July 15, 2019-New York, NY-The Climate Group and the ABB FIA Formula E Championship presented the first Climate Champion Award to Panasonic Jaguar Racing at the end of season gala awards, celebrating the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship. This sustainability award recognizes efforts in advancing the fight against climate change with ambition, innovation, and pace within the Formula E ecosystem.
Panasonic Jaguar Racing has shown a clear race-to-road technological transfer with the official support series to the championship, the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY. The game-changing all-electric performance SUV has been modified specifically for the competition, but those watching from the grandstands and on TV can purchase the Jaguar I-PACE, demonstrating the rapid advancements of electric vehicle technology. Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver and race winner, Mitch Evans, was involved with the development of the Jaguar I-PACE while his brother, Simon, is competing in the series.
“The Jaguar I-PACE pioneered the move to a vision of a clean, safe and sustainable future and is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. What the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team learn on the track will directly benefit Jaguar’s future electric vehicles. They will feature innovative technologies, improved performance and be even more efficient. Jaguar’s move towards Destination Zero (zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion) will safeguard the future of motorsport, mobility and the planet. Today, we are transforming for tomorrow. Our vision is a world of sustainable, smart mobility. We must create a world in which we will all live safer, better, lives,” said James Barclay, Team Director at Panasonic Jaguar Racing.
Jaguar also revealed plans to manufacture a range of new electrified vehicles at its manufacturing plant in Castle Bromwich, UK.
The Climate Champion Award is supported by The Climate Group, an award-winning, international non-profit organization specializing in bold and high-impact climate and energy initiatives with the world’s leading businesses, states and regional governments. The Climate Group’s work is at the forefront of ambitious climate action – with a mission to catalyze climate leadership in government and businesses to accelerate the shift to a prosperous and thriving net-zero future for all.
“This award celebrates the team that is accelerating climate action, and Jaguar is truly a Climate Champion for their work in the electric vehicle revolution. Jaguar plays an important role in the increased demand for clean transport; their commitment and drive towards an electric future is the ambition all businesses should follow in order to achieve a cleaner planet,” said Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group.
Formula E works with The Climate Group to spread the message of EV100, and continues to be the platform for manufacturers to test and develop road-relevant technologies in an exciting and competitive environment.
Julia Palle, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Formula E, said: “We are racing against climate change so it’s time to act now, so congratulations to the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team. We are delighted to see Panasonic Jaguar Racing being recognized for its pioneering work in advancing EV adoption worldwide. They share the same philosophy as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship – pushing technology and inspiring people to drive electric, showcasing their own innovative and all-electric SUVs.”
The conversation on electric transport will continue to be explored at Climate Week NYC this year on September 23rd to 29th. Climate Week NYC, run by The Climate Group, is the biggest climate week on earth and is held annually in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York. This year, there will be a dedicated program highlighting focused on transport, with events taking place across New York City, as well as participation from global political and business leaders dedicated to ambitious climate action.
Formula E and Climate Week NYC will work together during the international event to further promote the role of electric vehicles and engage new audiences in the importance of tackling climate change.
