Formula E and Extreme E creator Alejandro Agag has launched an electric powerboat championship as his latest venture.
The UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Club on Friday.
It will be linked to Extreme E, sharing the use of the off-road electric racing championship’s ‘floating paddock’ boat St Helena, and its yet-to-be-announced calendar will feature what E1 called “amazing remote locations in parallel with Extreme E and also some of the most glamorous cities in the world”.
E1 is a joint venture between Agag, former McLaren motorsport director Rodi Basso and president of powerboating’s governing body Dr Raffaele Chiulli. Agag will be a non-executive director.
“We believe this series will engage not only the sporting public, and boating and tech enthusiasts around the world, but also ocean conservationists who care about the future of our planet,” said Agag.
“The earth’s oceans, lakes and rivers are under huge environmental pressure and the E1 World Electric Powerboat Series will lead the way in electrifying water mobility for future generations.”
The series will use a purpose-built RaceBird boat developed by new UK company SeaBird Technologies.
E1’s launch announcement hinted at potential land-based electric motorsport crossover in the line-up for the series.
“The pilots for the inaugural E1 Series are expected to come from a range of backgrounds with some from existing powerboating championships and others making a transition from road vehicle electric technology to the water,” said the statement.
