Accelerating the sustainable transformation of both construction and motorsport, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is helping to build the FIA World Rallycross (World RX) Championship racetrack in Hong Kong using electric construction solutions – and all in just eight days.
Rallycross race teams from around the world will be coming to compete in the final races of the FIA all-electric World RX championship this weekend. It will also be the first time the series will be coming to Hong Kong, China. With the circuit’s unique layout set against the city’s skyscrapers and bustling streets – the first ever city center backdrop – it is sure to add to the high-speed excitement.
As Official Track Building Partner, Volvo CE is demonstrating the power of its electric portfolio and digital solutions by shaping the tight corners and breathtaking jumps of this race track using a mix of sustainable solutions.
They include the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator, which will be supported by the Dig Assist digital solution and an Engcon tiltrotator capable of excavating to any angle, to form the jumps. Also working to both build and maintain the tracks are two brand new L120 Electric wheel loaders from China. These machines are currently in a customer pilot across selected Asian markets, and will come to other selected markets yet to be announced.
In addition, one of the zero-emission L120 Electric wheel loaders will be fitted with recovery forks to remove crashed race cars from the track, as part of Volvo CE’s pioneering motorsport safety solution.
Digital build for real-life power
Part of the track is a replica of a design devised by Volvo CE at its test track in Eskilstuna, Sweden – built to encourage more overtaking and a greater spectacle for racegoers. Each track element has been refined over a series of workshops to ensure the action remains electrifyingly close.
It has been perfected using build data captured in 3D on Volvo CE’s Dig Assist in-cab machine control application. The data are then programmed into Volvo’s machines and recreated in real life. This reduces the build time for the track, but also does so with a minimal carbon footprint.
Bill Law, Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications at Volvo CE, says: “This is another great platform to raise awareness about the incredible power of electromobility and digital solutions in real life applications. We’re so proud to be part of developing this spectacular rallycross track in the heart of Hong Kong, in partnership with the FIA World Rallycross Championship. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to accelerate a more sustainable transformation.”
Thousands of spectators, including around 300 Volvo guests and customers, are expected to watch the weekend’s activities as drivers including the CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment will take to the track in their 100% electric RX2e cars.
With events now concluded in Portugal, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and South Africa, the 2023 series is coming to a close with what is likely to be an unforgettable experience in Hong Kong.
