Ten years may not seem like a long time, but in the world of electric mobility, they represent a period of extraordinary transformation.
In 2016, electric vehicles were still relatively uncommon, with many questions surrounding their future.
Today, a decade later, I returned to the Dolomites to attend ECOdolomitesGT 2026 and witness firsthand how much this sector has evolved.
Held from October 16 to 18 across Trentino and Veneto, the event also celebratedthe 20th anniversary of the EcoRallies, first introducedin 2006.
As the final round of the International FIA ecoRally Cup and the Italian ACI-Sport Alternative Energy Championship, it brought together 20 crews representing twelve nationalities, confirming its international significance in regularity and energy-efficiency competitions.
Organized by Automobile Club Trento, chaired by Fiorenzo Dalmeri, together with RaceBioConcept – BioDrive Academy and supported by ECOmove & LETSmove,the event represents far more than a motorsport competition.
As Mario Montanucci Pignatelli, Coordinator of the Organizing Committee, explained to me, the ECOdolomites project has evolved over the years into its competitive GT format. Looking ahead, the ambition isto expand initiatives promoting road safety, sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility.
On Saturday, October 17, accompanied by Daniel M. Campisi of ECOmove & LETSmove, Richy and I had the opportunity to explore part of the rally route, travelling through some of the Dolomites’ most breathtaking scenery. Deep blue skies streaked with delicate white clouds and unexpectedly mild temperatures made the experience unforgettable.All photographs featured in the full reportage are original, with no filters or enhancements.
Along the route, we also witnessed the technical procedures used to measure the vehicles’ energy consumption, followed by the sealing of their charging ports. These operations highlighted how precision, strategy and teamwork between driver and co-driver are essential to success.
That evening, during the event’s social dinner, I had the pleasure of meeting organizers, drivers and co-drivers, listening to their experiences and the challenges they had faced throughout the competition.
On Sunday, October 18, the event concluded in Fiera di Primiero with the awards ceremony at Palazzo delle Miniere. Among the outstanding competitors were Guido Guerrini and Artur Prusak, driving a Lancia Ypsilon for Scuderia Gass Racing, who secured first place in both the regularity and energy-consumption categories.Equally meaningful were the trophies, created by sculptor Renzo Zeni using wood from trees damaged by Storm Vaia in 2018.
One unexpected moment perfectly captured the changes of the past decade: among the competing electric vehicles appeared a fully electric Amazon delivery van, quietly going about its everyday business. A spontaneous reminder of how electric mobility has become part of our daily lives.
I leave the Dolomites with memories of extraordinary landscapes, inspiring encounters and one conviction: the future of mobility will be measured not only by technological progress, but also by our ability to make it part of everyday life. And as I reflect on the progress made since 2016, one question remains: what will electric mobility look like in 2036?
At the following link, you can read the full report by Selene Oddenino Newton on her personal blog, “La Voce di Selene.”
#SeleneOddeninoNewton – #theEMNteam
Photo Credits: Selene Oddenino Newton
October 2026
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