In the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) we find high technology and different environmentally friendly solutions, such as the electric bike with which Pedro Bianchi Prata finished 40th at the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal.
The MOEVE STARK project was launched this year with the aim of promoting renewable energy and spreading the message of environmental protection, with rider Pedro Bianchi Prata leading the effort.
The idea was approved by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and by ASO, the W2RC promoter. There are no technical or sporting regulations yet, but the goal is that by 2026 there will be a dedicated category for 100% electric bikes in international bajas.
Pedro Bianchi Prata described competing at the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal with the Stark bike as a “challenge.” In fact, it was groundbreaking to see an electric motorcycle racing in a World Rally-Raid event. “Never before had an electric bike taken part in a six-day competition, running exactly the same course as the combustion-engine bikes,” he explained. To make that possible, battery swaps were carried out on asphalt sections every 50 km. Normally, five swaps were required per stage, but in the longest stage seven battery changes were needed.
The battery is located in the same place as the engine in a conventional bike and takes 1 minute 40 seconds to replace. In terms of riding, it turned out to be a surprise: “Since it’s a very explosive bike, I had to pace myself to make it to the 50 km. In terms of handling, it’s exactly the same as a combustion bike. The only difference is that it doesn’t have a gearbox — it’s a ‘twist-and-go,’ only more powerful, with 60 horsepower and capable of easily reaching 160 km/h,” explained Pedro Bianchi Prata.