Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today (Spetember, 9) announced a multiyear agreement with Formula E Holdings (FEH) to become an Official Founding Technology Partner of the FIA Formula E Championship, the new international championship featuring racing cars powered exclusively by electric energy. The agreement will allow Qualcomm and FEH to showcase mobile and Electronic Vehicle technologies globally through an exhilarating sport and demonstrate how current and future generations all over the world, can benefit from wireless, sustainable technology on and off the track.
As a leader in the mobile space, Qualcomm will advise FEH in their quest to incorporate new and more sustainable technologies into the racing series. As a start, Qualcomm Halo™ Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology will be adapted to be fitted into the 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship safety cars so they can be wirelessly charged. The wireless charging system will be made available to the race cars from season two.
Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad on the electric vehicle. Drivers simply park over the base pad and charging commences automatically. As part of its advisory role, Qualcomm will evaluate the connectivity and mobile technology of each of the ten venue cities around the world, providing solutions to help enhance the spectator experience around the circuit such as live streaming to fans, video gaming and social media.
“Our collaboration with the FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great opportunity to showcase Qualcomm technologies such as our Halo WEVC system, but to evaluate and improve wireless connectivity and EV technology across the globe, especially in the host cities,” said Paul Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Qualcomm. “We hope this arrangement will leverage mobile technology to enhance the fan experience and impact the global movement towards more sustainable living.”
“The FIA Formula E Championship is going to become a showcase for electric vehicle technology,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship Promoters Formula E Holdings. “As the global leader in mobile technology, Qualcomm’s involvement will not only help us develop new advances in EV technology but also to provide our fans and the world’s EV community with the best race viewing experience possible. New technologies in connectivity, wireless and mobile, fit perfectly with a Championship open to new technology, not only for the cars but for everything around the venue.”
Picture caption: (l-r) Qualcomm's Andrew Gilbert, Formula E Racing Ambassador Gil de Ferran, Formula E test driver Lucas di Grassi and Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag.
