The power source for the racing vehicles is batteries.

The competition is held using 40 rechargeable AA batteries as the power source.
Rechargeable AA batteries are provided by Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., who have been sponsoring 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 full Suzuka Circuit Racing Course (5.807 km per lap), which has a long history since its founding in 1962. The course features elevation changes and a mix of low-speed to high-speed corners, making it difficult to master. It requires driving experience and places a higher load on the vehicles compared to Mobility Resort Motegi.

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

The stage at Mobility Resort Motegi (competition course) is the 'Racing Course,' where many races including the World Championship are held.
In 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 Direction)’ in 2024, and in 2026, following 2025, it will be held on the ‘Racing Course (Full Course Forward Direction).’

The ‘Racing Course’ is 4.8 km in total length. Last year, it was held in the reverse direction, where the “Downhill Straight” became an uphill slope, and after climbing the “Downhill Straight,” the section from the “NIPPO Hairpin” to “130R” became a downhill slope. The course layout allows drivers to speed through each corner at high velocity.
From 2025, the event will be held running forward on the road course, featuring a course layout known as “stop & go,” which involves repeated deceleration, turning, and acceleration.
Also, since the section beyond “130R” is uphill, driving technique that follows the ideal racing line as well as vehicle power is required. Unlike typical races, the finish line is at the “Downhill Straight” beyond the “NIPPO Hairpin,” and the downhill section beyond that is a non-competition area.
From 2025, Ene-1 has become an even more challenging course layout for drivers and mechanics. It continues to evolve as a venue that competes in balancing 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 already taken part in gasoline fuel efficiency competitions such as the Eco Mileage Challenge.
The efforts that fully unleash creativity become tangible as actual vehicles, making this a valuable competition where results are achieved.

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 Energy 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 competes in vehicle creation and management 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 set, 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 who apply advanced knowledge and skillful craftsmanship, surpassing the realm of hobby.

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 to be found in everyday life that we usually take for granted.
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 will have a power so great that an individual alone cannot compete with it.
Just like in club activities or ball games, even if one person stands out in a team or organization, it does not produce 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.