The FIA Electric and New Energy Championship expands its global footprint this weekend with the inaugural “Neste MY Renewable Charge EV Rally Latvia.” According to official event data, 21 crews from nine countries will navigate a 611 km route, including 255 km of competitive regularity stages across asphalt and gravel surfaces. The event serves as the sixth round of the 2026 FIA Eco Rally Cup season, marking Latvia’s debut as a host nation for the series.
The Evolution of Competitive E-Rallying
The Latvian round utilizes diverse surfaces, ranging from the technical asphalt of the Biķernieku track to gravel roads in the Ogres, Ropažu, and Ķekavas regions.
Unlike traditional rallies where the fastest car wins, Eco Rally winners are determined by their ability to stay on schedule while managing battery consumption, effectively testing the real-world efficiency of production EVs.
Global Talent and Fleet Diversity
The entry list for the Latvian stage highlights the growing international interest in the discipline. While local pioneers Krišjānis Caune and Edgars Svencis represent the host nation, they face competition from current FIA Eco Rally Cup leaders Michal Žďárský/Jakub Nábělek and Guido Guerrini/Artur Prusak. Participants are utilizing a wide array of current-generation electric vehicles, including the Lancia Ypsilon, Cupra Born, Hyundai Kona, Ford Capri, Lynk&Co B02, Renault 4 E-Tech, and Alpine A 290.
Strategic Demands of the Latvian Route
The competition is structured into three distinct days, designed to test both vehicle endurance and driver consistency. According to the event itinerary, the rally begins with a night stage at the Biķernieku track on Friday. Saturday transitions to the gravel roads of the Tomes and Kangaru areas, before concluding with a final regularity test back at the Biķernieku circuit.
Sunday’s Final Deciders
The final day of competition on Sunday focuses on the Ķekavas and Ropažu novads regions. After a ceremonial start at the Ķekavas elementary school, crews will tackle four gravel stages. The rally culminates with a final return to the Biķernieku track for the finish and the official awards ceremony for the most energy-efficient crews.
If you are attending the event in Ogre on Saturday, the town square at 11:30 a.m. offers the best opportunity to view the diverse fleet of competing electric vehicles up close before they head to the gravel stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an EV regularity rally?
- Which countries are represented in the Latvian stage? The event features 21 crews from Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, France, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Switzerland, and San Marino.
- How long is the total distance? The total event distance is 611 km, with 255 km designated as competitive regularity stages.
Are you planning to follow the results of the 2026 FIA Eco Rally Cup? Share your thoughts on the future of electric motorsport in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on sustainable racing technology.
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