The pioneering event in regularity rallies for vehicles with alternative energy propulsion will celebrate a round anniversary. Its history started in 2012 when it became a part of the accompanying program of the 40th Rallye Český Krumlov, and nowadays it is a fixed star in the calendar of the world cup for electric vehicles under the auspices of the International Automobile Federation. This year the CEZ Group became the titular partner of Czech New Energies Rallye held in the traditional spring term of May 19-21.

The concept of the second round of the 2022 FIA ecoRally Cup series has undergone several significant changes compared to the past. The most important one will be the new location of the ceremonial start, which will be hosted (including related activities) by the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday. After the afternoon scrutineering and test regularity stage, the so-called shakedown, the first crew will set off from Vysoký Hrádek Chateau at 7 p.m., arriving in Český Krumlov for the first time under the cover of darkness.

“CEZ Group is very active in the development of electromobility. It operates nearly four hundred charging stations across the country. For most of them it guarantees certified emission-free electricity. That is why we are pleased to be able to host the start of this prestigious motoring event at our power plant, which, as an emission-free source, contributes to saving approximately twelve million tons of CO2 annualy.,“ says Tomáš Chmelík, CEZ Clean Technology Unit Manager.

During the three days of the 10th CEZ Czech New Energies Rallye, which will culminate with a declaration of the winners at the finish ramp under the Český Krumlov castle on Saturday, at least 15 regularity tests of a total length of more than 300 kilometres are waiting for the participants. After three years, Friday’s itinerary will also take the crews to the popular and well attended test in the area of the České Budějovice Exhibition Grounds just before the official start of the 49th Rallye Český Krumlov. In total, the South Bohemian regularity rallye covers almost 600 kilometres.

Another major change is the place where the electric cars will be charged during the competition, as the Pivovarská zahrada (Brewery Garden) will be replaced this year by the nearby P2 Pod poštou parking lot in the centre of Český Krumlov. The charging infrastructure will be provided by Phoenix Contact, the technology partner of the newly established Czech Trophy in ecoRally.

“It is natural for us as a leader in the field of electromobility to participate in the support of the Český Krumlov competition, which we see as the flagship of ecoRally in the Czech Republic. The wallboxes used for charging contain Phoenix Contact components, which is a guarantee of quality. We believe that we will contribute to the further expansion of the emerging sector of automotive competition,“ adds Martin Lahoda, Managing Director of the company. Further information on the 10th CEZ Czech New Energies Rally will be continuously published on the website www.cner.cz. Those interested in participation will find there already now both the regulations of the competition and the electronic entry form.

Photo: Jaroslav Červ a Petr Skřivánek