Extreme E’s May X Prix in Scotland will race EVs through a former coal mine
After releasing its tentative race schedule for season 3 in late 2022, we’ve known Extreme E has been planning an all-electric X Prix event in Scotland in May. However, today we have learned that the Scottish event will be a Hydro X Prix held at the site of a former coal mine before it’s revamped as a hydropower plant and wind farm.
Extreme E is an FIA-sanctioned off-road racing series that showcases the potential of all-electric SUVs barreling through some of the Earth’s toughest climates as both motorsport entertainment and a subtle reminder of the global effects of climate change. As a series with a cause, Extreme E simultaneously gives back to the areas it races in by setting up environmentally-focused “legacy programs.”
Leading up to the final X Prix event of season 2 last fall, Extreme E shared its initial race calendar for season 3 in 2023. Locations once again included Saudi Arabia and Italy, but also promised a new X Prix event to be held in the US for the first time, or through the Rainforest of Brazil.
That particular race location in September is yet to be determined, but we do know Extreme E is bringing an X Prix to another new country for the first time in May – Scotland. Today, the electric racing series has given even more specifics regarding its second event held in the UK, sharing that the Scotland race will be a Hydro X Prix held at the site of a former coal mine.
Extreme E will race a coal mine before its transformed
According to the details released overseas early this morning, Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix will be held at the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The Extreme E series states that the coal mine is the perfect race location to provide a “natural amphitheater” to showcase the industry’s transition into clean energy.
Furthermore, the water on site (seen in the video below) will help signify how vital H2O can be in bolstering the use of renewable energy. Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag elaborated:
Extreme E uses its racing platform to tell inspirational stories of global locations on the forefront of climate issues. Here in Scotland, our race site will play homage to the much needed transition of an old coal mine which is being given a new and exciting lease of life as a hydro-project which will provide a fully renewable energy source for the region for centuries to come.
Not only will this site provide one of the most dramatic and extreme race courses we have seen in our global journey, it will tell a poignant story about transition and the changing of courses that the energy industry and communities must all take if we are to succeed in the fight against climate change.
Looking ahead, the Glenmuckloch site will soon be revamped as a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm for Scotland. When construction is complete, the PSH plant will have a capacity that will be able to deliver a rate of 210 MW per hour alongside eight hours of storage capacity. The estate director for the mine property said 1MW is enough to power 2,000 homes for an hour under average energy demands. The site will act as a power storage site during periods of excess energy supply, then release that stored energy back during peak grid demands.
Additionally, the wind farm being built on site will consist of eight 4.2 MW turbines offering the ability to directly power the Pump Storage Hydropower plant with 100% renewables. Extreme E is also promoting sustainability beyond its race it Scotland. Per the release:
Extreme E will also embark on a community led project of its own, as part of its Legacy Program, to implement a multi-stage project, focused on mitigating climate change effects on local salmon stocks. From the impactful re-planting of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies to monitor the habitat, Extreme E will focus on a long-term transformation of the River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local industries.
Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix will take place in Scotland May 13-14. Here’s some drone footage of the former mining site to give you an idea of what the driving teams will have to endure.
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Environment
BYD’s best-selling EV arrives in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with prices starting at $26,000
BYD’s electric hot hatch has officially arrived in Europe. The BYD Dolphin Surf is the European version of its best-selling (and most affordable) EV, the Seagull. Despite its small size, the Dolphin Surf has “huge potential” with prices starting at just 23,000 euros ($26,000).
Meet the BYD Dolphin EV for Europe
With over 55,000 units sold last month alone, the Seagull was BYD’s top-selling EV in April. Last year, it was second, trailing only Tesla’s Model Y as the best-selling electric vehicle in China. Now, you can buy it in Europe.
BYD launched the Dolphin Surf on Wednesday, a longer version of the Seagull with a few upgrades. Although not quite as cheap as the Seagull, which starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China, the electric hatch is still one of the most affordable in Europe.
The Dolphin Surf is available in three different versions in Europe, with prices starting at 22,990 euros ($26,000) for the standard range model with a WLTP driving range of 220 km (137 miles).
