09 February 2021
The Envision Virgin Racing Formula E team, based at Silverstone Park, has confirmed a multi-year strategic partnership with worldwide FTSE 100 index company Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies.
JM, renowned for its expertise and vision in creating a cleaner, healthier world – particularly through its advanced cathode material technology – will become an official partner of Envision Virgin Racing, as well as the team’s innovative ‘Race Against Climate Change’ sustainability programme.
The new collaboration will also focus on the co-development of the first ever electric two-seater Formula E style race car, to be based inside Envision Virgin Racing’s state-of-the-art facilities at Silverstone Park.
This will be powered by eLNO®, JM’s family of nickel-rich advanced cathode materials that deliver superior energy density whilst sustaining excellent battery cycle life.
Envision Virgin Racing – owned by world leading ‘greentech’ company Envision Group – boasts an impressive record both on and off the track. Aside from securing 11 wins and 29 podiums, it is the only current carbon neutral Formula E team (PAS 2060), one of a handful to have achieved the FIA’s Three Star Sustainability Accreditation and recently announced a new partnership with the UN’s COP26 global summit.
Backing up its green credentials, its offices at Silverstone Park use 100% renewable energy and the premises are also fitted with electric vehicle charging points.
The team will be back in action with its two Formula E cars when the 2021 FIA FE season gets under way later this month in Saudi Arabia…
CEO of Envision Group and Executive Chairman of Envision AESC, Lei Zhang said: “Envision Group, Envision Virgin Racing and Johnson Matthey are all at the forefront of the EV revolution, so I am delighted to be collaborating with them.
“As a global leader in sustainable technologies, JM’s vision aligns perfectly with the net zero values of Envision, and I look forward to working together to tackle climate change before it is too late.”
Robert MacLeod, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey, added: “We’re delighted to be working together with Envision Virgin Racing and its owners Envision Group as we both share an ambition to create a more sustainable future.
“We’re also excited about creating the first electric race car using eLNO® technology – which is a major milestone in its commercialisation – and to join the team’s ‘Race Against Climate Change’ initiative and its goals of inspiring generations to take action to protect the planet.”
