This category has existed with interruptions for more than a decade. Enthusiasts inclined to experiment started racing with electric cars in the “Press Rally,” and now experienced athletes are also taking the wheel. Can modern, almost silent models with heavy batteries compete for victory?
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Progress under the magnifying glass
For the first time, an electric car debuted in Lithuanian motorsport competitions back in 2012 – then Nomeda Marčėnaitė participated in the “Press Rally” with an electric Fiat Panda. A year later, in 2013, two Nissan Leaf models started, impressing with powerful dynamics from the starting line but causing smiles during long transfers between special stages.
At that time, it was impossible for first-generation electric cars to travel across Lithuania and Latvia while maintaining an intense schedule, so between special stages they were transported on platforms or towed by another car and could not fit into the time limits set by the organizers. Twelve years ago, only adventurers willing to test new technology dared to complete the “Press Rally” route with an electric car.
However, those who closely follow these races have seen over the past decade the progress electric vehicle technology has made and how these vehicles have evolved from experimental models into full-fledged participants.
A large part of the special stages in the “Press Rally” are repeated twice. Five years ago, when the electric car class was already established, exceptions were made for these models – they could complete the special stages only once. However, Vytautas Švedas with the Audi e-tron GT was the first to complete the entire distance without any concessions.
Electric cars – full-fledged participants
“Now there are no problems completing the route: the organizers arrange it wisely, and there is enough time to charge. There seem to be more fast charging stations in Lithuania than gas stations, and electric cars now travel long distances. In short, there have been no inconveniences in any ‘Press Rally’,” says Tadas Ivašauskas, who will start with an electric car for the third time.
This year, he will be one of eight drivers choosing an electric car for the race – T. Ivašauskas will drive a Porsche Taycan.
There is a prevailing opinion that electric cars are only suitable for everyday use, while internal combustion engine models are better for sport, supposedly because the latter evoke stronger emotions with their sound, vibration, and greater driver involvement.
“I’m simply interested in what’s new, so I switched to electric cars. I really liked how they handle,” says Vilius Vedegys, who has extensive sports driving experience and will start this year with a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
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He was won over by the car’s capabilities on the track: the electric car, with about 500 hp, stands out with dynamics that no internal combustion engine sports model can provide, and this sportiest Tesla version is well controlled and features interesting driving nuances.
The “Performance” version stands out not only with more powerful brakes and better suspension but also with adjustment options: in track mode, you can set how much power to send to the rear or front axle, so the car can be rear- or front-wheel drive. You can also experiment with energy regeneration; for example, in winter, releasing the accelerator can “lock” the rear axle and slide sideways,” shares V. Vedegys.
The speaker added that driving an electric car involves fewer processes than in sports cars, and electronic systems interfere with control more often, so you need to adapt to that. Still, the racer who bought a used model says it would be hard to find anything faster for that price.
Can they be the fastest?
Do dynamic but heavy electric cars have a chance to win the overall “Press Rally” classification? The speakers urge looking at the 2025 results, when Martynas Utkinas with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N took third place overall.
“Electric cars are improving very rapidly, technologies are getting better, and they are fast not only on straights. Active suspensions and other nuances are appearing – on the Nürburgring track, electric Porsche sedans fly like 911 GT3 models. It’s very interesting to watch,” comments T. Ivašauskas.
“In general, electric cars can be really competitive. Some may just need the right tires or suspension tuning, but they can definitely fight for victory. However, the final result depends on the crew – you need to know how to drive fast and avoid mistakes,” adds V. Vedegys.
Who will be the fastest – electric cars, internal combustion engine sports models, or simply the strongest crews – will be seen by following the “Press Rally” route. On the morning of Friday, May 29, the rally will start in Molėtai and travel through Anykščiai, Panevėžys, and Šiauliai to the seaside. On the morning of Saturday, May 30, participants will race in Klaipėda near the “Švyturys” arena, and in the afternoon they will finish their performance in Nida.
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