FAQs

Electrathon is a high-efficiency performance sport where the goal is to drive a single-person electric vehicle as far as possible in one hour. The competition is a balance of design and strategy, challenging teams to optimize aerodynamics and energy management while using a limited battery supply.

Electrathon America (EA) is the official sanctioning body for lightweight, high-efficiency electric vehicle racing in the United States. We provide the standardized framework, safety regulations, and national infrastructure that allow teams to design, build, and race e-vehicles in a competitive and safe environment.

While “Electrathon” is a general term used globally for this type of endurance racing, Electrathon America is the specific governing organization. We maintain the official handbook and provide the necessary liability insurance and event sanctioning required for professional, school-based, and club-level competitions in the U.S.

Sanctioning ensures a level playing field and a high standard of safety. 

Events sanctioned by Electrathon America:

• Are covered by our comprehensive liability insurance policy.
• Adhere to the official EA Handbook and technical specifications.
• Provide teams with recognized national standings and points.

Our events are open to a wide range of participants, including high school programs, university engineering teams, and independent hobbyists. If you have a vehicle built to EA specifications and an active membership, you are eligible to compete at any EA-sanctioned race.

To be an official Electrathon America event, organizers must be current members, pay annual sanctioning dues, and agree to enforce the EA ruleset. Look for the “EA Sanctioned Event” seal on race registration materials to ensure you are covered by our national insurance and regulations.

The green flag is waved and the race begins. The car starts with a maximum of 1000 Watt-hours of electrical energy. It’s a competition of how efficiently a car and driver can travel with unpredictable traffic and a various road courses.

One hour after the green flag, the checkered flag is waved and the team car that traveled the farthest wins. 

Electrathon America is partly funded through a modest membership fee of $30 for the first team vehicle, and $15 for each vehicle thereafter of the same team. Event entry fees range from free and up, averaging around $25.00 per car.

The cost of vehicle parts & materials varies widely because we don’t tell members what to buy. Things like frame material, system voltage, motor type, battery, etc. are up to the designer. Typical vehicle costs from new parts will likely fall between $2,000 (scratch-built) and $5,000 (a kit). Building from used parts can save significantly.

Due to the high drag induced by small courses with tight corners, these cars may only average 15mph to 20mph. While on large speedways with wide sweeping corners, well-designed cars can average low highway speeds. The highest average speed (for 60 minutes) attained by a qualifying Electrathon America vehicle was recorded on a very efficient 3-mile tri-oval, at 62.1mph.

Submit an official request to the Board and agree to enforce all EA handbook rules without unauthorized changes. Sanctioning provides your race with national publicity and access to affordable event liability insurance. For the full authorization process, see page 28 of the Handbook.

Organizers must secure official liability insurance and appoint key personnel, including a qualified Race Steward to oversee safety and compliance. You are also responsible for verifying that all participants have a current EA Competitor Membership. Detailed logistics and personnel roles are found on page 34 of the Handbook.

Electrathon America does not provide prize money; funds are generated by the event host via entry fees or sponsorships. If a cash purse is offered, it must be distributed to all participants using the “per-lap” formula to reward performance and efficiency rather than a “winner-take-all” outcome. For the specific payout math and proportional division rules, refer to page 31 of the Handbook.

A course must be a closed-loop surface free of obstructions like potholes or speed bumps. Key safety requirements include:

• Barriers: A positive physical barrier (like hay bales or tire walls) must exist between the track and spectators.
• Dimensions: A minimum track width of 25 feet is recommended, with a minimum corner centerline radius of 25 feet.
• Length: Flat courses must be at least 1/4 mile long.

To ensure a successful and safe race, Electrathon America recommends beginning the planning process at least three months prior to your desired event date. This lead time is essential for securing a location, obtaining the necessary insurance, and finalizing sanctioning.

1. Review the Handbook: Familiarize yourself with the Event Chronology on pages 40–42 to understand the logistical timeline.
2. Contact the Board: Reach out to the Electrathon America Board of Directors via email at electrathonamerica@gmail.com to discuss your event plans and verify available dates.
3. Submit Your Request: Visit electrathon.org to complete the Sanctioned Event Request Form and the Insurance Request Form.

Once your request and insurance are approved, the Board will notify you of your official status and list your race on the National Event Calendar.