Following on from the success of street racing series Formula E, founder Alejandro Agag has developed another 100% electric motorsport competition in pursuit of a zero emissions future. But this time, it’s off-road…
Extreme E is a sustainable racing series designed to raise awareness of the impact of climate change and revive damaged ecosystems in remote locations. Teams will race in extreme environments across the globe – for example, the Amazon Rainforest, Saudi Arabia deserts and glaciers in Greenland – in order to raise awareness of environmental problems such as deforestation, desertification and global warming. Scientists will investigate and report on the climate issues faced in each region and work in collaboration with local communities to respond to the environmental damage based on their needs.
Each race is approximately 16km and consists of 2 laps, with a driver switch at the end of the first lap. 8 teams will compete, with one male and one female competitor from various backgrounds per team. Filming will be done by drones, rather than helicopters, and competitors will travel to the various locations by means of a 150-metre-long cargo ship, refurbished with state-of-the-art filter systems designed to minimise carbon emissions. According to Agag, one of the aims of Extreme E “is to have a zero-net carbon footprint by the end of its first season, which means removing as many emissions as we produce”.
Additionally, Lewis Hamilton has recently announced that his own race team, X44, will be competing. He has commented on the appeal of Extreme E “because of its environmental focus” and “important values such as sustainability and equality”. Overall, competitors and organisers are keen to raise awareness of climate issues and provide relief to local communities and ecosystems. Extreme E is a member of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework (led by the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC).
The first Extreme E event will be broadcast live across the BBC in Dakar, Senegal, on the 23rd of January 2021.
