While Formula E racing continues with its first season, Electric GT Holdings announced in early March that another electric racing series will be starting in 2017 and using the Tesla Model S as its base model. According to a press release from Electric GT Holdings, the Electric GT World Series will feature 20 drivers in 10 teams and race on tracks – not city streets like Formula E uses – in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Representatives from the Electric GT World Series have said that other car companies, including Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, could also be eligible to bring high-end electric cars to the race track. The full calendar of races isn’t available yet, but it is expected to be made public later in 2016. For now, Electric GT Holdings has its eyes on tracks like Nürburgring and Donington Park.
“We chose the Tesla Model S simply because it is one of the best cars ever made, and certainly one of the best 100 percent electric cars. We are convinced that sharing its impressive circuit racing potential will help to inspire many people about sustainable transport,” said Technical Director Agustin Paya of Electric GT Holdings in a press release.
The Model S P90+ is newer and technically packs a better punch, but it’s all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive P85+ is anticipated to be easier to repair and to handle better on a race track.
In the 2014 – 2015 season, Formula E racers use 28 kilowatt-hour batteries that can produce 200 kilowatts of power, although they’re restricted to below 170 kilowatts in most circumstances. The Tesla Model S P85+ produces 310 kilowatts of power and has 85 kilowatt-hours of storage. Formula E drivers are mandated to switch cars halfway through the race, as charging is not allowed during the race. Electric GT Holdings hasn’t stated whether the Model S will enable their racers to go for an entire race in one car, but the increased storage and power might at the very least give some more visibility to the electric racing circuit.
Along with providing entertainment, Electric GT Holdings hopes that increased visibility for all-electric racing will cause more consumers to look twice at emissions-free vehicles. Formula E has had some trouble growing a fan base due to a variety of factors, including its “FanBoost,” perceived as a gimmicky way to give drivers with social media clout a burst of speed, and the fact that it’s overshadowed by the existing traditions of the gas-guzzling Formula One. Bringing the punchy Tesla Model S in as the Electric GT base car could certainly turn some heads. As more electric car racing teams get going, time will tell whether they become as popular and influential as Formula One.
(Via Transport Evolved and Green Car Reports)
