Competition is essential to develop new automotive technologies, but also to show that a different world is possible. The Extreme E, designed by Alejando Agag , also the creator of Formula E, tries to bring us closer to exotic places with the help of Dakar-style racing. Of course, it does so hand in hand with a format that aims to minimize the environmental impact of its presence in places that run the risk of disappearing due to climate change. There are many firms that have signed up for this adventure with a Spanish essence and among them is Cupra, which participates hand in hand with the ABT Cupra XE team . Mattias Ekstöm, one of the team’s drivers , explains the ins and outs of the most minimalist and conscientious competition in the world.
Before getting fully into the guts of a team, let’s get to know the Extreme E better. This competition, which is in its first year of life, has several pillars on which it supports its idea of change, starting with the electric propulsion of its cars. All teams use the same car called Odyssey 21 . Its performance is outrageous, with 920 Nm of maximum torque and 630 CV of power with a weight of 1.6 tons . The teams can only lightly touch the engine, the inverter and some exterior details such as the side cover, skirts, lights and bumper designs.
The locations are another spearhead of the Extreme E, as they will visit inhospitable and unsuspected places for a test of this caliber. The areas in which they will participate have been damaged by the presence of human beings or the action of climate change, so it will serve as a loudspeaker for us to see the damage and the urgency that we face.
But if Alejando Agag has hit the nail on one thing, it has been in the formation of the teams. For the first time, in a competition of this caliber, teams must have a male and female driver, who perform the same function without distinction: racing. The presence of Spaniards is notable, especially among women, with Laia Sanz, Cristina Gutiérrez and the Italian-Canarian Christine Giampaoli . Today, however, we bring you an interview with Mattias Ekstöm in which he tells us what is behind the Extreme E.
