BMW have today announced that it will continue as official vehicle partner for the 2015-2016 FIA Formula E Championship.
The German car manufacturer, who supplied course cars throughout the inaugural Formula E season, will bring a fleet of its highly advanced fully-electric and hybrid vehicles to every race with the addition of two BMW C evolution electric scooters and a BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid.
The futuristic BMW i8 sports car will once again be used as the Qualcomm Safety Car and the all-electric BMW i3 performing the role of Medical Car.
“BMW i and Formula E make a great match,” said Jörg Reimann, vice president BMW brand experience. “BMW has been involved in Formula E from the word go. It signed up as the official vehicle partner to supply the BMW i8 Safety Car and BMW i3 Medical Car. And this commitment has given the company a platform on which to press its claim as a leader in electric mobility. We’ve succeeded in bringing the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned to the attention of millions of people in major cities around the world. The ball is very much rolling now; in 2014 and 2015 we laid the foundations for a successful partnership, and it’s one which will continue into the second season of the championship in 2015-2016.”
The BMW i8 will also continue to be powered by Qualcomm’s wireless charging technology and the advanced Halo system which will see charging time reduced by halve.
Talking about the Qualcomm Halo 7.2kW wireless charging system, Steve Pazol, vice-president & general manager wireless charging, Qualcomm Incorporated said: “We are excited to continue our support of Formula E in this second season.
“Qualcomm is intent on showcasing its innovative new technologies within the championship and on using the motorsport platform to accelerate the development of automotive technologies… this is perfectly illustrated by the wireless charging technology fitted to the new BMW i8 Safety Car.”
The opening round of the 2015-2016 season, the Beijing ePrix, takes place on October 17.