Everything Electric: Rebelle Rally Embraces Electrification & Puts It To Work
The Rebelle Rally off-road competition just kicked off; and a large number of EVs, hybrids and green power are on the scene. And that is a pretty big deal.
If you aren’t familiar with the Rebelle Rally, it’s an event you want on your radar. Founded in 2015, Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States, which is hardly surprising. This year’s 8-day competition runs over 1,400 miles through the very challenging Nevada and California desert. The all-female drivers of the Rebelle Rally are fueled by a passion for off-roading, and it shows. Determined and skilled drivers push themselves and their vehicles to great heights. Rebelle is tough, but it is also awesome. Kicking up sand with the pedal down is fun, and the right vehicle is key to getting maximum thrills.
When looking at the lineup at this year’s Rebelle Rally, electrification is no longer the stuff of ‘someday,’ that future is NOW. Hybrids, EVs, and green driving tech have shown up ready and able for competition. Drivers at Rebelle are interested in the pursuit of off-road performance; and that means a willingness to explore all options.
Rebel Rebelles
Also impressive is how the Rebelle Rally introduced the new and different with a spirit of adventure. Electrification is the next frontier for autos; an idea that was (and is) still met with resistance in various aspects of the industry. Not so at Rebelle, a rally that has always been ahead of the curve.
Launched in 2021, Rebelle Rally included a Electrified Designation, opening up the off-road challenge for EVs, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids.
“Women of the Rebelle: From engineers to mothers, doctors, marketing professionals, students, and journalists, their reason to Rebelle varies but one thing’s for sure – they share the love of the challenge,” they tweeted. And that desire is what makes the women of Rebelle willing to break from the pack, and put the EVs to the test.
Additionally, Rebelle Rally teamed with green power leader Renewable Innovations (RI), who will serve as key partner of the rally’s sustainability efforts. RI provides scalable green power any time, anywhere, and will do so on site to provide services and juice to the Electrified Designation vehicles. Plus, they will also power three base camps on the course with solar power.
Blazing Trails Off-Road
The rally varies from other off-road competitions. Rebelle tests fifty two-woman teams in a race with that puts both the skills of both vehicle and driver to the test. Over the eight days days of competition, drivers must use precise navigation and conquer the demanding course.
Participants accrue points in the event based on the elements of headings, hidden checkpoints, time, and distance using maps, compass, and roadbook. And the kicker? Drivers cannot use any tech–no GPS, no cell phone, no internet.
Unlike other off-road competitions, the focus is on stock, OEM vehicle performance. Rebelle rides aren’t modded out racers. Vehicles must be street legal, with minimal mods. Two classes are 4×4 and X-Cross. 4×4 vehicles must be 4-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. X-Cross are two- or all-wheel drive with no two-speed transfer case / low range gears).
EV and PHEV vehicles compete in their respective 4×4 or X-Cross class with Electric designation on the vehicles, scoring, and receive special recognition in media features.
Rowdy Rides
This year, there are just over 100 Rebelles competing, representing five countries and 24 states. More than a third of the field will be driving a Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator. Three Jeep factory teams are driving the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which delivers 49 MPGe and 21 miles of all-electric range.
As the Jeep brand works toward its ultimate goal of zero emission freedom, events like the Rebelle Rally are key to prove and showcase both its industry-best 4×4 capability, as well as its class-exclusive, off-road 4xe powertrain.
Alongside the industry biggies such as the Bronco, there was surprising upstarts. Kia entered a pair of modified 2022 Sorento PHEVs to highlight the capability of the electrified SUV. Even with the harsh and windy conditions Team Kia held onto the podium for Stage 3 in their class, increasing their overall standings.
At the Rebelle Rally, we pride ourselves on finding otherworldly landscapes. The start line of STAGE 4 was no exception.#rebellerally #rebelle2021 #jointherebelle #iwanttorebelle pic.twitter.com/TaSPVJ7jpq
— Rebelle Rally (@rebellerally) October 12, 2021
Rivian is also doing especially well. The electric R1T is back for a second year, and it is taking down some serious competition.
And VW ID.4 made jaws drop, and are well positioned for a win.
Team @vw in the all-electric AWD ID.4 (car #211) rolls into Day 5 of the @rebellerally today. They’re just two points from moving up another position after yesterday’s marathon day. Keep cheering them on! pic.twitter.com/G6aQjEPOjm
— Andy Lilienthal (@crankshaftcult) October 13, 2021
We’re coming up on the last leg, and you can check it out online. Competitors have already pushed through sand dunes, craggy climbs, deep slopes, sweltering heat, sudden storms, and even some frisky burros. More action to come, and EVs are all in.
The Rebelle Rally is a unique and spirited event; the women continue pioneering and elevating the off-road game. We would expect nothing less than the beautiful chaos and rebellious ethos that makes the Rebelle Rally a special event.
Photos: Rebelle Rally; Kia; Mitsubishi; Rivian; VW