Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
The Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 has set new lap records at Mount Panorama during the Thrifty Bathurst 500 event, marking a notable achievement for electric vehicle performance in three categories: as the fastest closed-wheel, electric, and commercial vehicle on the 6.2-kilometer circuit.
With Romain Dumas driving, the SuperVan 4.2 completed the lap in 1:56.3247, reaching speeds over 300 kilometers per hour on the Mountain and Conrod straights. This performance surpasses that of an unrestricted Mustang GT3 car, positioning the SuperVan 4.2 as a significant milestone in the advancement of electric vehicles in motorsports.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, highlighted the team effort and innovative approach that led to this achievement. The focus was on adapting and learning throughout the process to optimize the SuperVan 4.2’s performance on such a challenging track as Mount Panorama.
Romain Dumas reflected on the differences in racing at Mount Panorama compared to his previous experience at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, noting the unique challenges each presents. His achievement at Mount Panorama involved pushing the electric van to its limits, a first for both the vehicle and the driver at such speeds.
The SuperVan 4.2 differs significantly from traditional race cars, standing taller and weighing more, all without using conventional fuel. Sriram Pakkam, who manages Formula 1 and EV Demonstrators at Ford Performance, mentioned the team’s continuous efforts over two weeks to enhance the vehicle’s speed, demonstrating the potential of electric performance.
The success of the SuperVan 4.2 at Mount Panorama serves as an example of electric vehicles’ evolving role in motorsports. Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia, noted the significance of this event for the future of electric vehicles, suggesting that insights gained from the SuperVan’s performance will influence Ford’s upcoming electric road cars.
Following its achievements at Mount Panorama, the SuperVan 4.2 will be moved to the Ford Proving Ground in Victoria, Australia, and is scheduled to appear at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival and the Rolex Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, continuing to showcase its capabilities and the potential of electric vehicle technology in competitive settings.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
