Paving the way, Extreme E has become the first motorsport where it is mandatory for all nine teams to employ both a female and male driver, allowing for more women to compete in a traditionally male dominated sport. These drivers take control of the ‘Odyssey 21’ an electric 4x4 beast, tailor-made for racing in extreme off-road environments, boasting 550bhp (brake horsepower) capable of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds! Needless to say, the Odyssey 21 is an incredible engineering feat, considering the recent development of electric car technology.
Extreme E allows more women to compete in a traditionally male dominated sport.
The Odyssey 21 is designed for extreme climates due to each race taking place in a different setting deemed to be at risk as a result of climate change. Notable race locations include the Kangerlussuaq Glacier in Greenland and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset where the season finale is held.
Reducing its environmental impact, Extreme E travels between venues via the former Royal Mail ship ‘St.Helena’, which transports all the infrastructure, cars and freight needed for the championship, decreasing the carbon footprint of the contest. Increasingly, St.Helena is facilitating scientific research through the use of its on-board laboratory. Extreme E has committed to the bold goal of having a net-zero carbon footprint by the end of the first season, something that it is on track to accomplish.
Whilst the £1 million investment may seem risky when considering the youth of Extreme E, the competition has already announced five more races next season and is planning for 2022 and beyond. Thanks to backing from F1 legends Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button plus the notorious fanatical nature of motorsport fans, it is safe to say that this investment is a solid expenditure and the start of a strong and healthy relationship.
