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Volkswagen pushing for electric rallycross series

Volkswagen is considering the development of an all-electric rallycross supercar.

The German firm's head of technology Frank Welsch says the short, sharp format of rallycross events offers the perfect showcase for advances in electric car technology.

Welsch told Autosport's sister publication Autocar: "I can certainly imagine a championship done with all-electric cars.

"The races are around six minutes long, which allows for short, intense bursts of competition and then charging."

Volkswagen currently competes in Global Rallycross and the World Rallycross Championship via satellite teams, with a 1.6-litre Beetle and a two-litre Polo developing around 550bhp in the respective series.

Ex-Formula 1 driver Scott Speed won last year's GRC title in a VW Beetle run by leading IndyCar and Formula E team Andretti Autosport.

Welsch added that the switch to electric cars would not mean a dip in the power or spectacle of competition.

"Today these cars are super-powerful, have torque from hell and use all-wheel drive," he said.

"Electric drivetrains could deliver that.

"If the championship moved that way it would be perfect for us.

"We are already in discussions with [series] organisers to that effect."

Zdroj: autosport.com