The transition from combustion engines to electric drive systems for road vehicles is in full swing. With its GT4 e-Performance prototype, Porsche is demonstrating the potential of all-electric racing – and highlighting the adaptations that will be needed.
Innovation has a long tradition at Porsche Motorsport. Still, building an all-electric customer sports car is a major undertaking for the development and project teams in Weissach. Porsche is addressing many of the issues that will inevitably arise in electric customer racing at an early stage with the GT4 e-Performance prototype and its global demo tour.
As is the case with road vehicles, a key area of concern is electric charging infrastructure – but only at the race tracks. It is the responsibility of track operators and series organisers to provide reliable and sustainable power solutions. At its show stop during the IMSA's SAHLEN'S SIX HOURS OF THE GLEN race weekend in Watkins Glen (USA), the GT4 e-Performance will present an innovative charging system developed by the internationally renowned American endurance racing series and its partners. The combination of a mobile business centre and a charging terminal with integrated solar system is a pilot project for the development of mobile electric fast charging capacities.
The long road to electric customer motorsport.
Construction of an efficient charging infrastructure that enables electrifying racing cars to quickly recharge for their races is just one item on the long to-do list for the electrification of motorsport. One key question is which tracks are best suited for the relatively short electric races. Targeted optimisation of the track layout can add to the excitement of races. Drivers and teams also need to be introduced to electric racing and trained in the specifics of electric drivetrains. Only when all factors are geared towards top performance can electric motorsport become a truly thrilling experience.
The most important question in electric motorsport is what racing formats will take in the future. What expectations do drivers, teams and fans have in this regard? Which future racing events will generate the same magical attraction as traditional motorsport at places like Monaco, Le Mans or the Nordschleife? The GT4 e-Performance Tour is just the first step to get in touch with all those involved in international motorsport and to jointly drive electrification in customer motorsport.
