ABB Formula E London E-Prix Showcase

29-07-2022

• ?ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to the ExCeL London exhibition center

• Technological development in EV charging and electrification of powertrains supports drive for more sustainable future

• Latest video in ABB’s series for FIA Girls on Track released

Following the latest rounds in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in New York City, the series has crossed the Atlantic in a return to the ExCeL London exhibition centre.

With changes in surface and elevation, in addition to a shift in lighting, the drivers are in for another challenging race weekend in London. The ExCeL circuit will again see the field move from indoors to outdoors on the 22-turn, 2.141km track, which has been slightly modified for Season 8 with a new chicane complex around turns 10-13.

Theodor Swedjemark, ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, said: “In a city where combatting air pollution is a focal point, sustainable transportation is a key part of the solution. Showcasing the technology and potential of e-mobility in London is a great way to change perceptions of EVs and drive increased adoption – something ABB is proud to support in helping to create a more sustainable future.”

Transportation of people, goods and raw materials currently accounts for 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, and is a focal point for change around the world.

David Hughes, Country Managing Director, ABB UK, said: “ABB is helping businesses accelerate decarbonization by delivering complete electrical powertrain solutions for a range of industrial vehicles, transportation and marine vessels. Electric motors can achieve 95 percent efficiency, while diesel engines only reach 45 percent efficiency in the optimum load range, so this technological development – from electrification of powertrains to implementation of effective and comprehensive charging infrastructure – is crucial.”

The past few years has seen a dramatic increase in the number of public EV charge points in the UK – growing by an average of 44 percent per year since 20151. ABB is working alongside its customers to help facilitate this necessary increase. Currently, the company has around 1,500 chargers in operation in the UK and is continuously working to improve access.

ABB’s Ultrafast DC and Fast DC EV chargers will support the new GRIDSERVE Electric Highway charging network across the UK. This comes as both companies seek to drive the adoption of electric vehicles, especially by making charging easier and more accessible. GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway will include coverage for 85 percent of the UK’s motorway network, as well as in towns and cities across the country.

The resulting increased energy demand focuses attention on renewable energy and grid stability – and this is another area in which ABB technology is delivering sustainable solutions in the UK. One example is a £25 million “Greener Grid Park” scheme, which is currently in the final stages of construction, and will increase the amount of green energy being used throughout Liverpool. ABB is supporting Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, in the project with technology, operations and long-term maintenance services.

The London E-Prix will also host an FIA Girls on Track event, of which ABB is global partner. FIA Girls On Track offers girls aged 8 to 18 the opportunity to explore multiple aspects of the motorsport industry through a range of activities and workshops. One of these will focus on ABB Robotics and feature the GoFa collaborative robot.

Ahead of the London E-Prix, ABB has released a new video in its series as part of the company’s partnership with FIA Girls on Track. Featuring Hannah Brown, Formula E Chief of Staff, the video explores her views on the increase in women in engineering roles in the sport and the importance of closing the gap in belief she feels potentially still exists with young girls.

Following London the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship makes its debut in Seoul, South Korea, for the final two rounds of Season 8 on August 13 and 14.