Mahindra Racing is the first Indian team to join Formula E Championship for electric vehicles, boosting the industry
(Pic: Formula E)
Indian multinational Mahindra Racing will join the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship beginning in September 2014.
The motor sports division of the Mumbai-based $16.2 billion company Mahindra Group has signed an agreement with series promoters Formula E Holdings to become the eighth and only Indian team to join the new zero emission series.
The event is designed to raise awareness about electric vehicles as well as help advance electrical vehicle technology.
The innovative all-electric global race series will include 10 races in its first season in city-centre locations around the world, including London, Beijing and Los Angeles.
The series has generated significant interest globally, and could could boost the electric car market to be worth a potential €142 million by 2040, according to one report.
The team at Mahindra said taking part in the race will raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles.
Anand Mahindra, chairman and managing director of Mahindra Group said: “We strongly believe that Formula E can provide an excellent global showcase for our electric vehicle technology.
“With advanced operations and expertise in electronics, IT, automotive technologies and manufacturing, we are already seeing the fusion of this technology into our electric vehicle operations.”
The race is also rumoured to have piqued the interest of former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, who has driven for HRT Racing and Team Lotus. It is claimed he was in discussions with Mahindra to drive for them.
Mahindra is no stranger to international motorsport, with Mahindra Racing already established within the two-wheeled world of the MotoGP World Championship.
All 10 teams and 20 drivers will use the Spark-Renault SRT_01E electric car that was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. The car is able to accelerate from 0-100kph in three seconds.
The McLaren-designed electric powertrain will produce 133kw during races, generating a top speed of 220km/h (140mph).
Alejandro Agag, CEO of series promoters Formula E Holdings, added: “We are very proud to have a major global company like Mahindra join the FIA Formula E Championship.
“Adding a manufacturer from India to what is already a real global mix of teams is fantastic news for the series. Everything is coming together very well and we look forward to presenting all ten teams to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month.”