FIA states that the main aim of the FIA ESV rule set, similar to the past Group N regulations, is to minimise the modifications required from the original road-going production vehicle. In line with current trends in road cars, the class encompasses both Grand Touring cars and four-door, coupe-shaped sports sedans, with a maximum chassis height of 1,460mm.

FIA ESV benefits from the FIA’s experience managing high-voltage technologies in motorsport contests throughout the years. The automobiles must have a safety light system similar to those used in other contests for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Technical requirements in the FIA ESV stipulate that the fundamental design of the bodywork remains largely unchanged, with certain allowances such as expanding the wheel arches to accommodate wider racing tires and installing additional cooling ducts. Certain bodywork panels, such as the rear hatch and doors, rear wing, and diffuser, may be replaced with lightweight alternatives that maintain the original shape in order to reduce weight.