Tesla-based electric car racing series gets FIA approval

Electric Production Car Series (EPCS), the first all-electric, zero-emissions motorsport racing series promoted by Electric GT Holdings Inc. has got the approval from the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The approval comes after a successful crash test of the Tesla Model S P100D-based race car. The first race is scheduled to be held by the end of the year.

Competitors will race in identical machines. In race trim, the EGT Tesla P100DL 2.0 race car produces 778 BHP and 995 Nm. For qualifying, the electric motors will be turned up to 785 BHP. According to Electric GT, the race-spec car is 500 kg lighter than the stock Model S P100D. It is powered by a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers a racing range of 90 km. The race car is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds. Unlike the production car, the EPCS race car has a front splitter along with a rear wing to improve the cornering ability. It is equipped with OMP safety equipment, Alcon dual-circuit hydraulic race brakes, R53 pushrod suspension and BComp composite bodywork. Custom designed Pirelli P Zero slick and wet tyres will be used for the races.

Up to 20 racers will participate in 3-heat qualifying based races that will include day and dusk races of 60 km each. Additionally, on circuits where possible, a drift race will be organized between the top two finishers and two fan-voted drivers for extra championship points.

This FIA approval makes EPCS the second electric car based racing series after Formula E. The exact schedule as well as the locations for the races has not yet been finalized.