Flag falls on Season 9 of ABB Formula E in London

August 2, 2023

Champions will be crowned in London this weekend as Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship comes to a close at the ExCeL exhibition center.

The 22 drivers will once again be competing on the unique London ExCeL Circuit, that weaves its way both inside and outside the exhibition center in the Royal Docklands. The 2.09km, 20-turn track features changes in surface, elevation and lighting, resulting in a range of challenges for the field.

“Electrification solutions that enable cleaner transport will play a key role in improving air quality in urban areas. The showcase of the latest EV technology here in London is therefore extremely important to help encourage EV adoption and drive progress towards a more sustainable future.”

Karin Lepasoon,
ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer

The number of installed public charging devices in the UK is quickly growing, having increased by 33 percent in the past year¹. ABB is working alongside its customers to help facilitate this necessary increase. Currently, the company has around 2,000 chargers in operation in the UK and is continuously working to improve access.

EV adoption and sustainable transportation is just one part of the solution to make cities more sustainable. With buildings responsible for over 30 percent of global energy consumption², improving efficiency within them is essential. Smart building technology can help businesses act more sustainably and control costs by dimming lights, controlling shading and adjusting the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to reduce energy consumption.

In London’s second tallest building – 22 Bishopsgate – the smart building platform including ABB’s i-bus KNX technology connects lights, fans, solar shading controls and other electronic units, enabling real-time adjustments to reduce energy needs by up to 10 percent. The building uses only renewably sourced energy, and ABB switchgear and electrical distribution systems ensure stability and comfort. This technology helps the building to meet the London Energy Transformation Initiative net-zero standard, be Wired Score Platinum certified, be Active Score Platinum rated and achieve a BREEAM Excellent grade and WELL certification.

Caprice Holdings restaurant, Bacchanalia, in Mayfair, London, also uses ABB’s i-bus KNX smart building technology to create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, while adjusting to reflect the time of day and the intensity of natural sunlight. This gives the best possible lighting experience for diners while optimizing energy use.

ABB’s technology will be further showcased in London as part of the FIA Girls on Track program, which offers girls aged 12 to 18 the opportunity to explore the different aspects of the motorsport industry through a set of activities and workshops. ABB is running a workshop focused on ABB robotics, featuring one of the company’s most innovative collaborative robots – GoFa – enabling the girls to learn basic programming skills. As Official Charging Partner, ABB is also running a workshop to teach the program attendees about its charging technology used in the series and on the road.

As the location for the final race of Season 9, London will also be where the first ABB Driver of Progress award will be given. This will go to the driver who has made up the greatest number of places during the season – a feat which requires a careful balance of speed, overtaking skill and energy management. Following these races, the Championship will return for testing ahead of Season 10 in October.

About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.

The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet. www.FIAFormulaE.com

Endnotes

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-charging-device-statistics-april-2023/electric-vehicle-charging-device-statistics-april-2023#:~:text=100%20kW%20plus-,UK%20growth%20in%20public%20charging%20devices,additional%202%2C153%20public%20devices%20installed.
2. https://www.energyefficiencymovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ABB_EE_WhitePaper_Smart-buildings_final-1.pdf

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