Electric vehicles are charging onto the motorsport scene, and Hyundai is leading the transformation in Australia with the unveiling of its N Electric Vehicle Rapid Charging Station at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP). This milestone signals more than just infrastructure — it marks a significant step in electrifying motorsport and showcasing the performance credentials of next-generation EVs.
As part of a five-year partnership between Hyundai Motor Company Australia and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), the N Rapid Charging Station will remain a permanent feature in the paddock at SMSP until 2028. The initiative underlines Hyundai’s commitment to integrating electric mobility into performance environments and reflects the broader industry shift towards cleaner propulsion in racing.
Hyundai’s involvement with SMSP is not new. It has a longstanding relationship with the circuit, hosting media launches, brand activations, and its high-profile annual N Festival at the venue. In 2023, two 150kW DC chargers were installed at SMSP for the fifth annual N Festival and the national launch of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N. Now freshly branded as N Rapid Chargers, these units offer four type-2 plugs and are open to all EVs, not just Hyundai models — a move that promotes accessibility and inclusiveness for all electric enthusiasts at the track.
“We are proud to be the official electric vehicle partner of Sydney’s premier motorsport facility, Sydney Motorsport Park, until 2028,” said Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Australia. “Hyundai has a long history with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) and SMSP, so we clearly knew they were the ideal partners to give Australia its first race circuit with dedicated EV rapid chargers.”
This forward-thinking partnership not only facilitates EV participation in traditional motorsport events but also supports a new generation of drivers and engineers. According to ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews, the chargers are already playing a vital role by “helping to meet the current and future demands of the rapidly growing EV automotive market, industry EV test days, privately owned EVs at track days, as well as supporting the many university Formula SAE teams that use SMSP for tertiary education and R\&D.”
The integration of the IONIQ 5 N as the Official Safety Vehicle for the venue adds further weight to the transition. It’s a clear statement that high-performance EVs aren’t just theoretical — they’re here, they’re fast, and they’re up to the task. The IONIQ 5 N’s role at the circuit also gives owners the unique opportunity to test their own vehicles in a proper motorsport environment, bridging the gap between road car and race-ready performance.
Digital LED signage around SMSP reinforces Hyundai’s growing presence at the facility, which hosts more than 1,000 events each year and welcomes over 360,000 visitors. From grassroots racing to major international events like the World Time Attack, SMSP is a proving ground for innovation — and now, a launchpad for the electrification of motorsport.
This development also aligns with the broader vision of the ARDC, which is working towards building a globally recognised venue not only for racing, but for sustainability and advanced automotive technologies. The partnership with Hyundai supports this mission by bringing green energy solutions, like EV charging, into a performance context that has traditionally been dominated by internal combustion.
As public interest in electric vehicles continues to grow, Hyundai’s role at SMSP demonstrates how legacy motorsport venues can adapt to and accelerate the transition to zero-emissions technology. By placing EVs at the heart of one of Australia’s top racing circuits, Hyundai is helping redefine what performance looks like in the 21st century.
With the infrastructure in place, and the IONIQ 5 N making waves as a real-world performance EV, the future of electric motorsport in Australia is not just on the horizon — it’s already here, and it’s charging fast.
