An electric single-seater in the heart of the Eternal city. This morning, Romans and tourists were surprised to see a Formula E car at Piazza del Campidoglio, just behind the statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The exhibition of this special testimonial was related to the conference titled "Projects for Sustainable Mobility. Formula E, a successful experience", promoted by EUR Spa, with the patronage of the Presidency of the Capitoline Assembly and the support of Enel.
The aim of the meeting was to present initiatives for the promotion of sustainable mobility in Rome. The objective: pollution reduction, more sustainable city travels and spreading the culture of a new transport model, by hosting - for the first time on 14 April 2018 - a Formula E race, within the electric car world championship.
“The ePrix in Rome marks a meeting point between sporting events at the international level and environmental sustainability, which for us is a particularly important issue,” said Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi. “The Grand Prix, fully sponsored by the organisers, will produce positive effects on the city in terms of sustainability and benefits.” In view of the race in Rome, there are plans providing for road asphalt improvement and renovation at the EUR neighbourhood, which will house the city circuit, installing several charging points for electric vehicles and adapting Wi-Fi connection systems.
“Formula E - emphasised EUR SPA President Roberto Diacetti, among the major promoters of the event - is part of an extraordinary circuit that will cost nothing to Rome, but will bring related profits for the city, and will allow to implement policies for the promotion of sustainable mobility.”
Therefore, a world championship of speeding, silent and low-carbon cutting-edge prototypes with electric engines becomes a way to reflect on how to increase the interest and curiosity regarding sustainable mobility.
This is the key aspect highlighted by Enel's Innovation and Sustainability Director Ernesto Ciorra: “Formula E, of which Enel is a Global Power Partner, plays a key role in promoting a culture of electric mobility. A cool mobility representing the future.”
“I have always dreamt of bringing the Formula E to Rome,” said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag, who highlighted the importance of sustainable mobility for crucial challenges such as fighting climate change. “There is still a lot to be done at the international level on sustainable mobility and it is not an easy task. The battle will be fought over the next 20-30 years in the heart of the cities - he explained – in fact, one of the major problems is air pollution: electric mobility is part of the solution. Raising awareness on this matter with cool electric cars is very important, especially for today's children who will purchase a car one day. The good thing about Formula E is the acceptance we manage to achieve.”