BEAUTY... and the BEAST

With five rounds, nine teams and no fossil fuels; the first season of Extreme E is a no-holds barred proving ground for next-generation electric technology, and the result of some competing sustainability requirements.

- Alex Grant

Although the motor car has enabled adventure since its inception, that exploration has never looked quite like this. Launched in April, Extreme E’s inaugural season will push the limits of electric powertrains across five events, propelling futuristic off-roaders on technical courses with no spectators, and tight limits on personnel. It’s a tour of the planet’s most dramatic backdrops and unforgiving terrain, and designed to be sympathetic to both.

They’re concepts which have evolved quickly. The series began as ideas on a napkin, drawn up by Formula E co-founder Alejandro Agag and Brazilian race driver turned team owner Gil de Ferran during a breakfast meeting in late 2018. It’s founded on a belief that motorsport’s global audience could shine a spotlight on the effects of climate change and human activity, and the momentum behind it reflects changing attitudes.

“Extreme E is only possible because of what happened with Formula E. It has been a motivation for me: people have questioned whether Extreme E can actually happen, but less than they did when we launched Formula E. It has been key to giving us energy, and we’ve gained credibility,” explains Agag.

“The first sport to ever be built out of a social purpose, Extreme E aims to minimise environmental impact, but maximise awareness. With an estimated broadcast audience of over 200 million people, it has the ability to strongly influence industry and popular opinion whilst promoting sustainability and the adoption of electric vehicles.”