Motorsports as a means of entertainment is on the verge of a dramatic change. Global sentiment towards combustion engine sports is still mostly positive, but the looming threat of irreversible climate change is not. With all the political attention surrounding car manufacturers’ plans to begin production of all-electric model ranges, one has to ask: what happens to combustion-powered racing?

Enter Formula E, a privateer-led attempt by notable manufacturers and investors to help curb the effects of global warming, and to bring racing into a more viable and sustainable future. The racing series that began as a small experiment by celebrities and private companies has grown from a drop in the pond in 2014 to one of the most hyped and anticipated racing series currently in schedule. With all the attention and event press, the question for a casual fan or passerby is still present: what exactly is it?

In layman’s terms, Formula E is simply electric street racing in open-wheeled open-cockpit cars that are designed to run entirely on team-based electric power-trains. This is interesting, as unlike most racing sports, Formula E develops battery and motor technology that directly affects electric cars on the road for consumers.

This close-up focus on improving road-going cars has meant that the once small and private-only sport has now flourished under tutelage of larger companies like Nissan, BMW, and soon-to-be-admitted Porsche. Hands-on treatment in electric technology development has allowed direct involvement with consumers and has given the electric car platform a reasonable base to launch from.

So why should we care? As a local writer, our area in Northeastern Pennsylvania is on the verge of an economic and technological revolution. Increased focus and respect for alternative fuel sources such as electric power means that the top end development that comes from such a high tech sport will swiftly trickle down to the common man’s car, phone, and maybe even household power supply. The science and data gained from a sport like Formula E will give a bright future for electric cars, and any other fuel source that aims to combat the warming climate.

Stay tuned as full coverage and reporting on Formula E begins in December on The GNA Insider!