Venturi Automobiles has announced that it will become the first team to join the Extreme E electric SUV off-road racing series, competing across five environments around the globe.
The race format will provide a platform for teams to test and demonstrate its electric technology in gruelling locations with each team developing its own powertrain and bodywork in a bid to win the competition.
Venturi has a history in high-level electric motorsport with the company competing in ABB FIA Formula E since its inaugural season and winning the championship.
The manufacturer is also no stranger to extreme competition and has designed the first electric vehicle for operation in the extreme conditions of the Antarctic, and has previously achieved a 14,900km unassisted distance record for an electric vehicle – a world’s first from Shanghai to Paris and on to Monaco. It has also recorded world land speed records for electric vehicles on multiple occasions – the latest of which saw the VBB-3 hit 342mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US.
“The partnership with Extreme E represents a new opportunity to show the capacity of electric vehicles in the most extreme environments. We’re beyond proud to join this innovative and entertaining concept,” said Gildo Pastor, president of Venturi Automobiles.
Prototype testing is scheduled to get underway in July this year, with the delivery of 12 cars from Spark Racing Technology to follow in March 2020. Group testing will take place mid-way through next year before the teams board Extreme E’s floating paddock, RMS St. Helena – ahead of the opening race in January 2021.
