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BMW to Continue Involvement in Formula E Racing

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Last year, BMW became the official vehicle partner to the International Automobile Federation’s Formula E Racing. The electric car racing circuit focuses on one-seat electric cars that compete in racing events in large city centers around the world. Recently, BMW decided to renew its support for the fledgling race series. This demonstrates BMW’s lasting commitment to electric cars and sustainable energy sources.

2014 and 2015 were the first years for this electric series, and the automaker provided a BMW i8 customized with a roll cage, racing seats, and other modifications to make it ready to take the track as a safety car.

As part of the partnership renewal, BMW has committed to bring a fleet of i Series hybrid and fully-electric vehicles to the races. Joining the pack will be a BMW electric scooter and BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid. The BMW i8 will keep its job as safety car, while a BMW i3 will take the reins as the medical car.

To keep the BMW electric fleet running well, BMW will be partnering with Qualcomm and its wireless charging technology. Wireless charging and the advanced Halo system with Formula E will also cut the charging time for the electric vehicles on the track in half.

BMW and the Formula E Series are a match made in electric car heaven. The next step should be getting Leonardo DiCaprio,  the new Formula E Sustainability Committee Chairman, behind the wheel of the BMW i8.

News Source: FIA Formula E