"It definitely had an impact on the mobile space" – Alejandro Agag on the impact of ABB Formula E

In a new episode of ABB Decoded, the founder and chairman of Formula E talks about how the sport has exceeded his expectations

Agarg discusses the impact of the championship on EV adoption

He talks about technological developments and shares his vision for the future

The latest episode of ABB's technology-focused podcast features Alejandro ·Alejandro Ajag, widely credited with being the driving force behind the creation of the world's first single-seater, all-electric racing series: ABB Formula E.

The founder of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship began his political career before becoming a motorsport entrepreneur, and he remains a passionate advocate for electric vehicles, as well as the climate benefits that can be achieved through advances in sustainable technology. Now, in the role of Championship Chair, ABB has been the title partner of the Championship since 2018, and Agag plays a key role in driving the business forward in its mission to achieve a better and cleaner future and has come up with many new ideas on how to achieve this.

Exceeded expectations

"When I look back at where we are today, it really far exceeded our expectations. It far exceeded my expectations in terms of technology and impact. I think for us it's the right timing, the right thinking, and that's why we're still here. If you were going to promote electric cars 20 or 30 years ago, this champion would be gone in a few months. But we came at the right time, just before the big wave of electrification in the automotive industry, but it was already in the making.

"We've had a lot of times when it's really tough, the first few years were more volatile, but now we're more stable and able to plan for the future. There's a lot of room to cover, more room to grow and a lot of the priorities that we have to continue to push for, especially in terms of the scope and impact of the champions.

"However, we have to be very happy with where we are. I don't think after seven seasons there is any other championship in the world that can be held like the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship today. ”

Push the boundaries of technology

Recently, at the Monaco E-Prix, the next-generation Formula E race car Gen3 was unveiled, showcasing the pinnacle of high performance and sustainability in electric vehicle technology.

"I think you're always telling the story that motorsport is a laboratory for developing technology, but you need those moments, like the launch of Gen3, to really understand that this is true, that you're really making technological breakthroughs. If you compare Gen3 to Gen1, it's a completely different automotive galaxy. Gen1 can't even complete the whole race, it has 150 kWs of power. The car will have 350 kilowatts. The leap in power is huge and the weight is lighter. The technological progress we've made in just a few years is incredible. So, yes, this confirms that the ABB Formula E Championship is a laboratory – it's a platform for developing technology for electric vehicles, and we really did. ”

After the championship organisers and teams met at the Monaco E-Prix to discuss their plans, Formula E has begun to look ahead to Gen4.

"It definitely had an impact on the mobile space" – Alejandro Agag on the impact of ABB Formula E

"I think Gen3 is a big step forward, but it's still not perfect. I think Gen 4 is going to be a huge leap in performance and we're going to start looking at things that we haven't focused on so far. The general possibilities that we can see could be, for example, something around the battery, or some degree of freedom that allows the appearance of the car without involving aerodynamics. I think Gen4 is a step ahead of becoming the fastest race car in the world, and Gen5 will beat internal combustion engine cars. ”

Promote electric vehicles

"I think the championship definitely had an impact on the liquidity – we have it; People can see it; People can watch it. That's what consumers think when they buy a car and choose between an electric car or an internal combustion engine car. This championship has great potential to continue the promotion of electric vehicles, and we can achieve more. ”

Driven by passion

"Actually, my passion is writing, but few people know about it. If I had to do something else, I would probably go write science fiction. If you look at the science fiction of the 50s and 60s, a lot of what is in these books is reality today. In science fiction, there are a lot of interesting ideas and lessons that apply now. ”

So, does Alejandro feel like science fiction is about thanking him for what he's accomplished in Formula E?

"Maybe it's because science fiction can help you think outside the box. So you don't stay within the limits of reality, but with science fiction, you can step out of reality and try something that isn't available in everyday life. ”

The release of this episode of ABB Decoded was released the day before the Jakarta E-Prix, the first match of the Indonesia Championship. Twenty-two drivers will compete on a purpose-built 2.37-kilometer track set against the backdrop of the Bay of Jakarta. With 18 turns and a long, fast start/finish straight, this track is designed to bring together the best elements of street racing.

"It definitely had an impact on the mobile space" – Alejandro Agag on the impact of ABB Formula E

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