"Crossing the Desert with Electric Drive"… Audi Wins Dakar Rally

Audi RS Q-e-tron won the Dakar Rally held in the desert, Audi Korea announced on the 23rd.

This vehicle is a low-emission prototype equipped with an electric drive system, a high-voltage battery, and an energy converter that operates on refueling based on residual fuel. The Dakar Rally is a competition crossing the desert and is considered the most grueling event. This is the first time a vehicle with an electric drive system has won this competition.

The Spanish team of Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz completed the 7,900 km course 1 hour and 20 minutes ahead. It is Audi's first Dakar victory. Gernot D?llner, Audi's CEO, said, "We have set another milestone in automobile racing," adding, "Winning the world's toughest desert rally with an electric drive system proves progress through technology."

"Crossing the Desert with Electric Drive"… Audi Wins Dakar Rally

Audi RS e-tron prototype participating in this year's Dakar Rally
[Photo by Audi Korea]

The two drivers steadily led from the sixth stage. It was their fourth individual victory representing different brands and the second win for the Volkswagen Group. The competing team closely pursued them until their vehicle was damaged the day before the race ended.

This year's Dakar Rally featured mostly general stages over 400 km, two marathon stages without service, and a 4,600 km section timed for completion. The winning drivers led in 12 stages over 8 days.

Previously, Audi has demonstrated advanced technology since introducing four-wheel drive in the 1980s, including TFSI drive systems, electrification systems, and LED matrix lights. Its first pure electric race car also made its debut in Formula E.