Round-the-World Motor Race to Produce No Carbon Emissions

The first major, global motor sport event set to produce no carbon emissions, will begin on 15th August. The Zero Emissions Race will involve teams from different continents racing electric vehicles around the world in 80 days.

All teams must produce their own electricity using renewable sources such as solar, wind, wave and geothermal, before feeding it into the grid system in their home countries. The equivalent amount of energy can be gathered during the Zero Race, to power their vehicles around the globe.

The competition begins in Geneva, Switzerland, where contestants are to race eastward for around 30,000 kilometres, passing through 20 countries. The event will visit the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun at the end of November, before ending back in Geneva next January after an estimated racing time of 80 days, which does not include travel overseas.

Tour director, Louis Palmer and his team of organisers have developed a sustainability policy, to reduce any factor of the race that may have a negative impact on the environment. The organisers aim to promote renewable energy and boost public enthusiasm for its development and use. With vehicles boasting slick designs, efficiency and speed, they are bound to catch the eye of many a car-owner or car-fan.

‘I have been travelling the world a lot in my life, and everywhere I could see the impact of global warming,’ said Louis. ‘I did not want to die 50 years from now and say that I could have done something. I really want to contribute to a better planet, as we have the clean technologies.’

In particular, Louis wants to demonstrate the potential of transport based on solar energy, showing that it is not only possible, but in fact suitable for every day use and also fun: ‘The goal of the race is to spread the message that there is progress in innovation for more efficient and sustainable mobility for the future.’

The organisers will also be stressing their support for realistic solutions to environmental problems by visiting local projects along the race route and featuring them on the event’s blog.

Contact: Technopark
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