For 10 days in May, the Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023 celebrated its 10th anniversary by highlighting green mobility and showcasing the beauty of Croatia. From the picturesque seaside village of Rovinj on the Istrian peninsula to the historic city of Split in Dalmatia, participants experienced the charm of Croatia while testing their driving skills with their sleek electric vehicles. They got a taste of Croatian culture, breathtaking landscapes, and fine food and wine.
Marie and Paul Meeusen from Switzerland were thrilled by their first visit to Croatia, noting its beautiful nature, rich history, and great food. They found similarities between Switzerland and Croatia, like the presence of large lakes, although Croatia has the added charm of the sea. Their scenic drive from Switzerland, through Austria and Italy, to Rovinj was just the beginning of their adventure. They’re ready to return for next year’s rally and even plan to explore more of Croatia in the meantime.
Michael Schmid, another enthusiastic participant who has visited Croatia three times for the rally, praised the event for allowing him to discover new parts of the country. He marveled at the stunning landscapes and hidden spots the rally brought him to, such as Modro Jezero (Blue Lake). After a day of exploring the Croatian countryside and driving around Pelješac island, the competitors relaxed at a 5-star hotel in Split, enjoying local food and wine.
Other contestants, like Anita Lučić from Sweden and John Elvins from the UK, were equally impressed with Croatian cuisine, particularly the seafood. They appreciated meeting people from all over Europe and found Croatian hospitality and the warm May weather delightful. John, having driven his Tesla from the UK, admired the variety of cars at the rally, including rare models and ones with impressive mileage, like a Tesla Model X with over 300,000 kilometers.
John finished second in the rally, with Michael Schmid in third place, both outpaced by Dinko Samardžić driving a Renault Zoe. The rally is open to anyone with an electric vehicle and a sense of adventure, celebrating the enduring spirit of innovation associated with Nikola Tesla.
The Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023 was supported by various Croatian organizations, including the Croatian Tourist Board and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, alongside local municipalities and tourist boards.
suansuan