GREEN CREDENTIALS
Running a championship featuring all-electric cars with the aim of minimising the environment impact of automobiles leaves Agag open to questions such as “Is the electrical energy used to charge the car batteries from renewable sources? What measures are being taken to minimise the carbon footprint of the sports since the race venues are in 10 different countries and there will be a lot of travelling involved?” etc.
At present, there are no plans for renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (solar) panels on site. Not because it is not feasible but rather because of tenant-landlord arrangements. Besides, PV and other renewable generation sources can be installed post-construction. Another innovation being championed is Wireless Charging. Qualcomm Halo is an Official Founding Technology Partner of Formula E. In Year one of the championship, Qualcomm Halo™ Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology will be adapted to be fitted into the Formula E Safety cars to enable wireless charging. This charging system will be made available to the race cars in Season two (2015).
ACCESS ALL-AREAS
“Formula E CEO, Alejandro Agag wants to operate an Open Access Policy, make sport accessible to everyone and ensure it is of educational value for everyone.”, Mr Tate discloses. He adds: “I am on the Board of the Motor Sport Engineering Department at Cranfield University – a leading University in Motorsport Engineering – and this means I can facilitate synergies with university students and the racing series (e.g. MSc students could investigate, test and write dissertations on specific aspects of green-racing technologies). We will also invite schools to visit the track while ensuring these visits do not affect the teams’ preparation for the first race in Beijing four months after the facilities open”.
On Thursday 10th April, Donington announced the calendar for the Formula E test days. These require pre-registration
but are free to attend – in keeping with Agag’s open access policy.
You can follow Donington Park and Formula E on Twitter at @doningtonParkUK and @fiaFormulaE.
Christopher Tate was speaking to Bunmi Ade (@F1nomics)