FIA World Rallycross series postpones electric cars

The FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX) says it is to postpone the switch to all-electric cars. The move was initially planned for 2020 but manufacturers have now been given time until 2021. They will have to confirm their commitment to the electric format until March, 29, 2019.

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While FIA had initially confirmed that the World Rallycross Championship (WRX) will use fully electric cars from 2020, the latest announcement delays this move by a year to 2021.

More clarity has been offered on the supply side though. FIA confirms the electric racers will be based on a carbon fibre monocoque chassis supplied by Oreca. Batteries will come from Williams Advanced Engineering. Each car will be powered by two 250kW motors which manufacturers will develop.

Independent teams may also enter the championship, either with cars supplied by manufacturers or using their own drivetrains and bodies developed from an FIA approved base design.

There will be opportunities at a number of 2020 World RX events for manufacturers and independent teams to showcase their electric vehicles.

Update 30.03.2019: The vote to electrify the World Rallycross has failed without the manufacturers going along with the programme, dashing hopes of an electric WRX in 2021. An unnamed source added that no votes were given to go electric at all, placing the direction very much in question. An official statement is expected next week.

fiaworldrallycross.com, motorsport.com (Update)