Formula E – the electric street racing series – arrives in the French capital for the Paris ePrix ahead of round six of the 2016/17 FIA Formula E Championship on Saturday, May 20.
Following the second edition of the event held around the architectural complex of Les Invalides, Formula E is donating a zero-emissions glycerine generator to boost charging infrastructure and leave a lasting legacy for the city of Paris.
By bringing the FIA Formula E Championship to the streets of the French capital, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo aims to increase public awareness of sustainable methods of transportation and promote car manufacturers continuing to invest in electric mobility and alternative energy solutions.
Hello! #sightseeing #ParisePrix #AllTheWayABT pic.twitter.com/DylwFmFD1E
— ABT Formula E Team (@abt_formula_e) 18 May 2017
This is in line with the vision of Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, who wants to make the switch to electric cars make sense for consumers – more efficient and more affordable. FIA President Jean Todt initiated the original concept – as a means to demonstrate the potential and drive the development of sustainable technologies, becoming a platform to increase global uptake of electric vehicles and contribute to the fight against climate change and inner-city air pollution.
Formula E and event organisers decided to donate a zero-emissions glycerine generator to Paris
This will happen after the chequered flag falls on Saturday. Standard production diesel engines are the base of the generators. They are adapted with Aquafuel’s patented technology to run on glycerine. The fuel itself is a by-product of the bio-diesel production process. And it’s so clean you can drink it.
The unit has more than one use. It may be a fixed generator and provide electricity and heating to existing buildings. Another usage is as a mobile generator to provide power at events, or to power electric vehicle charging stations.
The generator will be entirely automated. It can be synchronised to the French grid to feedback any energy production surplus. The generator will be tailor-made for the needs of Paris. It will arrivein the city in August 2017.
Before the #ParisePrix, the #ZE16 and the #ZOEeSport concept electrified the streets of #Paris! Get prepared for Saturday! ⚡️ ? pic.twitter.com/VnrYaUlXIP
— RENAULT e.dams (@RENAULTedams) 17 May 2017
Last season Lucas di Grassi turned up the heat in his quest to win the 2015/16 FIA Formula E Championship with a flawless drive in the Paris ePrix. He took the lead at the start and led all the way (bar the pitstop phase). There 20 000 audience included France Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of the 7th Arrondissement Rachida Dati, and Jean Todt.
The race finished under yellow flags because of Ma Qing Hua’s heavy crash. Di Grassi took his third win of the season. Later Di Grassi did not hide his delight.
“To see people all around the track cheering, on the inside of the track and the outside… It’s just amazing. I hope we race here many more times and in more cities like Paris. This is what Formula E is about.”
In the last round of the current season Sebastien Buemi returned to winning ways in Monaco
He claimed his fourth win of the season by leading from lights to flag. Lucas di Grassi chased him all the way, but the Mexico City winner just couldn’t find a way by.
Nick Heidfeld made an excellent start to gain three positions off the line. The German picked up a further two places when Jean-Eric Vergne and Nelson Piquet Jr collided to score his first podium since Hong Kong. Nico Prost charged up from the back of the field to finish ninth to remain third in points, while Maro Engel scored his best result of the season in fifth
In the teams’ standings Renault e.dams is still well out in front, with Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport putting up the fight in second. Engel’s 10 points for Venturi means that it’s really closing up at the lower end of the teams’ championship, with just six points covering Faraday Future Dragon Racing, Andretti, Panasonic Jaguar Racing and Venturi in spots 7-10.
