World's first two-seater electric race car to debut at COP26

The world's first all-electric two-seater race car is set to debut at the COP26 summit in Glasgow as part of a collaboration between Formula E team Envision Virgin and British chemicals and tech company Johnson Matthey.

Constructed using the latter's nickel-rich eLNO battery technology that could see use in commercial all-electric and hybrid vehicles as early as 2024, the project was designed to show both parties' commitments to net-zero goals.

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Described as the "first full-size lithium-ion battery cells featuring a nickel-rich battery cathode", Johnson Matthey claims the battery has 20% increased energy density, charges faster and offers an "exceptional battery lifetime".

The battery was reportedly specially designed for high-performance cars, such as those with the need of fast charging or long-range requirements, like a racing vehicle.

The car is set to go on public exhibition from the first day of the COP26 summit - October 31.

“As the world’s attention is on Glasgow, we are reminded that we have a global platform to showcase the true potential of electric vehicles as we compete in cities across the world", Envision Virgin's Chief Technology Officer, Sylvain Filippi said. "Our technology will transition from track to road as EVs are widely adopted and we believe that electric mobility is at the heart of the environmental transition we are witnessing today."

He warned the battle against the climate crisis was "no spectator sport" and that everyone "has their part to play" to achieve the goals laid out by the UN.

As a result, Envision Virgin is set to partner with various schools, policymakers, campaigners, communities and industries to help deliver its goals, he revealed.

The car will be unveiled at the summit's "Green Zone" for the public at large to see alongside a racing simulator designed using the new model in mind to allow attendees to compete against one another.

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The eLNO battery technology will be showcased at the event's "Blue Zone" to delegates of the 197 countries in attendance. As part of this, another Formula E racing vehicle, made entirely of plastic waste, is set to be unveiled in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and its "Together for Our Planet" campaign.

This new car will be on display from November 1-7 at Glasgow’s Silverburn shopping centre to engage the local community before being unveiled in the Blue Zone on November 10, which has been designated as the summit's "Transport Day".

Further pushes towards sustainability have also been revealed, owing to what Johnson Matthey refers to as an "enhanced chemistry" for the cathode, which enables the use of higher nickel contents as well as a reduction in cobalt present, one of the more problematic materials in the development of electric car batteries.

Already being trialled by consumers, the eLNO battery technology will be supplied to customers in Europe through two facilities: the first, in Poland, should finish construction in 2022 for rollout in 2024, while a second plant is currently being planned for Finland.

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"Our technology supports the industry's commitment to fighting climate change", said Christian Gϋnther, the chief of Johnson Matthey's battery materials sector.

“We are proud to have worked with Envision Virgin Racing to present eLNO in the exciting race car at the world’s biggest climate change event. It represents an important step towards high volume production of the technology in Europe within the next few years", he added.

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