Steel Tube Philippines: How Formula E Is Making Racing Greener
January 21, 2018
How did Formula E helped make racing greener?
- Formula E began in 2014 as a way of promoting environmentally friendly racing
- The cars are powered by electricity, and fuelled by Glycerine.
- Major manufacturers include Renault, Audi, Jaguar, and BMW
- The sport is currently at its fourth season.
Formula racing has been around for a very long time, about as long as there have been steel tubes in the Philippines. One of the fastest and most popular sports events in the world, these events have spawned some of the worlds best drivers, and have created some of the fastest cars ever laid on a racetrack. The premier formula racing competition is the Formula One, which is held in countries across the world.
While formula racing is one of the best spectacles in sport, it is considered as a sport that is not environmentally friendly, as the usage of fuels harm the environment. With the intention of creating a fast, yet “Green” racing event, the FIA created the Formula E. With the rest of the world going green as well, this is seen as another step towards helping the environment. Here’s how Formula E is revolutionizing the racing world.
The Green Racing Revolution
Formula E began in 2014, as a response to the creation of an efficient and environmentally friendly racing machine, and also find a way to promote the use of electric cars. The cars are charged with electricity, and have generators that run on a natural gas called glycerine. This fuel is so clean that this can be drank by humans.
Unlike other formula racing vehicles, a Formula E car makes less noise. It instead has that distinct high-pitched sound that makes it safer to hold races near urban and residential areas. The engines produce around 250hp, and can go up to 140mph, which means that they are very much capable of performing well. The design of the car is also unique, looking like a cross between the Le Mans car and a Formula One vehicle.
Formula E was not seen as a major event in the FIA racing calendar during its first season in 2014. The only major name was Renault, which is one of the best known racing manufacturers. It had 11 races in 10 cities across Asia, South America, Europe, and North America. The first champion of the sport was Nelson Piquet Jr., who won using a Renault.
The second season went by with a few changes, with over 10 races in 9 cities, and 8 teams in total. These teams were allowed to create their own powertrains as long as they comply with the racing standards. The second season also had a new champion in Sebastien Buemi, who was from the Renault team.
Eventually, major racing manufacturers took notice of Formula E’s popularity and marketability. These manufacturers include Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, and DS. Some of the sport’s top drivers also wanted to join in, from Formula One drivers, Le Mans drivers, and Formula 2 and 3 drivers.
The third season saw these changes, and finally helped create a more consistent system. With over 12 races in 9 countries, and 10 teams, it was the biggest season of Formula E so far. The season was won by yet another new driver, which was Lucas de Grassi.
The fourth season is currently underway, and it has shown that racing events can be environmentally friendly and safe at the same time. As the sport continues to grow, it is expected that the green movement would soon influence other racing events to do the same.
Key Takeaway
Formula E has become the premier “Green” racing event, with a following that continues to grow each season. With racing events becoming bigger than ever, expect Formula E to become one of the most prestigious racing events in the world.