In April 2024, a team participated in an eco-driving race at the Castellet circuit, only to find themselves back at the Hockenheim circuit in February 2025 for a more intense 24-hour ADAC e-competition. With strict regulations, including limited charging stations and vehicle classifications, teams must balance speed and energy efficiency. Competing in Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica vehicles, the team navigates challenging weather and track conditions while employing strategic planning. The race emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapidly changing circumstances and effective energy management.
It looks like we’re diving deeper into the world of eco-driving! In April 2024, we participated in an eco-driving race at the Castellet circuit, organized by Audi. We thought it would be a unique experience, but we were mistaken.
Fast forward to February 2025, and we find ourselves at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany. While the foundation remains similar, virtually everything else shifts: the circuit, the vehicle, the weather conditions, and the race duration all prompt us to adapt and innovate.
Join us on this journey through the ADAC e-competition, a thrilling race that merges strategic thinking, cross-product synergy, instant noodles, and summer tires.
Strict Regulations for a Fair Competition
Indeed, unlike the Audi e-tron endurance event that was capped at three hours with no recharging allowed, this ADAC e-competition spans a demanding 24 hours.
Recharging is essential, but there’s a twist: only one charging station is available for every two electric vehicles, with a maximum charging power of 19 kW – a stark contrast to some cars that can handle up to 300 kW. This setup aims to create a level playing field, emphasizing strategy and energy efficiency.
Racers are categorized based on battery size: Class A for vehicles with up to 49 kWh; Class B for 49 to 72 kWh; Class C for 72 to 97 kWh; and finally, Class D for those exceeding that threshold.
Ultimately, the winning team will be determined by who covers the most distance in the 24-hour time frame. This challenge requires a delicate balance between speed and energy consumption, making strategic planning crucial.
A Historic Circuit Awaits
Our racing venue is the iconic Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This legendary circuit is renowned for hosting numerous German Formula 1 Grands Prix, and we are set to compete on the same layout.
The track stretches 4.574 km, featuring 17 turns interspersed with long straights. The lap record is an impressive 1’11″212, held by Sebastian Vettel, averaging over 231 km/h – breaking that record seems unlikely.
Our Electric Ride
We’ll be taking on this challenge in two Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica vehicles – a last-minute change from our initially planned Lancia Ypsilon. The first car, number 21 in the striking Rouge Brera color, will be driven by journalists like us, while car number 22, adorned in Bleu Navigli, is reserved for eco-driving enthusiasts eager to claim victory in their category.
Let’s review the technical details: the Alfa Romeo, part of the Stellantis family, is a small SUV built on the e-GMP platform, also used by the Peugeot E-2008, Fiat 600e, Citroën ë-C4, and Opel Mokka, among others.
It boasts a 156 hp engine backed by a 54 kWh gross battery (51 kWh net), placing us in Class B. The expected range is 412 km according to the WLTP mixed cycle, with a consumption rate of 15.1 kWh/100 km, factoring in charging losses.
The M3 motor in this Junior, developed by EMotors (a partnership between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy Somer), is recognized for its energy efficiency. Will it help us counterbalance the less aerodynamic nature of the SUV against competitors like the Renault 5 E-Tech, Xpeng G6, Ora Funky Cat, and electric Kia Niro?
A Race of Strategy
Harnessing Cross-Product Synergy
The team gathers at the circuit bright and early at 8:30 am. The five members of the “Journalists” crew, including myself, are newcomers to this track and need to familiarize ourselves with the turns, trajectories, and braking points from scratch.
After technical briefings, reconnaissance laps, and grid placements, the 24-hour eco-driving race officially kicks off at 4:00 pm for the 31 electric vehicles participating. Soufyane from Automobile Propre takes the wheel for our first stint in the Junior.
The initial laps are crucial for testing our internally developed strategy (with a little help from ChatGPT). Soon, we settle into a rhythm averaging 3.20 minutes per lap, with a consumption of about 18.5 kWh/100 km, maintaining a top speed of 90 km/h.
As we approach our first recharge, with only one station for our two cars, we decide to plug in at 50% battery. This strategy ensures a balanced sharing of the charging station and prevents both cars from being stationary at the same time.
Once connected, it’s not just about the charging speed; we need to monitor the kilometers regained per minute. At 19 kW, we estimate that recharging for one lap takes about 2.7 minutes.
The hours pass, and I head back to the hotel for some much-needed rest – since I’m scheduled to drive last, I won’t take the wheel until 9 am the following morning.
Driving Through Snow
Waking up at 3:30 am brings a surprise: snow has blanketed the circuit, and it will remain a factor until my turn. Despite the challenging conditions, Clément from Auto-Plus manages a fantastic lap and returns at 7:35 am with 35% battery left. His advice: “Watch out, it’s very slippery at turns 2 and 8.” The Junior’s summer tires certainly do not help.
As 9 am approaches and our battery hits 80%, it’s time for my turn. With the heating turned off, I bundle up with a beanie, gloves, a heavy jacket, and foot warmers to stay comfortable.
Choosing Eco mode (or Advanced Efficiency) was a simple decision, but a debate ensued among the team regarding the two regeneration modes. I opt for the stronger setting and adjust my cornering accordingly. Clément was right: the track is indeed slippery.
As a novice on the circuit, I need to learn the best lines, maintain optimal speed, and keep a close eye on energy consumption while adapting to the traffic, particularly the unpredictable behavior of some Xpeng vehicles.
With each passing lap, my confidence builds, and our energy consumption stabilizes. Did you know that coasting near the protective wall before the Mobil 1 Kurve allows us to arrive at…