There are now more than two million electric vehicles on UK roads, around one third of which are privately owned. The future of road transport is likely to be shaped by a range of technologies, with electric vehicles forming an increasingly important part of the landscape. While there is a long way to go before EVs become commonplace in British motorsport, they present another opportunity to broaden participation.

The pioneering development of Formula E has given electrified motorsport a flagship. When it launched, the need for mid-race recharging highlighted just how far EVs had to go. Now, its move to race on the Grand Prix circuit at Brands Hatch next year demonstrates that the next generation of cars can take on a‘ real’ racing circuit.

At the national motorsport level, showcase events include the StreetCar EV AutoSOLO and the FIA EcoRally Scotland, which are both EV-dedicated events taking place in Scotland at the start of August. Meanwhile, the Goodwood Festival of Speed welcomed a long list of EVs this year, with the Pikes Peak-winning Super Mustang Mach-E beating the Gen4 Formula E car in the timed shootout and the introduction of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E – an electric tribute to the legendary Group B Rally car. At club level, integrating electric vehicles is becoming more straightforward as experience and understanding develops. Motorsport UK’ s requirements have evolved to ensure that organisers have practical guidance which reflects the different considerations associated with EVs, while remaining proportionate to the scale and nature of each event.

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