Targa Newfoundland Pits Electric Power Against ICE In Six-Day Challenge

Let’s settle the debate, once and for all.

It seems like ICE vs electric has turned into the new Ford vs Chevy, or import vs domestic, except with way more vitriol. Now, it seems like a formal battle between the two propulsion systems is brewing in Canada. Targa Newfoundland has announced a head-to-head competition called “Race The Rock” that pits electric power against ICE power.

Taking place in Newfoundland, the six-day challenge will go through the central and eastern parts of the province. That’s more than 1,900 km (1180 miles) of roads, 500km of that being closed-course challenge stages. The remaining 1400 km is the transit between the stages. The challenge includes high-speed driving, and challenges that the organizers say will test the vehicle’s durability, stamina, and driver’s strategy.

Much of Newfoundland is remote and sparsely populated, meaning that EV charging infrastructure may be lacking. Targa Newfoundland says that teams are allowed to use portable charging stations, so long as they get pre-approval. The challenge is open to both factory teams and private individuals, but we haven’t got a definite list of competitors yet.

In principle, this sounds not dissimilar to other challenges that feature ICE and EV competitors, like the Rebelle Rally. Yet, the desert of the Southwest US is a different beast than the atmosphere of Northeast Canada. Soon we’ll find out if EVs can cope with the long distances and challenging terrain of Newfoundland.

The Targa Newfoundland Race The Rock will take place from September 14-22, 2023.

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