When the WRC switches to hybrid powertrains in 2022, charging facilities will be provided by the organizers, the tender for which has recently been opened by the FIA. The WRC Promoter and the FIA say they are working to develop a system of ‘supported’ service areas for WRC, following the principles developed in other global series – the idea being to create a shared ‘paddock’ facility for WRC Teams. Taking into consideration the rapidly changing landscape of sustainable and alternative fuels, the FIA says its intention is to use the opportunity to work with prospective tenderers to highlight the wide range of sustainable fuel options that are currently available.
For the Rally1 cars (which the current top WRC class will be called), the hybrid system developed between Compact Dynamics and Kreisel will come with a white label-supplied ‘plug-In’ charging infrastructure. The 3.9kWh battery in the car is supplied with an 8kW charging unit that will allow the battery to go from 20% of charge to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. A 15-minute ‘top-up’ is proposed for competitors at each service point, which the FIA notes will afford a brand an opportunity to display their offer.
The power generation and charging facilities will also incorporate power supplies for teams’ garages, for lighting, heating, catering and welding operations. The FIA notes that tenderers have to plan for an average of 10-20 Rally1 cars on each event. All cars can potentially charge at the same time, so the adequate total power has to be provided for such an eventuality.
