World's first all-electric rallycross series to begin in 2018

The world's first all-electric rallycross series will begin in 2018, Red Bull Global Rallycross has announced.

Red Bull GRC, who ran the world's first truly international rally competition in 2013, have said that the new championship will run as a third category alongside Supercars and Lites races at their events.

The new championship will be governed by USAC (United States Auto Club), which handles a number of top level championships in America, including the TORC: Off-Road Championship, and both existing Red Bull GRC divisions.

“Red Bull Global Rallycross is pleased to add to our rallycross platform an electric series,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “The 2018 season will be a landmark year for us as we welcome electric vehicles to the grid for the first time. The electric car is one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, and manufacturers across the globe have recognized its immense potential. We want to embrace this technology by welcoming it into our series as we continue to grow and expand.

“Our current platform is the most enticing in motorsports right now to a young, millennial audience. Our small displacement, high-horsepower, turbocharged engines allow our manufacturers to showcase the performance capabilities of their current millennial-focused offerings, and provide a glimpse into the exciting future of the automotive industry. This electric series will add a new dynamic that will never replace the current formula, but will be an important part of our expansion.”