On October 4, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government signed an agreement with the governing body of Formula E, the world championship for electric vehicle (EV) racing. The aim will be to hold the race in the spring of 2024.
Formula E, called the Formula One of EVs, has yet to be held in Japan, making the planned event the first of its kind in the country. The planned course will be in the vicinity of Tokyo Big Sight.
At the signing ceremony in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Governor Yuriko Koike remarked, "This competition demonstrating superior technology could change everyday life in our city." Koike has high hopes that the event will lead to more widespread use of EVs that cut CO2 emissions.
CEO of Formula E, Jamie Reigle, noted the significance of the event. "This is a very exciting day for motorsports as we plan an event to support of the Zero Emission Tokyo commitment," he said.
Formula E races began in 2014. The quietness of the electric engines make the race suitable for urban venues. More than a dozen races have been held every year in cities around the world, including New York and London.