The “Ignitis ON” electric car race will take place for the 12th time. For several years, participants in the race drove without breaking traffic rules because the electric car batteries drained very quickly when driving at higher speeds. However, electric cars have rapidly improved, and for speed control, the organizers first used GPS sensors installed in each car.
In 2020, the race organizers tightened control even further. Since then, not only GPS devices but also video cameras have been installed in the cars, with live footage viewed by race judges who penalize any other traffic violations.
“During the Covid pandemic, I had a lot of time, but I did not waste it. After the 2019 race, I received information from participants that some teams overtook in prohibited places, did not stop at ‘Stop’ signs, and otherwise violated traffic rules. I tried to find a control solution and contacted the South Korean ‘BlackVue’ dashcam manufacturer. After a couple of conversations, we agreed on a partnership, and the first cameras arrived in Lithuania. They proved effective because judges could immediately see all violations, and those violations decreased as participants understood that we could see them and would definitely issue fines,” said race organizer Darius Grinbergas.
Since then, every year, “BlackVue” cameras are installed in all cars participating in the races. They not only help ensure compliance with traffic rules but also open great opportunities for viewers. During the race, anyone interested can connect to any car’s camera and even communicate with the crew. You just need to install the “BlackVue” app on your phone.
Currently, the organizers have 70 “Live View” cameras and are the only ones in the Baltic region able to provide live streaming from 70 cars in any race.
Not only the race route is visible, but also the charging station network It will be possible to watch not only the race participants’ route live – the race partner “Ignitis ON” ensures that those traveling by electric car can see the charging infrastructure in real time. Station occupancy can primarily be monitored in the “Ignitis ON” app, but the data is also provided on “Google Maps” and other platforms, including some car navigation systems.
To ensure even smoother trips, drivers have the opportunity to reserve a charging session in advance. Currently, free reservation of a station for ten minutes is only possible through the “Ignitis ON” mobile app. This advance reservation feature is implemented in new generation “Alpitronic” type stations.
“We aim for electric car drivers to travel without any worries not only during the races but also for the charging infrastructure to be as accessible and innovative as possible. The ability to monitor station occupancy in real time and reserve a charging spot in advance are solutions that save drivers’ time and provide peace of mind when planning both daily trips and long distances in these races,” says Eimantas Balta, head of the leading fast electric car charging network “Ignitis ON.”
