The Electric Scooter Championship (eSC) has announced that Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) will develop and supply the series’ first eSkootr model.
The deal will see the British technology and engineering services business – which originated from the renowned F1 constructor Williams – exclusively developing and supplying the eSkootr chassis, battery system and powertrain for the eSC’s first two seasons.
WAE has already begun development of a high-performance electric vehicle prototype capable of truly breath-taking performance levels: it will achieve speeds of more than 100km/h (60mph) and accelerate faster than most road cars.
The eScooter’s key performance targets are the result of a close collaboration between WAE and eSC, and are tuned for optimal delivery around a series of newly developed micromobility race circuits. Track testing and further development of the technology will commence in September before all entrants are supplied with models.
Launching in 2021, the Electric Scooter Championship is an international race series that promotes the cost, convenience and sustainability benefits of micromobility in our cities.
Hrag Sarkissian, eSkootr Championship CEO and co-founder said: “We chose to collaborate with Williams Advanced Engineering because of their proven experience in battery and powertrain solutions and unparalleled expertise in their application to sustainable and future technologies.
The company’s experience in delivering high performance battery systems for motorsport series such as Formula E, Extreme E and ETCR, means that they are well placed to support new applications in electrification and other developing technologies.
For everyone at eSC, the development and build of our first eSkootr™ is a particularly important landmark. As we begin preparations for our first event next year, we’re enormously pleased and proud to be taking that journey with WAE. Together we can write an exciting new chapter in the story of electric micromobility.”
Iain Wight, WAE Business Development Director said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has already demonstrated its pioneering approach to battery powertrain solutions in other motorsport series. The opportunity to further explore the sector with the eSkootr™ and eSC provides an opportunity for us to refine the packaging, ergonomics and systems required for deployment on a micromobility scale.
Make no mistake, though, this is a very high-performance model: some of the cornering and acceleration figures that we’ve simulated are really quite extreme. It’s like nothing that’s ever been seen before.
It’s clear that micromobility will play an increased role in the urban lives of millions of people, and the eSC provides a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers to develop and showcase new technology before it’s brought to market.”
Alex Wurz, eSC Safety Ambassador said: “I have had a long and successful relationship with the Williams group, and I know how passionate and focused WAE are about delivering high-technology solutions for motorsport. Their expertise in developing and building battery systems is unrivalled, and they are an ideal supplier for us as we embark on developing an electric vehicle that will break boundaries and spearhead a new movement in mobility – not merely in terms of performance, but also safety.
Moreover, as a racer, I think we’re building some really cool new motorsport tech. Make no mistake, this will be an extremely fast piece of kit, with unbelievable acceleration and extremely high cornering speeds. We will be pushing the very limits of what’s possible with micromobility, safety and sustainability – and that’s really exciting.”
