A Data Analysis and Comparison of Traditional and Alternative Powertrains in Motorsport

Abstract

Motorsport has depended on internal combustion engines (ICEs) for decades, but growing concerns about energy efficiency and environmental impact have increased interest in alternative powertrain technologies. This paper compares internal combustion engine (ICE), battery-electric vehicle (BEV), and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) powertrains in motorsport. The three powertrains are evaluated according to well-to-wheels and powertrain efficiency, energy replenishment, environmental impact, economic factors, and regulatory development. Published data are collected and analyzed to quantify well-to-wheels energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and thermodynamic efficiency, with comparisons also made between motorsport and conventional vehicles to examine how the distinct performance requirements of motorsport affect powertrain efficiency and environmental impact. For the selected racing cases, BEVs and FCEVs exhibit approximately 42.4% and 47.6% of the WTW energy consumption of ICEs, respectively, while their estimated WTW GHG emissions are 21.5% and 3.25% of those of ICEs under the selected upstream energy pathways. The analysis shows that ICEs offer well-proven high-performance characteristics and fast refueling, but they have a lower energy-conversion efficiency and produce direct GHG emissions. BEVs offer highly efficient electric propulsion together with regenerative braking; however, limited capacity of battery energy storage and the demand for charging remain significant challenges. FCEVs combine electric propulsion with hydrogen energy storage, but currently they suffer from additional energy-conversion losses, substantial infrastructure demands, and difficulties in production. The future use of these powertrains will depend on the specific requirements of racing, technological developments, regulations, manufacturing infrastructure, and the energy sources employed in producing electricity, fuels, and hydrogen.