The problem of hybrid cars in Rallying: what went wrong in the WRC
Rally1 rally cars have been a great technological experiment, but their future, at least for the time being, is already sealed. Why has this innovation failed to establish itself in the WRC?
The introduction of hybrid cars in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2022 was hailed as a momentous breakthrough. At last, this category of motorsport was also marrying sustainability without sacrificing spectacularity. However, less than three years after its debut, the hybrid system is about to be shelved. Starting in 2025, Rally1s will revert to being cars with traditional thermal engines, marking the end of an interlude that has left more questions than answers. But what went wrong?
The promising start of hybrid rally cars
The Rally1 hybrids were equipped with a plug-in system capable of delivering a 100 kW (134 horsepower) boost through an electric motor powered by a 3.9 kWh battery. This system, combined with the classic 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, promised to combine power, speed and sustainability.
The hybrid has brought impressive performance, with the Rally1s proving to be among the fastest cars ever in the WRC. However, the increase in power meant a significant increase in development and operating costs. Here began the disillusionment.
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Early problems between cost and technical complexity
One of the main obstacles was the budget required to develop and maintain the hybrid system. The technology, designed by supplier Compact Dynamics, was innovative but expensive. Its impact was felt mainly by private teams and those with limited resources, making the championship less affordable. In addition, system malfunctions were frequent: drivers often complained about the need to reset the system during races, a problem that undermined confidence in the hybrid.
Even major manufacturers, such as Toyota and Hyundai, struggled to balance costs. Citroën’s untimely exit exacerbated the situation, leaving a vacuum that further complicated the championship’s financial model. Although the FIA attempted to support the teams financially, the results were not enough to ensure the survival of the project.
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Why did hybrid rally cars fail?
The hybrid proved ill-suited to the unique context of rallying, where extreme conditions demanded simplicity and reliability. Although the system was capable of improving performance, its complexity often overshadowed the benefits. Managing the extra weight introduced by the battery and electric motor was a further disadvantage, negatively affecting the cars’ agility.
Despite initial ambitions, electrification in rallying has shown its limitations. Unlike other motor sports such as Formula E, where electric is the absolute protagonist, rallying requires technologies that can cope with a variety of surfaces, weather conditions, and long distances without any margin for error.
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A glimpse into the future
From 2025, the WRC will return to exclusively thermal cars, but with some important changes. The cars will be lighter due to the removal of the hybrid system, with reduced power to ensure greater sustainability and affordability. In addition, the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels will maintain the championship’s commitment to ecology, without the technical complications of electrification.
This transition represents a pragmatic choice. By eliminating the complexity of the hybrid, the WRC aims to reduce costs, simplify operations, and ensure fairer competition among teams. The challenge will be to maintain the spectacularity and audience appeal that are key to the success of the sport.
Lessons for motorsport
The experience of hybrid in the WRC teaches us that not all technological innovations are suitable for every context. Although electrification is a must for the automotive industry, motorsport requires tailored solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and economy.
With the transition to thermal cars from 2025 and further regulatory evolutions planned for 2026, the WRC is preparing to write a new chapter. Despite the abandonment of the hybrid, rallying remains a sport capable of adapting and innovating, preserving its spectacular essence and continuing to thrill fans around the world.