Since its inception in 2014, Formula E’s impact can hardly be overstated, driven by its mission to accelerate sustainable human progress. “We’re pioneers in how we’ve mixed sustainability and sport from the beginning,” says Pallé. It is an approach that has paid off. As well as being the only single-seat racing series apart from Formula 1 to be awarded Championship status, Formula E was the sole representative from the world of sport at last year’s COP 27 climate change conference in Sharm El Sheik.  

When asked to account for this success, Pallé is clear: “The tools to fight climate change already exist – the challenge lies in raising awareness, and Formula E has the global reach to influence the behaviour of millions of fans.

Sustainable by design: the Gen3 car
Although Formula E owes its existence to sustainability, Pallé knows that entertainment value is critical. “Our job is to balance both. From the fans’ perspective, it’s all about the cars and the thrill of racing. We call it mixing racing and reason – and we show they can co-exist.”

The latest Gen3 car, unveiled at the 2022 Monaco ePrix, proves the point. On the one hand, it is the fastest, lightest and most efficient electric race car ever built, capable of speeds of up to 200mph and offering drivers and race fans a step-change in excitement. On the other hand, it is zero-carbon by design, forging a new sustainability blueprint for high-performance electric racing.

“We introduced sustainability criteria at the tender stage,” says Pallé, “so our suppliers had to comply with the highest international standards from the start.” The result is the world’s greenest racing car, bursting with cutting-edge technology: the tyres are made with 25% recycled materials, and the chassis uses carbon fibre from the Gen2 car. And at the end of its life, the minerals in the car’s battery will be re-used elsewhere. Perhaps most impressively, thanks to regenerative braking during the race, the Gen3 car produces almost 50% of its own power requirement.  

Closing the e-mobility gap through collaboration
Pallé believes that by working closely with car makers, Formula E is uniquely positioned to help bridge the e-mobility gap. “We are a laboratory for testing and innovation. By collaborating with leading car brands, we can fast-forward the adoption of racing technology by consumers and deliver significant lasting change”. She cites the improved EV battery life as one of Formula E’s most significant contributions: “Some years ago, drivers were scared to switch to electric cars because they could imagine being stranded in the countryside with an empty battery. Our work on the Gen2 car led to a massive jump in battery tech and range, and helped fuel mass market adoption of EVs.”

Despite its surging popularity in recent years, many consumers are still resisting the switch to electric transport. When questioned, most say that long charging times are the most significant deterrent. Pallé is aware of the challenge: “Fast charging will be the key to closing the e-mobility gap. We must reach a stage where drivers charge their cars as easily and quickly as they charge their phones.” 

She is optimistic for two reasons: firstly, the Gen3 battery represents a technological leap in power-cell technology, capable of fast charging at 600kW with a reduced carbon footprint. Secondly, Formula E’s impressive track record of innovation transfer – the time it takes for racing technology to appear in road cars. “It’s encouraging,” says Pallé, “to see car makers putting race technology in their road cars within four years. By development standards, four years is nothing.”

Global impact
Although Pallé is justifiably proud of Formula E’s technical achievements, she is most excited about the sport’s potential to show consumers how far electric mobility has come. “Hundreds of millions of people follow the Championship; the opportunity to promote a sustainable lifestyle to our fans is enormous,” Pallé says. It is an opportunity that formula E’s host cities have leapt upon. London, Rome, Sao Paolo and others recognise Formula E’s power to showcase their sustainability credentials on the global stage. Long after the races finish, Formula E works closely with its hosts to ensure a lasting legacy that sets a new standard for sustainable entertainment.

Yet despite Formula E’s international profile, Pallé believes that small details can also make a big difference. “We want to ensure that sustainability trickles through everything we do,”. In practice, this means that Formula E’s entire ecosystem encourages a more sustainable lifestyle, right down to the vegetarian food and renewable power at races.

However, Pallé acknowledges that the logistics of global racing pose a challenge to the sport’s green credentials – 90% of the Championship’s carbon footprint is caused by travel and freight. Her solutions are refreshingly practical: “We simply offset the carbon footprint and use sea and road transport instead of flying – the carbon savings are enormous.” And to discourage driving, no public parking is available at race venues; fans are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport.

A sport with a conscience
And Formula E’s positive impact reaches even further. Pallé’s eyes light up as she describes the broader positive effects on communities worldwide: “As a championship, we have reached a level of maturity where we are developing programmes such as ‘girls on track’, which promotes gender equality in racing and sport.” Indeed, Formula E’s dedication to social inclusion and diversity has been recognised by Unicef; the Championship is now its largest global sports partner for climate projects.

How has such a young sport achieved so much in so little time? “Everything we do,” says Pallé, “is underpinned by our five core values. They are our guiding light.”

Formula E’s five values

1. Impact. We race for the glory and the future of the planet – we believe that one day the world will be all-electric.
2. Vamos! Anything is possible. We are optimistic about the potential of our sport.
3. Bravery. We are challengers and disrupters, pushing the boundaries of innovation and racing at the limit.
4. Electricity. We bring energy and vibrancy to the track and the world. We promote positive action both on and off the track.
5. Humanity. We are open and accessible. Technology serves humanity, and we harness its power to create better experiences and improve lives.