Qualcomm Becomes Technology Partner Of FIA Formula E Championship

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) has agreed a multi-year agreement with Formula E Holdings (FEH) to become an Official Founding Technology Partner of the FIA Formula E Championship, the new international championship featuring racing cars powered exclusively by electric energy. The agreement will allow Qualcomm and FEH to showcase mobile and Electronic Vehicle technologies globally and demonstrate how consumers can benefit from wireless, sustainable technology on- and-off the track. 

Qualcomm will advise FEH in their aim to incorporate new and more sustainable technologies into the racing series. Qualcomm Halo™ Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology will be adapted to be fitted into the 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship safety cars so they can be wirelessly charged. The wireless charging system will be made available to the race cars from season two. Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad on the electric vehicle. Drivers simply park over the base pad and charging commences automatically. As part of its advisory role, Qualcomm will evaluate the connectivity and mobile technology of each of the ten venue cities around the world, providing solutions to help enhance the spectator experience around the circuit such as live streaming to fans, video gaming and social media. 

“Our collaboration with the FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great opportunity to showcase Qualcomm technologies, such as our Halo WEVC system, but to evaluate and improve wireless connectivity and EV technology across the globe, especially in the host cities,” said Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Qualcomm. “We hope this arrangement will leverage mobile technology to enhance the fan experience and impact the global movement toward more sustainable living.” 

“The FIA Formula-E Championship is going to become a showcase for electric vehicle technology,” said Alejandro Agag, chief executive officer of Championship Promoter Formula E Holdings. “As the global leader in mobile technology, Qualcomm’s involvement will not only help us develop new advances in EV tech, but also to provide our fans and the world’s EV community with the best race viewing experience possible. New technologies in connectivity, wireless and mobile fit perfectly with a Championship open to new technology, not only for the cars but for everything around the venue.”