LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles will be among 10 cities to host electric car racing next year, the mayor announced today.
Races will also be held in Miami, London, Buenos Aires and Beijing, among others.
As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Los Angeles selection in front of Department of Water and Power headquarters, an all-electric car zipped along Hope Street with ex-Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi at the wheel.
“By hosting Formula E Championship races here, we ensure our place as a leader in the charge to generate awareness for electric vehicles and their benefits,” Villaraigosa said, adding that the race will not only bring in tourism revenue, but also draw “international attention” to Los Angeles’ “electric vehicle infrastructure programs.”
The city has more than a 100 public charging stations, and Angelenos with electric cars can take advantage of a rebate program to buy in-home charging equipment.
The race course has not been announced yet, but it likely will be downtown. The cars are being provided by McLaren.
“Los Angeles’ iconic landmarks provide a perfect backdrop to bring to life the excitement of Formula E racing, while at the same time, inspiring people to believe in the electric vehicle for their own personal use,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings.
The electric cars that will be featured in the race are capable of going 140 mph or faster.
“Los Angeles is the car capital of the world, and it’s fast becoming the EV (electric vehicle) capital of the world,” said DWP chief Ron Nichols.
