Volvo could enter Formula E in the near future as auto manufacturers started showing increased interest in the all-electric series
Volvo is the latest manufacturer tipped to enter the all-electric Formula E racing race that visits several popular city-streets around the world every season. The global exposure and the spurred up development in auto industry for electric cars have enabled more lethal brands to step foot in and give out a try. Jaguar is entering the new season of Formula E with more automotive companies targetting a presence through technical partnership or branding.
The Swedish luxury car maker has been reportedly working on an entry with its performance division Polestar. Volvo currently competes in WTCC (World Touring Cars Championship), V8 Supercars in Australia, STCC (Scandinavian Touring Car Championship) and other series through customer-built racers. According to Motorsport.com, Volvo is planning to involve in the near future but by what means is subjected to ongoing discussions.
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The final discussion could be made public before the new season gets underway in Hong Kong in two months. Volvo/Polestar is a board member of the Formula E Manufacturers’ Advisory Group as it has watchful eyes on the series that is growing in numbers in terms of investment, spectators, involvement from OEMs, etc. Being the member of the commission could make way for FIA and the series organisers to invite the brand for participation.
Formula E has a specified set of chassis and aero development rules as the series has only been running for the last two years. Volvo could be looking for the regulations to free up so that when the teams stop relying on suppliers of electric powertrain and battery technologies, the involvement of a particular manufacturer will be clearly highlighted.
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Like any other involved manufacturer, Volvo will be trying to transform the lessons learned on the track on to its road-going passenger vehicles. It has increased hybrid offering in its product lineup recently and has been working on zero-emission technologies for future vehicles. Rolling up the sleeves for different parts of the electric racing spectrum, Volvo is aware of the advantages in having an involvement on an ultra-competitive all-electric racing series like Formula E and thus we could see the sky blue cars, silently this time, running on track soon.
Source: Motorsport.com