Formula E’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is emerging as a global benchmark for redefining the future of sustainable transport and clean energy, aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
Julia Pallé, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E, said that the collaboration with the Kingdom stems from a shared vision, highlighting that both Saudi Arabia and the PIF aim to be agents of change.
One of the earliest joint initiatives was the launch of a fully female racing test in Saudi Arabia, soon after the country lifted its driving ban on women. This move reflected a mutual commitment to challenge existing norms and explore new opportunities.
Tracing the origins of Formula E, Pallé explained that the championship was launched eleven years ago with two main objectives: advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology and reshaping public perception. At the time, electric cars had limited range and options, with the Nissan Leaf being one of the few available models.
Thanks to the advancements spurred by Formula E, battery capacity has increased by over 200 percent. In the early seasons, drivers needed two cars to complete a race due to battery limitations, something that is no longer the case today.
Formula E has become a vital testing ground for automotive manufacturers to develop broader EV technologies, she said. Simultaneously, by hosting races in urban centers, the championship has helped integrate electric mobility into modern life, aligning it with contemporary and sustainable lifestyles.
Pallé noted that the partnership with PIF has extended Formula E’s presence in the Kingdom and opened the door to broader ambitions. Through initiatives like “Driving Force,” aimed at students, the collaboration is nurturing a new generation of changemakers by equipping them with knowledge in green skills, sustainability, and social impact.
She explained that in just one season, the initiative reached over 50,000 students, with plans to double that number in the upcoming season.
Another initiative, “Change. Accelerated. Live,” explores the broader narrative of how the PIF is contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future through sports, she told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Formula E does not view its growth as a contradiction to sustainability, but rather as an opportunity to accelerate innovation. The organization follows a technological roadmap that anticipates consumer challenges over the next five to ten years and works proactively to address them.
A recent example is a project launched in Jeddah, showcasing cutting-edge ultra-fast charging technology. The initiative aims to build confidence in electric mobility by highlighting real, existing solutions to infrastructure challenges.
Pallé pointed to tangible examples of race-to-road technology transfers. Nissan, for instance, enhanced battery performance by 200 percent based on lessons learned from the racetrack. Jaguar also implemented improvements from its I-PACE eTROPHY racing series into its consumer vehicles, resulting in a 10 percent increase in battery life for drivers worldwide.
On whether Formula E aims to compete with or replace Formula 1, Pallé made clear that the two are not rivals. She noted that Formula E offers a completely different experience, targeting a younger and more family-oriented audience. It was designed as a sport of the future, more accessible, more sustainable, and deeply aligned with environmental principles.