Until June, BYD is offering a discounted price of just 19,990 euros ($22,700). The longer-range Dolphin Surf starts at 24,990 euros and has a 507 km (315 mile) range.
BYD said the compact electric city car is “built for the big city” with a sporty new design and the automaker’s advanced in-car technology.
Built for the big city
The interior is similar to other BYD vehicles, with a 10.1″ rotating touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity) at the center. It’s also equipped with “Hi BYD,” a new voice control feature.
Although it may be compact, the Dolphin Surf has over 20 “clever storage areas” and a boot capacity of up to 316 L. With the rear seats folded, the electric hatch offers up to 1,037 L of space.
Like its other new vehicles, the Dolphin Surf is equipped with BYD’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as standard, which includes features like intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure assist.
BYD will introduce the four-seater variant in June. With prices expected to start at around 25,000 euros ($28,300), it’s expected to compete with the Renault R5 and Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2 electric car.
BYD’s region director, Maria Grazia, said during the launch event in Berlin (via Reuters) that “The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe,” adding “We think this market has huge potential.”
Electrek’s Take
BYD is leading EV sales in China, and it’s not even close. The automaker is coming off its best sales week of the year with nearly 68,000 vehicles registered from May 5 to May 11, up 15% from the previous week.
To give you some perspective, Tesla delivered just 3,070 vehicles in China in the same week, down 69% from the same week in 2024.
Will the Dolphin Surf see the same demand in Europe? With competitive prices, range, and features, it could be BYD’s most important EV so far. It’s the brand’s 10th vehicle to launch in Europe, following the Sealion 07, a smart midsize electric SUV.
According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s sales could double in Europe this year to around 186,000. By 2029, that number could reach around 400,000. Although it’s not slated for European production, the report notes that the Dolphin Surf’s “pricing strategy ensures competitiveness in the EU even with tariffs.”
Will the BYD Dolphin Surf become a top-selling EV in Europe? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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The original Fiat Panda 4×4 was an 80s icon and early entry into the compact SUV movement. Today, the funky electric Panda Grande is still carrying that torch, but it’s clear that someone at Fiat wants to lean into the off-road segment just a bit harder – and that’s what this new Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto is all about.
First shown during the Grande Panda Hybrid media drive, Fiat is calling the new 4×4 Grande Panda Manifesto concept “the direct heir of the Panda 4×4,” and hopes it can act as a reminder of the 1983 original’s efficient, off-road legacy.
The Grande Panda that debuted last year is available with either a 108 hp 1.2 liter gas engine or a 111 hp electric motor powering the front wheels. The 4×4 concept starts with that electric motor up front, but adds an “innovative” e-axle at the rear of the tiny grande crossover, fully delivering on the “4×4” promise of a powered rear axle despite the lack of a conventional/traditional driveshaft or transfer case.
For their part, Fiat’s people seem pretty proud of the new setup:
From a technical standpoint, the Grande Panda 4×4 concept is thought with an electrified innovative rear axle. This feature would enable the vehicle to deliver impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain. It’s a deliberate choice that underscores FIAT’s ongoing commitment to embracing increasingly sustainable and forward-looking technologies, all while preserving the adventurous spirit and everyday practicality that have always defined the Panda 4×4.
A lifted stance, more aggressive A/T tires, front-mounted accessory lights, steelie wheels, and the seemingly mandatory “overlander” roof rack make up the rest of the modifications. No word yet on the Manifesto’s performance or specs, but I imagine something not too far removed from the new Jeep Compass’ specs makes sense.
And I promise: Fiat really, really wants to build this thing. Watch this space for more announcements, specs, and (eventually) pricing information.
Electrek’s Take
As my aunt Mary would say, Stellantis needs to get down from that cloud and realize that Jeep is not, should, and will not ever be the high-end luxury brand it hopes it will be. Once it does, it can slap a seven-slot grille on this Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto concept, throw in some removable doors and a folding canvas moonroof, re-brand it as a modern Willys for about $30K, and watch the money roll in.
Fight me.
Make it a cheap Jeep
SOURCE | IMAGES: Stallantis.
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