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Formula 1 is one of the fastest, most exciting sports in the world today, where racing teams battle it out with advanced technologies in some of the world’s most exotic locations. Though in today’s resource-scarce world, the incredible amount of fuel used by F1 vehicles is becoming hard to justify.
Enter Formula E; the world’s first racing series using only electric powered cars. Kicking off in Beijing in 2014, the FIA sanctioned sport utilises battery technology in every car, considerably reducing emissions, without compromising on fun or excitement. [1]
Formula E is similar to F1 as a motorsport, with the biggest difference being the fuel the vehicles use. Electronic F1 cars are slower than regular F1 vehicles, but can still reach speeds of up to 225 km/h.[2]
Pit stops are needed to switch cars, rather than charging or changing over batteries, ensuring a quick turnover and continued activity for fans and spectators.
Formula E machines produce half the noise of regular F1 vehicles (only 80 decibels), allowing music to be played across the race track. Signature tunes have been composed for key race events, adding to the excitement. You’ll hear a soundtrack of start, finish, crash and overtaking noises, creating an atmosphere unique to Formula E.
Electronic F1 is leading the way in fan interaction, with the innovative ‘fan boost’ element giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favourite driver via social media, rewarding the driver a ‘power boost’ during the race (a 2.5 second burst increases car power by 50 per cent ). [3]
The key benefit of Formula E, however, is the environmental impact. While Formula 1 is heavily reliant on fossil fuels to build, maintain and race, Formula E utilises cheap and efficient battery power. F1 races produce high amounts of fossil fuel and noise pollution, with cars releasing 1.5kg of CO2 every kilometre (a staggering nine times more than a regular car). In comparison, Formula E vehicles release no CO2 and emit significantly lower levels of noise pollution.[4]
The innovative sport has garnered the attention of celebrities and major brands. Leo DiCaprio is developing his own team, along with some of the big names in the auto industry. This wide appeal is an important factor in the growth of the electric car industry, with Formula E working to make electric cars a cool alternative to their CO2 emitting cousins.
Aside from the PR benefits, the development of these vehicles is instrumental in the further production and development of electric road cars (Formula E technology is being applied to the production of regular cars). China, in particular, is hoping this technology will change people’s attitudes to electric cars. With millions of polluting cars being introduced onto their roads each year, a sustainable solution is well overdue.[5]
Formula E is electrifying the future of motorsport. If you’re thinking about looking into getting your own electric vehicle, the first step is making sure you’re set up with a great value electricity plan.
