The world's biggest electric vehicle rally will take part for the sixth consecutive year, after setting a record for the world's largest EV parade in 2015. The WAVE Trophy looks to set a new record with more participants than ever rallying for the promotion of e-mobility across Europe.
The World Advanced Vehicle Expedition (WAVE) Trophy 2016 will start on June 11 from Bremerhaven, Germany. The 1,600-km (1,000-mile) route will pass through three different countries in the heart of Europe, stopping at 60 cities to promote green mobility.
Crossing Germany from the north down to the French frontier, the rally will follow the wine route through the Alsace region in northeastern France, before entering Switzerland for a world record attempt in Geneva.
Last year WAVE set a new world record for the largest EV parade with 577 electric cars, motorcycles and scooters rallying in Berlin. This year the number is expected to be bigger, as the attempt for a new world record will unfold at the United Nations building in Geneva.
Four months before the event takes place, 40 teams have signed up and a lot more are about to confirm their participation. WAVE Trophy has attracted the interest of major car manufacturers, three universities and already sports a line-up of 10 e-bikes; the number is expected to grow while registrations remain open until March 15.
The goal of the WAVE Trophy is to support the expansion of electric mobility, and to this end every participant must be strictly powered by renewable energy sources. This of course includes all the vehicles of the organizers, as the rules explicitly determine that not one ounce of fossil fuel can be used during the event.
The annual event was founded in 2011 by Louis Palmer, holder of the UN Environmental Program "Champion of the Earth Award" for driving two times around the world in solar powered vehicles.
"After the signing of the Paris Climate Change agreement we feel it is not enough to inspire," says Mr. Palmer. "So through the WAVE international electric vehicle trophy and schools' initiative we are acting. We urge society and leaders to be part of the needed change - now it's time for action, before it's too late."
Find out more about the 2016 event in the following video.
Source: WAVE Trophy
