The Spark-Renault SRT_01E, the first car in the Formula E racing series, has made its public debut in Las Vegas. Capable of speeds exceeding 240kph, it is powered completely by electricity and is only one of 20 cars that will participate in the competition.
Formula E is essentially Formula 1, but uses electric cars instead of traditional V8 engines. It hopes to promote the development of electric cars for consumers and reduce consumption of fossil fuels. The Formula E racing car will use an equivalent of one gallon of fuel for a one hour race. Which is far ahead of the 1.7 kilometres per litre that regular Formula 1 cars use.
Unfortunately for racing fans, these cars will also be quieter than petroleum based engines. Replacing the roar of the pistons will be the high pitched whine of the future. It sounds like an oversized RC car charging around the track.
Formula E will begin this September; with a street race in Putrajaya scheduled for October.
