While the use of biofuels is making progress, the Mission 1000 challenge is hosting seven 100% electric motorcycles at its third edition. They will be able to assess their progress each day oncourses of approximately 100 kilometres.
Launched at the 2021 edition, the Dakar Future programme aims to develop the use of alternative energies in the rally. The incentives and support measures implemented each year have delivered significant progress and validate a gradual approach, particularly regarding the use of biofuels. The movement is now extending to most of the top-of-the-line vehicles in the Ultimate category, with the commitment of the Dacia Sandrider, Ford M-Sport, X-Raid (for some of its vehicles), and Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe teams. These changes yield direct benefits, given that biofuels reduce carbon emissions by nearly 70%.
At the same time, the Dakar Rally, through Mission 1000, wished to provide a platform for the most innovative technologies, which face off in the extreme conditions of the Saudi desert. Bold projects are emerging to participate in this giant laboratory. The challenge allowed the 2024 and 2025 participants to learn valuable lessons, even if it meant returning to the workshops to improve the robustness and reliability of their machines. This year, motorcycles are in the spotlight at the challenge: already on the track last January, the 100% electric Segways are back with more efficient batteries and a weight reduction that will also improve their range; the Arctic Leopards are coming back with three 100% electric motorcycles optimised since 2024; and the Stark Future motorcycles, also 100% electric and already enjoying significant commercial growth, are being used by two independent projects making an entry into the Mission 1000 arena. The KH7 hybrid hydrogen-biodiesel truck, meanwhile, is guaranteed to win the loyalty award, having achieved top scores twice.
