While some sectors of the green car world are focusing on developing larger, more efficient batteries that would kill range anxiety, there are people out there that will like to see EVs and fuel-cell cars racing each other. Not on the track, but around the world.
Called The 80 Day Race, this project was inspired by Jules Verne's book 'Around the world in 80 days' and you can consider it the zero-emission version of Gumball 3000 or the Mille Miglia, but stretched over 40,000 km (24,854 miles). Enough to get your attention? Good, because there's more you need to know.
According to the competition's rules, teams will race between eight locations around the world without using a single drop of fossil fuel. All land-based vehicles are allowed for this first edition, but they have to run on renewable resources and, it goes without saying, must not feature an ICE (internal combustion engine).
Furthermore, the teams will have a common starting point: Paris, France, in April 2017. From here, they will be heading East, towards China, but there is no pre-established route, which means each team will have the chance to go their own way, as long as they reach the eight checkpoints, represented by major cities in the world.
The event was founded on 11.11.2011 by Frank Manders, and as he confesses, the idea came from a post on Twitter.
Asked about whether it is possible to race sustainably around the world in just 80 days, Mr. Manders responded that "we are now at the tipping point where this challenge can be realized. There are vehicles and charging facilities available for both fuel cell as well as battery electric and that allows us to drive more than 500 kilometers per day."
Ocean crossings will be aided by the organizers, who at this moment are in talks with six cities and five potential teams who have expressed their interests in participating in the race.
Google News