Launched in December 2022, the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup for electric motorcycles became a reality in Barcelona last month (13th May 2023) with its inaugural round. Following the second round of the championship that took place in the Swiss Alps in Crans-Montana last Saturday (24 June), E-Xplorer and the FIM have combined to create a road map plan which will unite the industry and the sport in a sustainable and entertaining championship in which equality, sustainability and inclusion are central.
The first part of the roadmap has already been implemented with the launch of the 2023 season in Barcelona with a category which allows teams to race the bike any consumer can purchase and modify. The format is designed to amplify the motorcycle’s adaptability and versatility, while maintaining the message that they are zero emissions, promote sustainable/environmental values and deliver an entertaining, engaging and exciting appeal at its core.
“2023 is our foundation season,” explained E-Xplorer CEO Valentin Guyonnet. “Our three core pillars are innovation – driving the development of EV power units in the two wheel world; equality – attracting the interest of women competitors to the sport and creating the only two wheel series which stipulates that each team must have a male and female rider; and of course creating a vibrant and exciting racing series to attract both the traditional spectators as well as introducing a young audience who will ultimately become the target customers for these bikes.
“2023 will deliver these objectives while our plans for the following two years will be to attract the major OEMS and examine other sustainable energy options as the race for complete sustainability marches on and new technologies are introduced.”
As alluded to by Valentin, 2024 will be the time to introduce a second category of racing to be introduced as honed, bespoke prototypes built specifically to be optimal in this race format. The emphasis for the manufacturers will be to focus on promoting their brand and their technology and sustainability credentials.
In addition, the second year of E-Xplorer will see significant changes to the Sporting Regulations with the introduction of longer format races showcasing the bikes capabilities, testing and pushing further the development of the power units. With the changes on track and the innovations in technology, an association of light electric vehicle manufacturers will be established to actively promote and drive progress in innovation within the industry. More details will be released in due course.
In conclusion the proposed roadmap for E-Xplorer provides an opportunity for all the major OEMs to become important stakeholders in a series which is committed to the future technology of the industry. The series will also ensure the all-terrain and dual -purpose motorcycles can adapt to both loose/dirt and man-made surfaces ensuring that E-Xplorer events can take place at both on and off-road circuits with the opportunity of taking the sport into towns and cities, growing the appeal to the urban commuters as well as the enduro and off-road enthusiasts. It is a series which will adapt to the fast-moving demands of the EV revolution and the essential requirement to place sport and entertainment at the very centre of the fight against climate change, sustainability messaging and equal opportunities.
“I had the pleasure of attending the second round in Crans-Montana this weekend”, explained FIM President Jorge Viegas, “the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup combines competitive racing between female and male riders, technical innovation and sustainability, all this in incredible settings. I truly believe that this series has a bright future thanks to its pioneering format which will continue to grow in the years to come thanks to the passion and hard work of the team at E-Xplorer SA, the promoter of the series.”