Formula E racing, the world’s first motorsports championship that uses only electric vehicles, began its sixth season on November 22. You may still be unfamiliar with the series – the ABB FIA Formula E Championship only began in 2014. But it has quickly gained speed of its own, attracting more automakers to the fold and more fans to the stands.
Nissan was the first Japanese manufacturer to race in Formula E. The Nissan e.dams team finished second last season, which was its first.
For Nissan, Formula E is an opportunity to demonstrate the power and performance of its zero-emission EV technology. For sports fans in major cities around the world, it’s a chance to see cutting-edge, world-class racing without having to travel out of town. Regardless of where you are, here are five reasons why you should tune in to Formula E:
The future is electric
-
The
technology
behind
Formula
E
is
a
peek
into
the
future
of
all
cars.
Sales
of
electric
cars
are
set
to
grow
fast
in
the
coming
decade
as
the
technology
becomes
more
affordable
and
accessible.
-
All-electric
races
have
a
unique
audible
atmosphere.
Formula
E
cars
actually
emit
their
own
specific
sound with
a
varying
pitch
depending
on
the
amount
of
acceleration.
- Knowledge gained on the Formula E track – particularly about energy management – will go into developing better electric cars for consumers in the future. Nissan has used its many years of experience mass-producing the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle to develop its Formula E car, but the learning process also goes the other way.
A racing series for a new generation
-
Formula
E
is
designed
with
younger
fans
in
mind,
from
the
gamification
of
the
event
itself
to
how
you
watch.
The
Fanboost
feature
allows
fans
to
influence
the
races
directly
by
voting
for
their
favorite
drivers
online.
The
five
drivers
receiving
the
most
votes
get
an
additional
5-kilowatt
power
boost
to
use
during
the
second
half
of
the
race.
For
example,
you
can
vote
for
Nissan
e.dams
drivers
by
just
tweeting
“#SebastienBuemi
#FANBOOST”
and
“#OliverRowland
#FANBOOST.”
-
The
races
are
short
compared
with
other
series,
lasting
only
45
minutes
plus
one
lap.
This
keeps
attention
focused
on
the
action
and
also
makes
every
mistake
or
misstep
that
much
more
critical.
- While races are broadcast on TV networks globally, everyone can watch full races and practice sessions on YouTube. Watch season five’s 12th race (e-Prix) in New York to see what Formula E looks like, here:
Formula E is action-packed
-
Formula
E
drivers
can
use
the
“Attack
Mode”
feature
to
get
a
25-kilowatt
power
boost
by
going
off
the
racing
line
and
driving
through
a
specific
zone.
The
number
of
boosts
available,
and
their
duration,
changes
from
race
to
race.
This
makes
each
race
less
predictable
and
more
exciting.
-
When
a
driver
activates
Attack
Mode,
lights
on
the
car’s
halo
(the
piece
of
safety
gear
above
the
driver’s
head)
illuminate.
Viewers
at
home
can
also
track
who’s
in
Attack
Mode
on-screen.
- The tight track layouts means drivers constantly have to watch out for each other.
Formula E is up close
-
Free
from
the
deafening
noise
and
exhaust
emissions
usually
associated
with
motorsports,
Formula
E
races
take
place
in
the
middle
of
the
city.
This
makes
them
easier
to
attend
for
urban
audiences
and
adds
spectacular
backdrops.
In
addition
to
Diriyah,
season
six
will
bring
the
excitement
of
Formula
E
to
Santiago,
Chile;
Mexico
City;
Marrakesh,
Morocco;
Sanya,
China;
Rome;
Paris;
Seoul;
Jakarta;
Berlin;
New
York;
and
London.
- Unlike other racing series, Formula E pit lanes and paddocks aren’t “VIP only.” This gives Formula E fans the opportunity to see the technology, and the people behind it, up close.
Formula E adapts as technology advances
-
With
zero-emission
EV
technology
developing
fast,
Formula
E
adapts
quickly
to
stay
ahead
of
the
curve.
-
One
change
already
made
is
a
significant
power
boost,
from
200
kW
to
250
kW
(about
the
equivalent
of
an
80-horsepower
increase),
bringing
top
speeds
up
to
174
mph
(280
kph).
- Thanks to improved battery technology, Formula E has done away with the midrace car swap that was a feature of its early seasons. Yet battery life – like fuel on any other race circuit – remains an important part of every team’s strategy.
Nissan e.dams is entering the new Formula E season with a team of record-setting drivers and a new Japanese kimono-inspired race car. Go here to learn more about the Nissan e.dams team and drivers, and tune in to the action on Nov. 22.