Pushing Electric Vehicles to the Extreme
The landscape of electric vehicle endurance is set for a dramatic shift. Vincent Martineau, widely recognized as Electric Vince, has partnered with Bourgogne VE to launch the second edition of the groundbreaking “Défi 24h en VE” (24-Hour EV Challenge). Scheduled for May 29-31, 2026, in Montchanin, Saône-et-Loire, this event promises to redefine the limits of electric mobility with an even more ambitious and physically demanding format.
Two Grueling New Tests of Man and Machine
Building on the success of the inaugural challenge, the 2026 edition introduces a significant evolution: the splitting of the event into two distinct and extreme competitions. This move is designed to cater to different levels of endurance while amplifying the technical and human challenge. The first will be a pure, non-stop 24-hour marathon, testing the absolute limits of vehicle range, charging strategy, and driver stamina. The second is conceived as an even more intense “double or nothing” challenge, pushing participants to cover a staggering 2,000 kilometers within the same 24-hour window.
A Laboratory for Real-World EV Performance
Far from a conventional race, the Défi 24h en VE serves as a unique real-world laboratory. Participants will rely entirely on public charging networks, facing the same conditions as everyday EV drivers. The event meticulously measures not just distance covered, but also total energy consumption, charging time, and overall efficiency. This data provides invaluable, transparent insights into the practical capabilities of current electric vehicles, highlighting both technological advancements and the critical importance of charging infrastructure under extreme use.
The challenge underscores a central message: the future of electric mobility hinges on robust infrastructure and vehicle resilience. By voluntarily submitting to this grueling test, Electric Vince and fellow participants aim to demonstrate the evolving maturity of electric technology while openly identifying areas for progress, setting a new benchmark for what electric vehicles can achieve.