Electric
Le Mans
Initiative

Make the first move™

Let's move to electric power source in Le Mans 24hr Endurance race.

Why are we bringing EVs to Le Mans?

Electric cars have long been underestimated in the automotive world. When EVs first emerged, many car enthusiasts dismissed them as slow and impractical. Today, electric cars are setting records on tracks like the Nürburgring, proving their speed and engineering prowess.

Despite these advancements, many critics argue that EVs lack the necessary battery efficiency, quick refueling capabilities, and overall longevity required to compete in a grueling 24-hour race. This is precisely why we are taking on the challenge of bringing electric vehicles to Le Mans. Our goal is to shatter these misconceptions and prove that EVs are not only viable but also capable of excelling in the most demanding motorsport environments.

By competing in Le Mans, we are not just showcasing the speed of electric vehicles; we are also proving their reliability, energy efficiency, and ability to endure extreme conditions over extended periods. We want to highlight the advancements in battery technology, fast-charging capabilities, and aerodynamic engineering that are making EVs more competitive than ever before.

Le Mans represents the pinnacle of endurance racing, and our participation is a statement to the world:the future of motorsports is electric.
Join us as we push the boundaries of innovation and pave the way for a new era in racing!

Typical Racing Scenario with Electric Powertrain

Race Start

Vehicles begin the race with a fully charged battery at 100%.

Pit Stops

When the battery level decreases to approximately 5%, a pit stop is necessary. During a typical 150-second pit stop, several critical tasks are performed:

  • Battery Charging: Recharging the battery to a suitable level.
  • Tire Change: Replacing worn tires to maintain optimal performance.
  • Coolant Addition: Refilling coolant to ensure the vehicle's thermal management system operates effectively.
  • Driver Swap: Changing drivers to comply with endurance racing regulations and to manage driver fatigue.

Performance Optimization

Teams aim to enhance lap times by optimizing all possible variables, including vehicle aerodynamics, energy management strategies, and pit stop efficiency.

Battery Charging Strategy

  • Normal Conditions: Under typical racing conditions, batteries are charged up to 90% to balance performance and battery health.
  • Safety Car Periods: During safety car deployments, when the race pace is reduced, there is an opportunity to charge the battery closer to 100%, maximizing energy reserves without compromising race strategy.

This structured approach ensures that electric vehicles can effectively compete in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, balancing speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions arising in your head, and we know. Let me break down each one of it.
We made a Q&A style dialogue below so you can follow case more efficiently.

1. There is no Electric Class in Le Mans.

You are correct. There is no Electric Class in Le Mans. However, Le Mans has this special class called Garage 56. This class is made for experimental cars that couldn’t fit into current class.
Great thing about Garage 56 is, most rule doesn't apply to the garage 56!!

2. How do you manage the battery? Do you charge? or Swap middle of the race?

We won’t swap the battery unless cell has chemical or physical damage so we can’t use any longer.
We charge the battery using high speed charger between every stints.

3. How big is the Battery?

About 200Kwh, cell to chassis technology reduces the weight and center of gravity.
200KWh is about 720MJ, little less than 920MJ which is set as the energy cap of each stint in Le Mans. But that's fine. We have regenerative braking to help.