The UK’s Johnson Matthey and Envision Virgin Racing will unveil the world’s first electric two-seater electric formula race car at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland.
The bespoke two-seater race car was conceived to help accelerate the transition to a net zero future and showcase the sustainable technologies that enable the mass adoption of e-mobility.
The race car results from a partnership between Johnson Matthey, a leader in sustainable technologies, and Envision Virgin Racing, the carbon neutral Formula E team.
The concept racer will demonstrate Johnson Matthey’s eLNO technology. Its nickel-rich advanced cathode materials enables around 20% greater battery density over today’s typical equivalent battery technology.
This is delivered to Envision Virgin Racing’s advanced electric drivetrain to produce 250 kW of power at the wheels.
The racer’s targeted maximum speed is 240 km/h.
Christian Gϋnther, Battery Materials Sector Chief Executive, Johnson Matthey, says: “As the very first public application of our eLNO technology, the two-seater race car will provide a stunning next step in bringing our ground-breaking technology to market. Not only will the racer generate valuable test data, but we look forward to giving passengers the opportunity to experience the visceral thrill of a high performance electric race car.”
“We are excited to unveil the world’s first electric two-seater formula race car, the result of a very productive partnership with Johnson Matthey. Delivered in under six months, it is a fantastic achievement by all those involved,” adds Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director & Chief Technology Officer at Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Team. “The two-seater formula race car has been specifically designed to test and push the battery performance to its extreme. This battery technology is unlike anything else we’ve seen before, and we wanted to create a prototype car that would really put it through its paces and showcase its huge potential.”
Johnson Matthey‘s eLNO technology will be supplied to customers in Europe from two new production facilities. The first facility in Poland is under construction and will be completed in 2022, for commercial production in 2024.
A second eLNOplant is also planned in Finland.
Keyword: World’s First Electric Two-Seater Formula Race Car to be Revealed at COP26 Summit