Will BTCC Cars Go Electric in 2025?

As the motorsport world increasingly embraces green technologies, speculation abounds regarding the future propulsion methods of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Will the BTCC Transition to Electric Cars in 2025?

Despite the innovative strides in sustainable practices, the 2025 season will not see the BTCC transitioning to electric cars. Instead, the championship is set to introduce a groundbreaking shift to 100% sustainable fossil-free fuel, while phasing out its hybrid power systems.

A Focus on Sustainable Fuel, Not Electrification

The BTCC's decision to implement 100% sustainable fuel comes as a significant move towards environmental responsibility. This new fuel, designated Hiperflo ECO102 R100, is entirely fossil-free, composed of synthetic and biological sources, adhering to the highest standards of FIA and ISCC compliance.

It marks a major milestone as the BTCC becomes the first UK championship to adopt such a measure, reinforcing its role as a leader in national motorsport innovation. Alan Gow, the BTCC Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of this shift, stating:

“The introduction of 100% fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport." He emphasised that while the series has concluded its successful exploration of hybrid technologies, it continues to prioritise advancements in sustainability without shifting to full electrification.

The End of the Hybrid Era In British Tour Car Championships

Introduced in 2022, the hybrid technology in BTCC was a significant step toward more sustainable racing. Developed with the expertise of Cosworth Electronics, the hybrid system enhanced the competitiveness of the races and proved its merit in the closely fought championship battles on Goodyear tyres.

However, with the hybrid program reaching its objectives, BTCC organisers have decided to discontinue its use after the 2024 season. This decision aligns with the championship's focus on a single, more impactful sustainable innovation in the form of the new fuel.

Image credit: BTCC

Gow added the switch marks another milestone in the championship’s long-standing commitment to innovation:

“Going back to the early 90s, we were the first touring car championship to introduce catalytic converters to the cars because we needed to be relevant,” Gow explained in an interview with Diagonal Comms, the BTCC’s media agency.

“Through the history of the BTCC, if you only look at fuels, then we have had cars running on bio-fuels, we’ve had cars running on LPG and we’ve had diesels, and we are probably the only championship that has experimented with all those things and allowed those cars to race as a demonstration of what different fuels can do within motorsport.

“I’m proud of the fact that over the last 30-odd years, we’ve been at the forefront of that and if we can now become the first major touring car championship in the world to have a 100% sustainable fuel – and by that I mean a proper sustainable fuel and not just one where some ethanol has been chucked into the mix – then it will be a great feather in our cap.”

Focus On Performance and Competitiveness

The switch to sustainable fuel does not mean a compromise on performance. The BTCC assures that the power-boost output for 2025 will remain consistent with 2024 levels, relying solely on turbo boost enhancements.

The removal of the hybrid systems will reduce the weight of the vehicles by approximately 55 kilograms, promising even more dynamic and nimble cars on the track. The adjustment is expected to maintain, if not enhance, the high levels of competitiveness and excitement the series is known for.

Image Credit: Knockhill

Engagement and Transparency

The BTCC is also modifying how it communicates turbo boost deployment to teams and fans. While previously available in real-time on timing screens, this information will now only be visible through LED lights on the side windows of each car and delayed broadcast graphics. This change aims to preserve the strategic element of the races by preventing teams from immediately countering opponents' power boosts.

No Electric Cars In BTCC 2025

So while the BTCC is committed to evolving with sustainable technologies, the 2025 season will not see a shift to electric vehicles. Instead, the introduction of a 100% sustainable fuel represents the series' latest step in its environmental strategy. This initiative allows the BTCC to remain at the forefront of innovation in motorsport, focusing on sustainability while preserving the thrilling racing action it is known for.