Mark Harper MP commended Formula E for demonstrating how high-performance racing and environmental responsibility can coexist and effectively advance the carbon agenda. He made his comments as part of a public announcement of the UK Transport Department’s £70 million pilot scheme that will power up motorway service areas and pave the way for ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging points.
Formula E received high praise from the MP, who described it as a 'fantastic example' for the UK. He emphasized how the UK could emulate the technological advancements showcased in Formula E to 'decarbonise our road vehicle sector.' By adopting these innovations, he noted, the UK can significantly progress towards achieving net zero by 2050 and maintain its commitment to the crucial target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees."
FORMULA E AT COP28: 'It's time to embrace change'
"Formula E brilliantly debunks myths about electric mobility by proving that world-class performance can go hand-in-hand with our carbon agenda for environmental protection," said Harper.
"I think that Formula E is a fantastic example that, if replicated, in terms of the technological development on the road, and if we can decarbonise our road vehicle sector, then we are going to make a huge step to getting to net zero by 2050 and keeping our target of 1.5 degrees alive.”
His remarks followed two panel sessions where experts from Formula E and its ecosystem including ABB, DHL, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, Envision Racing and UNICEF provided insights into the future of mobility, the unique value they see in being part of the championship and how sport can be a dominant force in accelerating sustainable change and technical innovation.
The panel session was part of Formula E and its ecosystem’s wider efforts at the Climate Conference in Dubai to demonstrate the power of electric racing in accelerating sustainable human progress and proving that sustainability, entertainment and innovation can all powerfully co-exist without compromise.
“We’re here on the world stage of COP28 showcasing to the international community that we no longer need to compromise when it comes to balancing sustainability and performance," said Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds.
"Our ambition has been to always leverage our unique platform to not only excite and entertain fans, but build a world-leading test bed for performance and technology development around e-mobility. We’re truly humbled that the UK Transport Secretary feels the same way and we can’t wait to see more of the technology we’re developing on track make a positive difference to so many consumer cars and products in the future.”