The world of motorcycle racing just got a whole lot quieter, thanks to the announcement that the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) will be hosting an all-electric off-road series for 2022 called E-Xplorer. Highlighting the capabilities of electric motorcycles, this inaugural racing series will feature 10 teams comprised of a male and female rider pitted against others at five international events in urban and rural settings. Set to kick off in early 2022, the series should be highly competitive as riders are set to race in a mix of time trials and head-to-head events.
FIM See Electric Motorsports As The Future
With other racing circuits converting or offering electric equivalents, motorcycling has naturally followed suit. This latest installment by the FIM is somewhat unique, in that an entire new racing series is being built around EV bikes. Knowing the rising interest in this technology, as well as the increased investment by manufacturers, especially in the off-road market, the E-Xplorer series seems a logical move. While details about the electric motorcycles competing in this series remain vague, the FIM did stipulate that racers would be using 100% electric motorcycle built for off-road riding and that the machines would be limited to 286 lbs (130 kg).
A machine likely to compete in the series is the 2022 KTM Freeride E-XC. Based on the video produced by the FIM, they clearly think this KTM model is ideal for the series, as it is featured throughout the footage. With a motor capable of 18 kW of maximum output and a quick change KTM PowerPack with a 3.9 kWh capacity, the Freeride E-XC would make for some exhilarating racing, especially in the format outlined by the FIM.
The Roar Of The Crowd Will Surpass The Roar Of The Bikes
With locations tentatively scheduled for countries ranging from the United States to Switzerland, the FIM is aiming to broaden the international appeal of electric motorcycle racing. Given that spectators will likely be louder than the machines being ridden on these circuits, racers should be able to feed off of the energy given off by the crowd, even if their motorcycles won't be able to roar back. Organizers at the FIM seem confident in the E-Xplorer series and its ability to draw in young fans. As stated by Jorge Viegas, President of the FIM, "The FIM has long been a leader and a strong advocate of sustainability in sport, our FIM Environmental code is both extensive and seen by many others as the benchmark for delivering sustainable events, so our continued and growing commitment to integrating electric motorcycles into our existing championships has always been a natural path. However, the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup marks a significant moment on this important journey. The FIM is proud to be part of this exciting new project and will provide all the necessary support to ensure its success during its inaugural season and long into the future during which time electric power will become a dominant player in our sport."