Florida Power & Light Company has partnered with Formula E to power the cars in the inaugural Miami ePrix.
FPL announced the partnership at its Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center along with famed race car driver and Formula E team owner Michael Andretti.
“Our partnership with Formula E and the Miami ePrix is another example of our commitment to advancing zero-emissions solar energy and the use of electric vehicles in Florida,” said Eric Silagy, President and CEO of FPL. “By the end of 2016 we will triple the energy we are able to produce from the sun, furthering our mission to provide low-cost, reliable and clean energy to our 4.7 million customers.”
During the announcement, Formula E cars were charged with power generated from the Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, one of three solar power plants operated by FPL. Earlier this year, FPL announced plans to install more than 1 million solar panels at three additional solar power plants by the end of 2016. These new plants, combined with community-based solar installations and other small-scale arrays that FPL is installing, would total more than 225 MW of new solar capacity. This would effectively triple FPL’s solar capacity, which currently totals approximately 110 MW.
“The Formula E Miami ePrix is all about sharing our passion for electric vehicles,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E. “The race series is exciting, it’s entertaining, and we hope it will turn the world’s attention to the potential electric vehicles have to change the way we power transportation. We are pleased to partner with FPL – a company that shares our vision for powering the future with affordable, clean energy.”
“It’s an honour for us to have been selected as one of the 10 founding Formula E teams for the inaugural season,” said Michael Andretti, Chairman and CEO of Andretti Sports Marketing. “I look forward to bringing this exciting series to North America and joining an impressive field of competitors at the upcoming race in Miami.”
Formula E cars will continue to be powered by the virtually zero-emission Aquafuel generators at the remaining races.
