Sudden Combustion Risk Leads to EVs Being Banned From Racetrack

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the automotive industry’s future and have integrated into motorsports. However, they’ve faced some setbacks due to sudden combustion risks. In fact, one Australian racetrack has imposed an EV ban to avoid this liability. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Which Australian Racetrack Has an EV Ban? 

The risk of an EV fire was too much for Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. This famous drag strip outside Brisbane said EV racing is no longer welcome after research and investigations. However, they’ll continue to allow hybrid vehicles to race. 

In a statement, Willowbank Raceway officials discussed the liabilities of electric racers and their decision to ban them. 

“After careful consideration and investigation, Willowbank Raceway has decided that we can no longer allow road-registered Fully Electric Vehicles to race or test at Willowbank Raceway,” the press release said. 

Track leadership included a few reasons why the EV fire risk is too high for everyone’s safety:

• Battery: EVs are prone to catching fire after collisions, thus endangering drivers and others around them. 
• Emergency response: When an EV is in trouble, it’s more complex for first responders to ensure the car is off and safe to handle. 
• Power: Willowbank Raceway’s existing equipment makes towing impossible because EVs might not roll with disconnected power. 

What Other Tracks Have Banned EV Racing? 

The EV ban at Willowbank Raceway is a setback for anybody hoping electric cars could enter mainstream motorsports. That said, it’s not the only facility that has eliminated EV racing. Here are a few more tracks saying no to battery-electric cars. 

Summit Point Raceway

The EV presence in America has grown, but the fire risk won’t help its ban at Summit Point Raceway. This motorsports park in West Virginia banned EVs and hybrids in 2023, citing the safety of racers, fans and track employees. Since last year, track officials have taken a tactical pause in EV racing while developing a better emergency response policy. 

Anglesey Circuit

Across the pond, you can see similar policies against electric racecars. Anglesey Circuit in Wales, United Kingdom, is among the most prominent racing organizations to ban EVs and hybrids on the track. In early 2024, the facility announced an EV ban on trackdays due to fire concerns. Anglesey Circuit said it doesn’t have the infrastructure to support EVs when so many are on the track. 

How Have Racing Leagues Approached EVs? 

Willowbank Raceway is the third racetrack to make headlines for banning EVs. With the global push for electric cars, it’s worth looking at other leagues and their approach. EVs are advantageous because they emit no CO2 or harmful gases, but their role in racing is up in the air. Here’s what prominent racing associations say:

• Formula E: Formula E is the world’s premier racing league for electric cars. Since 2014, the league has raced on street circuits in major metro areas like Mexico City. 
• NASCAR: In July, NASCAR unveiled its EV racing future with a prototype battery-powered racecar. This machine can produce around 1,300 horsepower, and the league says it wants to decarbonize motorsports by 2035.
• IndyCar: America’s premier open-wheel league hasn’t committed to all-electric racecars. However, the sport has implemented hybrid technologies that increase horsepower. 

What Does the Future of EV Racing Look Like?

Electric motors make stock and open-wheel cars faster and racing even more exciting. However, the potential of an EV ban could halt these plans. Willowbank Raceway and other tracks have implemented EV restrictions due to the risk of fire and injuries. While the dangers are justified, the increasing bans could affect the future of motorsports as it attempts to decarbonize.