Mercedes-Benz is continuing to show its commitment to electrified vehicles.
After debuting the Generation EQ recently at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the German automaker has signed an agreement with Formula E for the option to enter the FIA Formula E Championship in season five. The option agreement allows Mercedes to choose to be one of the 12 maximum entries for the 2018/2019 season, taking one of the two new entries that will be allocated in season five. The 2018/2019 season will also be when Formula E goes from the current format of two cars per driver, to a single car for the entire event.
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The current 10 teams competing in Formula E are expected to continue in season five and beyond in their existing format, or will join forces with other OEM companies.
Along with the Generation EQ that recently bowed, Mercedes plans on launching an entire EQ sub-brand to compete with BMW’s i.
“We have been watching the growth of Formula E with great interest,” said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “At the current time, we are looking at all the options available in the future of motor racing, and we are very pleased with an agreement that secures us an opportunity to enter the series in season five. Electrification will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry – racing has always been a technology R&D platform for the motor industry, and this will make Formula E very relevant in the future.”
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