The report has revealed that the season finale was powered by 100% renewables and that the series’ carbon-neutral status was maintained with all emissions offset. The series also worked towards further goals including gender equality, with 26% of female drivers seeing time performance improvement. 

EY teams calculated that 9,045 equivalent CO2 tonnes (tCO2e) were emitted during the second season, equating to 1808.8 tCO2e per race. These emissions were offset through the purchase of Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) environmental certificates for two deforestation programmes in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. 

Extreme E also executed the first major motorsports event to be fully supported by renewable energy during the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix season finale. Some 98% of Uruguay’s electric is generated from renewable sources, and Extreme E was able to satisfy the additional power requirements through onsite solar generation and hydrogen fuel cells. 

Compared to Season 1 median race time data, Season 2 saw that the female-male performance gap has close by 26% by providing more equal access to track time and performance development opportunities. Season 2 also showcased the calibre of Extreme E’s female drivers including Cristina Gutiérrez, who recorded the fastest laps during the races in Chile and Uruguay as part of two pivotal race wins for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, helping the team to win the Championship. 

Extreme E’s report also outlined how the series, which is a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Sport for Climate Action, has reviewed its sustainability strategy to identify 12 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that benefit from the sport’s positive contribution.

The series will continue to work with local communities through strategic partnerships and its Legacy Programme, to find solutions to environmental challenges. It will also showcase new and emerging low-carbon technologies through electric SUVs, hydrogen fuel cells and second-life batteries, and improve the access of women and minorities in motorsport.

Extreme E is also currently working with EY to develop an Outcomes Measurement Framework to monitor, measure and report on the outcomes of Legacy Programme projects during Season 3, which is currently underway.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and Chief Executive of Extreme E, said: “The report illustrates how Extreme E is leading the way as an action-based test bed for innovation and progress beyond the series. We have once again consistently achieved the lowest carbon footprint in motorsport in front of a TV audience which grew by 30% – reaching 135 million viewers during Season 2 and continuing to grow its circle of influence.

“We feel incredibly proud to see the performance gap between males and females close by almost a third in just two Seasons, proving beyond doubt that this gender equal sporting format is creating genuine sporting impact for female drivers. The biggest successes come from collaboration; this is no longer just Extreme E’s crusade, and EY together with the rest of our partner cohort are passionate contributors to our bold mission.”

Image: Charly Lopez/Extreme E