Willowbank Raceway in Queensland, Australia, has prohibited electric vehicles (EVs) from participating in racing and testing on its track due to safety considerations. While hybrid vehicles are permitted, fully electric vehicles are now restricted, according to an official statement released by the raceway.
“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 statement read. The decision was based on a review of guidelines from Motorsport Australia, the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), and other emergency response protocols, which indicated that “the risks associated with racing and testing Electric Vehicles are too high.”
Raceway officials outlined several key concerns: potential release of toxic and flammable gases after a collision, challenges with doors not unlocking from the outside, the risk of an electrified chassis lacking an external isolation switch, the need for specialized fire suppression systems for EV fires, and the inability of some electric vehicles to roll freely when powered down.
This decision follows similar actions taken by other venues. Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia imposed a comparable ban on electric and hybrid vehicles in 2023, while the Anglesey Circuit in Wales has implemented a restriction on EVs.
Source: drive.com.au
