Formula E: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Motorsport
Since its inception in 2014, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has transformed the world of motorsport by seamlessly blending high-speed racing with a solid commitment to sustainability. As the premier international, single-seater electric car racing series, Formula E showcases the potential of EVs while promoting eco-conscious practices and technological innovation.
The electrifying E-Prix
Formula E races, or E-Prix, take place on temporary street circuits in major cities worldwide, bringing the thrill of racing to urban centres.
This unique approach not only makes the sport more accessible to fans but highlights the potential of electric mobility in metropolitan settings.
Each season features a competitive roster of teams and drivers, including major automotive manufacturers and former Formula 1 competitors, enhancing the commercial and competitive appeal of electric racing.
Cutting-edge technology
The estimated top speed for Formula E cars is 322 km/h (200 mph).
Batteries are designed for ultra-fast charging at rates up to 600 kW, allowing for pitstop recharging.
Each vehicle features a reduced wheelbase of 2970mm and a weight of 760kg, enhancing their agility and performance on the track.
Attack Mode: A strategic boost
One of Formula E's unique features is Attack Mode, where drivers can temporarily boost their power by 50 kW by pressing a button on their steering wheel.
This boost offers a unique strategic element to races, requiring teams to develop dynamic race strategies based on changing rules and circuit conditions.
Strategic synergy
Formula E leverages partnerships with industry leaders such as ABB, DHL and Infosys to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into its operations.
Infosys enhances sustainability monitoring and CO2 emissions reporting using AI, ensuring accuracy in line with international standards.
ABB supports the rollout of ultra-fast charging infrastructure and advanced technologies for the mass market, while DHL manages freight emissions, which constitute 70-75% of Formula E's Scope 3 carbon emissions, and has seen a reduction of 41%.
This strategic synergy highlights their shared commitment to achieving science-based targets and underscores the significant impact of their collaborative sustainability efforts.
As freight generates approximately two-thirds of Formula E's Scope 3 emissions, measures to support efficient logistics with DHL include using biofuels, clustering races geographically and employing modular logistics.
Advanced charging infrastructure
ABB, the series' official charging partner, manages the charging infrastructure for Formula E cars.
Each team receives one charger capable of delivering a maximum power output of 160 kW, which can charge two vehicles simultaneously. The energy used for charging is sourced from renewable resources, either generated on-site with HVO - a biofuel certified as renewable energy - or via battery energy storage systems filled with renewable energy.
Karin Lepasoon, ABB's Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, says: "At ABB, we are working with our customers to help optimise, electrify and decarbonise Formula E's operations. It allows us to use the competitive race environment as a testbed to develop and showcase technologies that drive progress and ultimately create a more sustainable future."
Sustainable initiatives and social impact
Formula E is the world's first and largest all-electric racing championship, designed to accelerate sustainable human progress through the power of electric racing.
"With a fanbase of more than 381 million, Formula E and our 11 race teams – including iconic brands such as Porsche, Nissan, Jaguar and McLaren – travel to 10 different global cities," affirms Julia.
FIA Girls on Track
The Girls on Track Season 9 programme confirmed a 140% increase in participants, including a 25% rise for the first two events of Season 10.
During Season 9, Formula E held five events engaging girls aged 12 to 18 with on-site programmes at tracks and offsite talks in schools and universities. In December 2023, it revealed plans to expand the FIA Girls on Track events at all races, expecting over 2,500 participants by the end of season 10.
Since Season 5, more than 2,000 girls have benefited from the programme, with many finding roles within the championship and the broader motorsport sector.
Julia adds: "This year, we're hosting at least 120 girls at each track for behind-the-scenes paddock tours and workshops with leading women from within our series across engineering, driving, media, communications, operations and logistics."
The Better Futures Fund
Formula E established the Better Futures Fund to target and create a tangible impact on the communities where Formula E races are held, particularly for people from underprivileged backgrounds.
It represents a purposeful approach to supporting local communities, aiming to generate a significant positive impact throughout the year, not just during race events.
"Over the years, we have a very proud tradition of supporting charities and communities where we race, but as we continue to grow, we now want to do it more purposefully, with more intent and to ultimately create a greater impact on local communities," says Julia.
The future of Formula E
The future is bright for Formula E, with rapid growth in its fanbase and races in new cities. The championship continues to expand its partner base, with more companies eager to use Formula E as a testbed for cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions.
Formula E is not just a racing series but a pioneering platform for sustainable progress. By continuously pushing the boundaries of technology and environmental stewardship, Formula E is shaping a future where motorsport and sustainability coexist harmoniously, driving global progress both on and off the track.
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