DTM Electric Series Set for 2023 Debut

The DTM plans to introduce its own electric racing series in 2023 and has presented an ‘E-Car’ demonstration vehicle ahead of this weekend’s season finale at Hockenheim.

The DTM Electric series is set to form one of the German organization’s “five pillars” of the future, alongside the DTM, DTM Trophy, DTM Classic and DTM Esports.

Designed to “combine technology, innovation and high-performance in an appealing motorsport format”, the competition is set to focus on sprint races of “around 30 minutes” with the possibility of battery changes during a mandatory pit stop.

The DTM wants to base its series on a “cost-efficient, modular concept” whilst encouraging the engagement of manufacturers that produce electric road cars.

DTM Electric technology will be demonstrated at Hockenheim in the 1000 hp battery-electric E-Car, which features a Schaeffler Space Drive ‘steer-by-wire’ system that has been trialed in GT3 machinery during races of the German GTC series this year.

Formula E driver Daniel Abt, DTM champions Hans-Joachim Stuck and Timo Scheider, and LMP2 racer Sophia Floersch are all set to get behind the wheel this weekend.

An electric DTM series was first proposed last year in the form of a sprint race concept that would include tire changes performed by large industrial robots, although this variable has not been mentioned in the latest presentation.

“Together with Schaeffler, our first strategic partner with which we will be cooperating, we want to lead the DTM platform into a successful future,” said DTM boss Gerhard Berger.

“It is our aim not only to showcase the latest technology in DTM Electric, but also to bring central innovations to the race track that allow for spectacular racing.

“Thus, we also want to convince the classic motorsport fans about future technologies and fascinate them with attractive racing.”

Matthias Zink, Schaeffler board member for Automotive Technologies, added: “We are looking forward to this partnership.

“Our innovative e-drivetrain systems have been contributing to victories in Formula E since 2014 already and are also being used in production cars in the meantime.

“The partnership with the DTM and the fully-electric series for the future are proof that Schaeffler is helping shape e-mobility as a reliable technology partner.”