The power source of the competition vehicle is a battery

The competition is powered by 40 rechargeable AA batteries.
Rechargeable AA batteries have been provided by Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., a sponsor since the first event.

Held at SUZUKA CIRCUIT and Mobility Resort Motegi

‘Ene-1’ is held at two locations: Mobility Resort Motegi and SUZUKA CIRCUIT.
The characteristics of the courses where the competitions are held differ greatly between these two circuits.
The ‘Ene-1 SUZUKA Challenge’ at SUZUKA CIRCUIT is held on the historic Suzuka Circuit Racing Course Full Course (5.807 km per lap), established in 1962. With elevation changes and a layout featuring corners ranging from low to high speed, the course itself is difficult to master and requires driving experience. It is a course that places a higher load on the vehicles compared to Mobility Resort Motegi.

The stage of Mobility Resort Motegi (competition course) is the 'Racing Course (Full Course)'

The stage of Mobility Resort Motegi (competition course) is the 'Racing Course,' where many races including the World Championship are held.
At the 'Ene-1 MOTEGI GP,' the event was held on the 'Oval Course' until 2020, on the 'Racing Course (West Course)' from 2021, on the 'Racing Course (Full Course Reverse)' in 2024, and will be held on the 'Racing Course (Full Course Forward)' in 2025.

The 'Racing Course' is 4.8 km long. Last year, it was held in reverse direction, where the “Downhill Straight” became an uphill slope, and after climbing the “Downhill Straight,” the section from the “Hairpin Curve” to “130R” became downhill. This course layout allowed drivers to speed through each corner.
The 2025 event will be the first held in the forward direction, featuring a course layout known as “stop & go,” which involves repeated deceleration, turning, and acceleration, unlike last year.
Additionally, since the section beyond “130R” is uphill, not only vehicle power but also driving techniques to follow the ideal racing line will be required.
Unlike typical races, the finish line is at the "Downhill Straight" beyond the "Hairpin Curve," and the downhill section beyond that is a non-competitive zone.
With no past data available to any team, the 2025 Ene-1 features an even more challenging course layout for drivers and mechanics. It continues to evolve as a competition that balances both "energy management" and "speed."

Competition Vehicles

There are no vehicles that can participate by modifying commercially available vehicles.
Since there are no vehicles sold specifically for competition in advance, the vehicles are handmade from the beginning.
We conceive and design, and build vehicles ourselves that comply with the competition regulations.
There are also vehicles that have been modified to comply with the regulations and participate, having previously competed in gasoline fuel efficiency competitions such as the Eco Mileage Challenge.
The efforts that fully unleash creativity become a valuable competition where the vehicle actually takes shape and produces results.

Competition Method

The competition consists of three parts: "1st Attack", "2nd Attack", and "3rd Attack".

Each team completes one lap in order from the 1st to the 3rd attack, and the team that covers the longest distance in the shortest time wins.

◆Competition Points
The competition is conducted through the "1st Attack," "2nd Attack," and "3rd Attack."
During the "1st to 3rd Attack" stages, charging the battery, which is the power source, is not allowed, so it is necessary to consider the allocation of battery capacity usage and manage energy accordingly.

Next Generation Motorsports

At Mobility Resort Motegi, various motorsports races are held, including fuel efficiency competitions such as the Eco Mileage Challenge, which use gasoline as fuel.
"Ene-1" is a new event that challenges participants to build and manage vehicles powered by rechargeable AA batteries.
It is an energy management competition where various ideas are utilized.

Detailed Classifications

Categories are "KV-40" for 3 wheels or more, and "KV-Moto" based on bicycles.
There are four classes: General, University/Technical College/Vocational School, High School, and Junior High School.

Categories and classes with different characteristics are finely divided, making it a competition where even beginners can aim to win prizes.

Handmade

The vehicle body is designed and built by oneself. The joy of seeing what you made take shape and actually run.
Divided by category into junior high school, high school, university/technical college/vocational school, and general, there are schools that tackle this as one of their school activities, as well as vehicles made by working adults that go beyond the hobby level with skillful craftsmanship utilizing advanced knowledge.

From things that stimulate ideas and inspiration, to vehicles that are so intricately crafted that you can't help but be amazed. Just watching the competition vehicles is entertaining.

Vehicles participating in the general category often feature bold ideas combined with skill and effort, making them very informative.
Be sure to visit Mobility Resort Motegi and use the vehicles as a reference.

Knowledge

In addition to the knowledge learned at school, there are many hints in everyday life that we usually spend without much thought.
Starting with familiar bicycles, as well as household electrical appliances, materials, and substances around us, you might find hints even during breaks in daily life or study (work).

Teamwork

It is a given that you fully demonstrate your own abilities, but if everyone thinks together and combines their strengths, you can have a power so great that an individual alone cannot compete with it.
Just like in club activities and ball games, even if one person stands out in a team or organization, it does not lead to results. Let each individual give their all and achieve results.

Just a "battery", but a "battery". It's a familiar "battery", but it enhances knowledge and solidarity.