What is Extreme E? – #1 Ultimate Beginners Guide to Extreme E

Our beginners guide to Extreme E – everything you need to know!

Earlier this week, we announced a pioneering partnership with the Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Extreme E Team, which will see myenergi take the principal sponsorship position for 2021.

Ahead of the first race of the championship (Desert X Prix, 03-Apr), we sat down with our co-founder Jordan to discuss your burning questions – the who, what, where, why and how of Extreme E.

What is Extreme E?

Extreme E is a high intensity off-road racing championship consisting of specially designed fully electric, battery powered SUV’s. The races are held in extreme, remote locations around the world with the debut race taking place on 3^rd April 2021 in the Alula desert in Saudi Arabia.

The championship is designed to highlight environmental challenges including the effects of global warming and its impact on the planets unique ecosystems.

Another defining factor of Extreme E is it’s decision to specify that each racing team must consist of a male and female, who together will share the roles of driver and co-pilot, bringing much needed attention to gender equality across the world of motorsport and sport as a whole.

Formula E co-founder Alejandro Agag and Champ Car World Series star Gil de Ferran formulated the sport in 2018, which is now officially recognised by the International Automobile Federation, known more widely as the FIA.

Jordan states; The aim is two-fold – to highlight the climate challenges faced by different ecosystems across the globe whilst at the same time demonstrating the performance of all-electric SUVs.

Extreme E is more than just a sport, it’s a worldwide awareness campaign shining a spotlight on the need for urgent action on climate change. The emphasis being a positive shift away from fossil fuel vehicles over to electric, thus demonstrating the power of this new battery technology in the most extreme conditions on earth. Our shift towards electric vehicles will prove vital in the worlds quest towards carbon neutral goals and proposed deadlines.

It’s such an exciting and inspiring event and as the pioneers of the world’s first eco-smart EV charging device, zappi, we wanted to play a pivotal role. So, rather than just supporting the championship, we’re now involved front and centre!

Where do the Extreme E races take place?

The championship comprises five races, spanning four continents, in locations already damaged by climate change. The series maintains a legacy programme, which will provide support to tackle the social and environmental challenges experienced at each location.

Desert X Prix – Alula, Saudi Arabia – 03-04 April
Ocean X Prix – Lac Rose, Senegal – 29-30 May
Arctic X Prix – Kangerlussuaq, Greenland – 28-29 August
Amazon X Prix – Santarém, Pará, Brazil – 23-24 October
Glacier X Prix – Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – 11-12 December

What are the rules of Extreme E?

Teams, with two drivers (one male, one female), race against each other over a two-day event. Each driver completes a lap behind the wheel, with a driver changeover (‘the switch’) incorporated into the race format. Each race comprises two laps, run over a total of c.18km.

A ‘Hyperdrive boost’ will also be available to each driver during each lap of the race.

Activated by a button on the steering wheel, this will boost power for a set amount of time.

On the first race day (Saturday), two qualifying rounds will take place – one in the morning, one in the afternoon. The team starting order is agreed via a draw.

On the second day (Sunday), three races will take place.

The teams will be ranked from 1-9 depending on the combined time of their qualifying runs. The top three teams (1-3) will reach semi-final 1 (SF1), with the top two finishers claiming a spot in the Desert X Prix Final.

The middle three teams (4-6) will go through to the ‘Crazy Race’, with the top finisher progressing to the Desert X Prix Final. The bottom three teams (7-9) will go through to the ‘Shoot Out’.

The winner of the Desert X Prix Final will be crowned the X Prix Winner!

What type of car is used in Extreme E?

Every team uses the same car – the Odyssey 21 e-SUV. It weighs 1,650kg, boasts 540hp and rips from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds (at gradients of up to 103%)! Fancy a few more specs? Our pleasure!

Jordan states; when the car was first revealed i was absolutely ecstatic how amazing it looked! Without being biased, i think it’s the coolest looking car on the grid. It reminds me of one of the those remote control cars you used to play with as a kid! I can’t wait to see it in action!

Where can I watch Extreme E?

Extreme E will be broadcast live across TV, web and social media. Here’s a full list of where you can catch each race: