EV Racing to the Extreme

Organizers of the Formula E electric vehicle race circuit, which began its fifth season in December, are launching an off-shoot series in which rugged, electric SUVs will compete in extreme conditions.

Dubbed Extreme E, the series will start in early 2021. Events will be held in five regions of the world under threat from climate change: the Arctic, Amazon rainforest, Himalayas, Sahara desert and Indian Ocean islands.

The new series was developed by Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. Former race car driver and team owner Gil de Ferran, who competed in Formula One, IndyCar and American Le Mans Series, will serve as chairman of Extreme E.

Agag says the series already is fully funded. Sponsors include Continental Tires and Brazil’s CBMM, which will supply niobium “transition metals” that will be used in parts of the competing SUVs.

The series vows to be carbon neutral and plans to develop environmentally friendly initiatives at each race location to help rebuild damaged ecosystems impacted by climate change. Environmentalist David de Rothschild will serve as chief explorer for the series, leading expeditions to various locations.

Watch a video about Extreme E HERE.