JOIN USThe first Formula E car — part of an upcoming motor racing competition to put electric vehicles on the map — made a dazzling debut in Las Vegas.
The sleek Spark-Renault SRT-01E, capable of speeds above 225 kilometers (150 miles) per hour, will compete in the first Formula E Championship that begins in Beijing in September, part of 10 races sponsored by the FIA, the global governing body for motor racing.
“The Formula E is the future of the automobile, I think this will change the perception of electric vehicles,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive of Qualcomm, one of the corporate sponsors on Monday.
Formula E will have 10 teams, each with two drivers.
Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi showed off the vehicle at a parking lot, demonstrating to spectators and media the capabilities of the fully electric machine. “It’s a different feeling from anything else,” di Grassi told reporters, saying that “you have to be more precise... but it is more efficient.”
Formula E chief Alejandro Agag said he hopes the championship will stimulate investment in electric vehicles and change their image. “Formula E is a championship with a mission,” he said.
Electric cars have been perceived as slow... we want more consumers to get an electric car.”