EVs & the Monte Carlo Rally: A Shocking Challenge – A Deep Dive
The automotive world is undergoing a seismic shift, with Electric Vehicles (EVs) rapidly gaining prominence. But can these silent machines truly compete in the realm of motorsport, particularly in events steeped in tradition and the roar of internal combustion engines? I recently had the opportunity to find out, participating in the Mille Miglia “Green” with Polestar, an experience that highlighted both the potential and the challenges of EVs in a demanding rally environment. Polestar provided flights from Los Angeles to Milan and accommodation so GearTech could participate in the Green Mille Miglia. GearTech does not accept paid editorial content.
The Mille Miglia Green: A Sustainable Spin on a Legendary Race
The Mille Miglia is iconic, a grueling endurance race that once stretched over 1,000 miles of Italian roads. The “Green” iteration, now in its fifth year, aims to showcase the viability of sustainable transportation, specifically EVs, alongside the classic cars. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition – the cutting edge of automotive technology running alongside relics of a bygone era. This year’s route, tracing the original race’s first 12 outings from Brescia to Rome and back, presented a unique test for our Polestar 3, and a team of competitors including a Polestar 2 and 4, a Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, an Abarth 600e, a Lotus Eletre, and a BYD Denza Z9GT saloon.
Navigating the Challenge: It’s Not About Speed, It’s About Precision
Initially, I was apprehensive. My experience with rally navigation was limited to observing the Dakar Rally, and my co-driver, Chris Rosales, and I were unfamiliar with European charging infrastructure. However, the Mille Miglia Green isn’t about outright speed. Instead, teams compete for points based on time, distance, and average speed across a series of timed sections. A dedicated pace car and police escort guided our convoy, reducing the navigational complexity, but increasing the pressure to perform in the timed trials.
The Time Trial Conundrum
The time trials proved to be the biggest hurdle. Short, red-highlighted sections in the roadbook, ranging from eight seconds to four minutes, dictated the timed stints. Without formal coaching and relying on a somewhat flawed English translation of the rulebook, we struggled to find the correct pace. Too fast, and we’d have to brake dramatically; too slow, and we’d floor it to catch up. It was a frustrating dance of acceleration and deceleration, relying on an iPhone stopwatch for precision.
Charging Concerns: The Range Anxiety Reality
As the day progressed, the logistical challenge of charging became apparent. After a seven-hour stint ending in Ferrara, with no breaks for food or restrooms, we faced a limited charging infrastructure. Our first attempt at a “fast” charger resulted in a meager 48 kW charge speed due to multiple cars plugged in simultaneously. This necessitated a detour to another station, only to find it occupied by a fleet of Denza, Lotus, and Abarth crews. Finally, we found a station operated by Intuity, achieving a peak of 170 kW and adding 62 kWh in 32 minutes, bringing us to 90% State of Charge (SOC) with an estimated 330 km of range.
Falling Behind: A Slow Start
The first day concluded with us finishing dead last in the Green ranking. Our speedometer inaccuracies and struggles with the time trials contributed to the poor result. However, we were determined to improve. Day two brought a series of similar time trials and an average-speed challenge near Siena. We quickly realized our speedometer was off by a few kilometers per hour, requiring last-minute adjustments to maintain the prescribed average speed.
The Competition Heats Up
The competition was fierce. While we focused on the EV challenge, the Mille Miglia was also a showcase for stunning classic cars, including Bugattis and Ferraris. The contrast was striking, and the atmosphere was electric. We found ourselves navigating alongside these automotive icons, experiencing the passion and history of the Mille Miglia firsthand.
Logistical Challenges and Missed Opportunities
The logistical complexities of managing three race entries and support cars proved overwhelming for the Polestar team. This resulted in the entire group missing the parade through Rome, a significant optics failure and a disappointment for the drivers. Despite this setback, we pressed on, determined to make the most of the experience.
A Glimmer of Hope: Climbing the Ranks
Day three brought a slight improvement. We moved up to second-to-last place, a testament to our growing understanding of the rally format. However, a wrong turn early in the day momentarily derailed our progress. Fortunately, we were able to rejoin the correct route and experience the true heart of the Mille Miglia, driving alongside the classic cars through the picturesque Italian countryside.
Embracing the Italian Spirit
We took the opportunity to soak in the Italian culture, stopping for espresso and pastries alongside vintage car owners. It was a moment of camaraderie and a reminder of the beauty and passion that define the Mille Miglia. However, a subsequent mathematical error in a time trial cost us valuable seconds.
The Final Stretch: A Mixed Bag
The final day was less about competition and more about enjoying the journey. We indulged in a bit of drifting around roundabouts and focused on completing the time trials. Despite our efforts, we ultimately finished ahead of only the Polestar 2 and G 580. While not a victory, it was a respectable result for a team of amateurs relying on unconventional tools like an iPhone stopwatch and Waze for speed readings.
Lessons Learned: The Future of EVs in Motorsport
Would I participate in the Mille Miglia again? Perhaps, but with a rally computer and, ideally, in a vintage car. The rules limiting participation to cars from 1957 and earlier create a unique challenge of maintaining a classic vehicle in demanding conditions. However, the Green cars face restrictions that the classic entries do not.
- Charging Infrastructure: The time commitment of charging remains a significant hurdle, impacting sleep and overall rally pace.
- Scoring System: The current scoring system doesn’t adequately reward efficiency and navigation skills.
- Integration: The Green cars often felt like an afterthought, separated from the main event.
Our Polestar 3 consistently outperformed its range estimates, achieving approximately 20 kW per 100 km. We experienced only minor glitches, including a malfunctioning volume knob and a temporary system bricking. However, the overall feeling was one of being somewhat marginalized, parking far from the classic cars and facing criticism for attempting to integrate with the main competition.
Potential Improvements for the Mille Miglia Green
To truly showcase the potential of EVs, the Mille Miglia Green could consider the following changes:
- EV Conversions: Allow only EV conversions of classic cars, increasing the challenge and highlighting the ingenuity of electric conversions.
- Revised Scoring: Incorporate points for total distance covered and range remaining, rewarding efficiency and navigation.
- Greater Integration: Integrate the Green cars more fully into the main event, providing equal access to facilities and opportunities.
Ultimately, the Mille Miglia Green is a valuable experiment, demonstrating that EVs can compete in a demanding rally environment. With some adjustments, it could become a truly compelling showcase for sustainable motorsport, embodying the original spirit of the Mille Miglia – a beautiful race that pushes the boundaries of automotive technology and human endurance. The future of EVs in motorsport is bright, and events like the Mille Miglia Green are paving the way.