Volvo may join Formula E electric car racing series

By Stephen Edelstein January 21, 2015

Formula E 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Volvo recently decided to pull support of Polestar-operated racers from the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship and Australian V8 Supercars series, but it may not be done with racing entirely.

The company may instead turn its attention to the Formula E electric-car racing series, Volvo marketing director Alain Visser told Sweden’s Auto Motor & Sport in a recent interview.

Volvo hasn’t committed to joining the series, but the carmaker is reportedly taking the idea under consideration.

Currently in its first season, Formula E uses identical cars, although Audi and Renault run their own teams. Next season, teams are expected to be able to enter cars of their own design.

The main appeal for Volvo would be a burnishing of its green credentials. The company doesn’t have too much experience with all-electric cars, but just participating in Formula E would probably be good for its image.

While hybrids are now standard in Formula One and the top class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Visser said undertakings like those would be too expensive.

Not that it wouldn’t be fun to see a Volvo lining up on the starting grid with Ferraris and McLarens at an F1 Grand Prix.

This news comes in the midst of a marketing overhaul for the Swedish carmaker.

In addition to withdrawing from more traditional forms of motorsport, Volvo will limit its appearances at international auto shows. Instead, it will focus on digital advertising, and may sell cars online as well.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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