Formula E's stepped up its game as it switches to pay TV
As Formula E enters its tenth season, it's still seen with scepticism by racing fans. But as coverage switches to pay TV, it is now worth watching, says Damien Smith
eSkootr’s electric championship will be powered by Williams after the announcement of a technical collaboration ahead of the series’ inaugural season.
Williams Advanced Engineering will be responsible for developing the chassis, battery system and powertrain for the first generation of electric scooters.
The eSkootr Championship is aimed at promoting sustainability and will host an international championship with rounds in major cities across the world.
Development of the prototype scooters that will be used in the first two seasons, beginning in 2021, has already begun.
Each scooter will be capable of speeds in excess of 100km/h (62mph) on the street circuits that the series will use and, according to the series, will accelerate at a rate comparable to road cars.
Track testing of these electric scooters will begin in September this year ahead of the launch season.
Williams Advanced Engineering has already helped develop another electric series, having been responsible for the battery systems used by Formula E between 2014 and 2018.
That technology was based upon the KERS systems found in Formula 1 cars, first introduced to the series in 2009.
“We chose to collaborate with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) because of their proven experience in battery and powertrain solutions and unparalleled expertise in their application to sustainable and future technologies,” eSkootr Championship CEO Hrag Sarkissian said.
“The company’s experience in delivering high-performance battery systems for motorsport series such as Formula E, Extreme E and ETCR, means that they are well placed to support new applications in electrification and other developing technologies.
“For everyone at eSC, the development and build of our first eSkootr is a particularly important landmark. As we begin preparations for our first event next year, we’re enormously pleased and proud to be taking that journey with WAE.
“Together we can write an exciting new chapter in the story of electric micromobility.”
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