Ford’s Super Mustang Mach‑E Wins Class at Pike’s Peak Race as EVs Shine Again

At the 103rd running of the legendary Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, electric cars continued to impress, with Ford’s Super Mustang Mach‑E capturing its class despite challenging weather and a shortened course.

The “Race to the Clouds” is a famously difficult event, climbing from 9,390 feet to 14,110 feet with an average grade of 7.2% and often inclement weather. On race day this year, high winds and debris forced organizers to cut the course roughly in half, removing the top section where EVs typically thrive most in the thinner air.

That didn’t stop the Super Mustang Mach‑E from delivering. Powered by an impressive 1,400-horsepower electric powertrain and driven by record-holder Romain Dumas, the car set a blistering time of 3:42.252, topping its class and finishing second overall — five seconds behind the purpose-built unlimited-class Nova Proto NP01.

This follows years of strong EV performances at the hillclimb. Last year, Ford, Rivian, and Hyundai all set records in their respective categories. Even under shortened conditions this year, several other EVs impressed, including a stripped-down Hyundai Ioniq 5 N built by Evasive Motorsports that set a 4:23.858, the hydrogen-fueled Honda CR‑V e:FCEV (the first fuel-cell entrant ever at Pike’s Peak), and an electric-swapped “BugZappa” Beetle built by Electric Classic Cars.

Despite the shortened course robbing them of their altitude advantage, EVs proved they could compete at the highest level. Dumas himself acknowledged that if the full 12.42-mile run had been allowed, the Mustang Mach‑E would have had the edge. But as he put it: “The mountain decides.”

Electric Super Mustang Mach-E Demonstrator

The Super Mustang Mach‑E demonstrator was developed in partnership with STARD Advanced Research and Development and was purpose-built to tackle the grueling 12.42‑mile course. It showcased the next leap forward in electric performance technology. Compared to last year’s F‑150 Lightning SuperTruck entry, the Mustang Mach‑E weighed less, was more nimble, had more regen ability, and featured a more balanced weight distribution — a key advantage on the mountain’s twisty ascent.

Key learnings from the Super Mustang Mach‑E and its Ford Performance demonstrator counterparts actively influenced the next generation of Ford electric vehicles for production. Innovations in battery chemistry, thermal management, and high-performance electric drive units tested under extreme stress at Pikes Peak directly informed future consumer models, electric vehicle calibration strategies, and even brake system development.

At the heart of the Super Mustang Mach‑E demonstrator were three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors producing over 1,400 horsepower, fed by 50 kWh of ultra-high-performance Li‑polymer NMC pouch cells. Like last year’s entry, it operated on 799 V, but this year’s setup shed critical weight — over 260 pounds — while delivering 710 kW of regenerative braking.

The Super Mustang Mach‑E demonstrator’s carbon braking system, forged magnesium wheels, and Pirelli P‑Zero tires were engineered to withstand the punishing 156 turns up to the 14,115‑foot summit. In Pikes Peak trim, the Mustang Mach‑E generated a staggering 6,900 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, surpassing even last year’s high-downforce configuration of the F‑150 Lightning SuperTruck.

To mark Dumas’ milestone with the team, the Mustang Mach‑E demonstrator carried the official race number 310 — a nod to his third entry with Ford Performance and tenth overall run up Pikes Peak. This marked Ford’s third consecutive year of fielding an electric demonstrator at Pikes Peak, following the 2023 record-setting SuperVan 4.2 and the 2024 F‑150 Lightning SuperTruck that claimed the overall win last year. Ford’s legacy stretched back to 1916, when a Model T first conquered the climb, and the company remained committed to testing and proving the limits of performance in one of the world’s most extreme motorsport arenas.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb took place on June 22, and fans were able to watch the action live on YouTube. For more on the race and full entry list, visit https://ppihc.org.

Electric Making its Mark on the Racing World

Electric power is making a bold mark on the racing world. Beyond its success at Pikes Peak, electric technology is steadily making inroads into traditionally combustion-driven series like NASCAR and Formula One, where hybrid and fully electric systems are being adopted at a rapid pace. Formula E, the all-electric championship, has also grown into a global spectacle, drawing top manufacturers and thrilling crowds with its mix of strategy, sustainability, and street racing action. Together, these advances prove that electric racing is no longer a niche experiment — it’s becoming a driving force in motorsport’s future.

All-Electric Formula E Racing

Formula E racing has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting and progressive championships in motorsport. Since its inception in 2014, the all-electric single-seater series has grown into a global spectacle, bringing street racing to iconic cities like London, Mexico City, and Monaco. What sets Formula E apart is its emphasis on innovation and sustainability — the cars feature cutting-edge battery and powertrain technology that directly informs electric vehicle development for consumers.

More than just a sporting event, Formula E serves as a testing ground for the future of mobility. Every race weekend drives engineering advances that help make electric cars faster, more efficient, and longer-ranged for everyday drivers. Major automotive brands like Porsche, Jaguar, and Nissan compete alongside new electric-only teams, all demonstrating that thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing and zero-emissions transport can go hand in hand. It’s proof that the future of racing — and the automotive world as a whole — is electric.

Electric Will Dominate the Racing World

With inroads into NASCAR and Formula One, electric power is rapidly making its mark across the racing world. What was once considered a niche or future concept is becoming a core part of top-tier motorsports, as teams and governing bodies look toward a more sustainable future. This shift is driven by the advantages electric drivetrains offer, from instant torque to better weight distribution and advanced energy management strategies.

Major racing series that have traditionally been built around the roar of internal combustion engines are now embracing electric components at an accelerated pace. NASCAR has already experimented with hybrid setups, while Formula One is continually increasing its use of electrification through ERS (Energy Recovery Systems) and hybrid engines.

In July 2024, NASCAR and ABB announced the ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership and revealed a historic new EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 will introduce a significantly more powerful and sustainable power unit, with key changes designed to push the sport into a greener future while enhancing performance. The hybrid battery component will be substantially upgraded, increasing its power output from 120 kW to 350 kW—three times more electrical power than the current hybrid systems.

More than just a technological shift, the electric transformation is changing the future and culture of racing. Electric is no longer the underdog; it’s becoming the standard, and as these technologies continue to improve, we can expect electric power to dominate the podium across every level of motorsport in the years to come.