In a surprising twist, the worlds of car racing and eco-friendliness converge in the Formula E championship. Formula E, a motorsport series exclusively for electric cars, is hailed as a pioneering force shaping the future of racing.
Developed as “a battle for the future,” Formula E boasts 16 races across 10 cities worldwide. Remarkably, it earned the distinction of being the first global sport to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint in 2020.
Despite its high-speed action, Formula E maintains its position as a global leader in eco-friendly sports initiatives.
Who started the ePrix?
Formula E was conceived by Alejandro Agag, its founder, and former FIA President Jean Todt back in 2011. Their vision was clear: to create a racing series that traversed the streets of the world’s most iconic cities, showcasing the potential of sustainable mobility.
At the time of its inception, with only 300,000 electric vehicles sold annually worldwide, the idea seemed like a long shot. However, fast forward to the present day, with 18 million electric vehicles sold this year alone, and Formula E’s mission appears prescient and increasingly relevant.
When was ePrix launched?
Since its inception with the first race in Beijing on 13 September 2014, Formula E has rapidly expanded over the past decade. What started as a novel idea has blossomed into one of the premier motorsport series globally, boasting 11 teams and 22 drivers on the grid.
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, highlighted the series’ remarkable growth in an interview. With 400 million fans and races staged in some of the world’s largest cities, Formula E has evolved into an epic racing spectacle featuring cars reaching speeds of up to 200mph.
How are the GP and EPrix different?
Formula E and Formula One share similarities in their single-seated, open-wheeled racing car designs. However, the key difference lies under the hood: while Formula One relies on combustion engines, Formula E teams exclusively utilize electric cars.
The current Formula E car, known as the Gen3, stands as the pinnacle of electric race car engineering. With a maximum power output of 350kW and top speeds reaching 200mph, it represents the epitome of speed, efficiency, and power in electric racing.
In a groundbreaking move, Formula E unveiled the Gen3 EVO ahead of the Monaco race, promising even greater performance. Capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds, a remarkable 30% faster than current Formula One cars, the Gen3 EVO boasts unprecedented acceleration and advanced aerodynamics.
Despite all teams using the same chassis, battery, and tires, individual teams still have room for innovation and customization, ensuring a competitive edge on the track.
Sam Bird, a driver with the McLaren TP team, described the driving experience in Formula E as akin to traditional race cars, albeit with instantaneous torque and a nimble feel. Despite the electric powertrain, Formula E cars maintain the performance and agility expected from single-seater race cars.
One notable distinction from traditional racing is the absence of noise and emissions from Formula E cars. This eco-friendly attribute enables races to take place directly in city centers, a stark contrast to Formula One events typically held on large tracks outside urban areas.
Formula E’s Season 10 commenced in Mexico City on January 13, 2024, featuring a diverse calendar of races spanning global cities such as São Paulo, Portland, Diriyah, Berlin, and London.
Sustainability in Monaco
The commitment to sustainability at Formula E’s Monaco event is significant. It is a genuine ethos embraced by everyone involved in the series. Julia Pallé, VP of Sustainability at Formula E, emphasized that sustainability is woven into every aspect of the event’s design and execution. From logistics to materials, every detail is meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact.
For instance, the logistics of the Monaco event prioritize sustainability, with all equipment transported via trucks fueled by biofuels. Plastic usage is minimized, with water fountains and reusable cups provided, and any plastic present is PVC-free and fully recyclable.
Even the cars themselves embody sustainability principles. James Barclay, Team Principal at Jaguar Racing, highlighted features such as using a single tire for all conditions and incorporating recycled materials into the bodywork. This holistic approach demonstrates Formula E’s commitment to proving that racing can be done sustainably.
Monaco takes sustainability seriously, it isn’t just a talking point for Formula E—it’s a fundamental value driving every aspect of the sport.
What is the future of ePrix?
Formula E has undergone a remarkable transformation. Cars now reach speeds of 200mph, with faster acceleration and improved battery technology allowing them to complete the entire race on a single charge. This evolution has not only enhanced the racing experience but also attracted a larger fanbase and elevated the overall quality of the sport.
Jeff Dodds of Formula E recognizes the challenge of converting die-hard motorsport fans accustomed to the roar of combustion engines. Rather than focusing solely on this demographic, Formula E aims to attract new fans to the sport by prioritizing innovation and sustainability.
