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RX launches 'Projekt E' after electric vote for top-class fails

The World Rallycross Championship has announced plans for a new electric series called Projekt E, after plans to switch World RX's top class to electric cars for 2021 failed

Autosport revealed last week that World RX won't be switching to electric cars in 2021, after a manufacturer vote on the March 29 deadline for the EWRX concept failed.

Plans to introduce electric cars to World RX were revealed by Autosport in August 2017, before the EWRX agenda for the discipline's top category was revealed last February, with nine manufacturers said to be in talks with series promotor IMG and the FIA.

Following the news that an electric-powered top class in WRX won't begin from 2021 as planned, the promotor has announced a new series expected to start next year, running as a sub-class to the current World RX category.

"It's obviously been our intention together with the FIA to have an electric element of the sport," World RX managing director Torben Olsen told Autosport earlier this week.

"We've come together, put plans on the table and worked very closely with the manufacturers.

"This [EWRX not happening] is just a result of them not being ready for 2021 which is obviously a shame."

In the announcement on Tuesday, Olsen stated that IMG intends to continue with its electric strategy next year, but further details about the new Projekt E series are yet to be announced.

"IMG has pledged as far back as 2017 that electrification would be part of the of World RX weekend.

"Today we can confirm our intention to deliver on that objective," he said.

"Our aim is to showcase future mobility and relevant technologies in the tough, competitive environment of rallycross with production-based vehicles that consumers can relate to.

"We believe that Projekt E is a positive step forward to deliver on our 2017 pledge.

"Projekt E enables us to embrace emerging technologies, remain relevant, and show that electric cars are fast and fun."

The announcement also stated: "Over the coming months, the FIA and IMG will be revealing more about the format for Projekt E and the electrified cars which will line up on the grid in the future."

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