Mahindra Racing unveils Formula E electric racing car at 12th Auto Expo 2014

New Delhi: India’s first all-electric zero emission race car capable of reaching speeds of up to 225 kmph, was unveiled today at the 12th Auto Expo 2014 by Mahindra Racing, the motor sports division of the Mumbai-based USD 16.7 billion multinational Mahindra Group. Also on display was the winning MGP30 racing bike which has performed brilliantly during the entire 2013 MotoGP season.

The Formula E car produces 200kw of power which is equivalent to 270 BHP when compared to a conventional gasoline engine. The chassis of the car is built from a super lightweight all carbon fibre and aluminium monocoque and weighs only 800 kilos, which helps it accelerate from 0-100 kms in just 2.9 seconds. With a top speed of 225 kmph, the Formula E car comes fitted with standard 18 inch Michelin tyres which are good to use in wet and dry weather conditions. Mahindra Racing was the first of the 10 teams to display its car in the team’s colours at a major event.

In a bid to create awareness about electric vehicles as well as help advance EV technology, the FIA has organized the Formula E Championship which begins in September 2014 and will include 10 races in its first season. Designed to be an innovative all-electric global race series, it will be held in city-centre locations around the world, including London, Beijing and Los Angeles.

Commenting on the Formula E car, Mr. S P Shukla, Chairman, Mahindra Racing and President - Group Strategy and Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “As pioneers of electric mobility in India we will be participating in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship beginning in September 2014. This will provide us with a fantastic platform to showcase our innovations on the global stage. This car is an excellent addition to our racing portfolio and we are looking forward to a successful future in the Formula E series.”

On the two wheeler front, Mahindra Racing proudly displays its winning 2013 MGP30 racer for the first time in India. Competing at the highest level of motorcycle racing in the MotoGP™ World Championship, the MGP30 won its first-ever top three podium finish at the 2013 Malaysian MotoGP. The Mahindra Racing team has also become a constructor of racing bikes and will supply the MGP30 to three other teams during the 2014 season. Mahindra Racing has also won the Constructors Title in its class at the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV) during 2012 and 2013.

Mahindra’s bold decision to take on the world’s best in the MotoGP Championship has won the team prestigious awards such as the 'ZigWheels Motorsport Award of the Year – 2012’ and the NDTV Car and Bike Awards 'Mobil 1 Motorsport Award of the Year – 2012.’