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Published on February 17, 2026 by Electric Le Mans Initiative

Garage 56 Explained: The Most Realistic Door for a Pure EV (Now)

One-sentence promise: Garage 56 is the most practical route to place a pure EV at Le Mans before a dedicated EV class exists.

What Is Garage 56?

Garage 56 is a special Le Mans entry focused on innovation. In practice, it allows a concept outside standard class regulations, while still requiring event-level safety and operational readiness.

Why Garage 56 Exists

Le Mans has always been both:

  • a race
  • a technology proving ground

Garage 56 formalizes the second role by reserving space for future-oriented concepts.

Why This Matters for a Pure EV

Current class structures are not built around a pure EV endurance concept at this level. Garage 56 is therefore the realistic bridge between concept and race participation.

What Garage 56 Does Not Mean

It does not mean "no constraints." An accepted concept still needs:

  • a credible safety case
  • operational feasibility in a live endurance event
  • alignment with organizer intent

Our Acceptance Thesis

A pure EV that can finish 24 hours while proving robust endurance systems is directly aligned with the spirit of future mobility demonstration.

Open Questions (TBD)

  • What safety case is required for megawatt-class pit charging?
  • How do we show this is race-relevant technology, not a lab-only demonstration?
  • What maturity level (simulation, bench, prototype, track) is needed before application?

Written by Electric Le Mans Initiative

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