First round of all-electric Eco Grand Prix goes ahead in near-blizzard conditions
Assortment of EVs takes to the snowy hills of Andorra for the start of a bid to prove electric cars can work anywhere
The world’s first all-electric snow race has taken place, with vehicles ranging from a humble Smart Fortwo Electric Drive to a classy Tesla Model S P85 taking to the hills of Andorra in near-blizzard conditions.
Organised by Eco Grand Prix and with more to come, the races seek to prove to the world that electric vehicles can work in a variety of conditions and be fun at the same time. In addition to this snow stage, races will take place in Calafat, Spain, and Bilster Berg, Germany, with the cars sampling wind and heat in one environment and wet conditions and hill climbing in the other.
Other competitors raced in a wide variety of electric cars, including a BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen eGolf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.
Eco Grand Prix co-organiser Rafael de Mestre, who holds the current record for the fastest trip around the world in an electric vehicle, said: “A lot of petrolheads are commenting there will be no fun any more if EVs take over.
“We at Eco GP are showing that this is a thrilling competitive race series which also encourages people to think about buying EVs. Also, we want to show that EVs can stand up to the toughest tests in harsh conditions.”
De Mestre achieved his own record in 2012, after setting off around the world behind the wheel of a Tesla Roadster. His goal was to achieve the trip in 80 days, as in the famous Jules Verne novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ – but fell short of the target, taking 127 days to complete the challenge.
The next Eco GP race will take place in Spain on September 15.
