Extreme E unveils cutting-edge ODYSSEY E SUV at FOS

If you’ve not heard of Extreme E, we’d wager it won’t be long until you do. It’s a radical new racing series, which will see electric SUVs competing in extreme environments around the world. All of which have been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues.

The five-race global series – operated in associated with Forumla E – hopes to highlight the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems whilst promoting the adoption of electric technology for the good of the planet.

Founder Alejandro Agag and Chairman Gil de Ferran were on hand for covers off, and once the unveil was complete, it was immediately evident that this is no ordinary SUV. It’s as if the designers looked at their children’s coolest off-road RC cars, brought them into the office, and simply said: ‘Let’s make one of these, but adult size’.

A futuristic looking chassis, raised suspension and massive off-road wheels and continental tyres, the ODYSSEY 21 is a burly package of fun. It wouldn’t look out of place in the Xbox game HALO. Everyone here has a smile on their face, and that’s just looking at it. Driving the thing in extreme landscapes will surely cause all sorts of pleasure-induced trouble.

Especially true when you consider the car’s peak 400kw (550hp) output is capable of propelling the 1,650kg, 2.3-metre wide vehicle from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. Oh, and that’s at gradients of up to 130 percent(!).

Built from a common package of standardised parts, manufactured by Spark Racing Technology with a battery produced by Williams Advanced Engineering, the Extreme E off-roader encompasses a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, as well as crash structure and roll cage, whilst tyres – for both extreme winter and summer requirements – will be supplied by founding partner Continental Tyres.

From that starting point, teams will be able to test and develop their own powertrain and select areas of bodywork, such as engine cover, front and rear bumpers, side skirt, and lights in a bid to replicate everyday car models.

Not content with a static display, the ODYSSEY 21 also completed demonstration runs up the Goodwood hillclimb following the unveiling. A fantastic achievement considering the full build of the prototype was completed only last week at the Spark factory in Tigery, France.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Formula E shared his excitement by saying, “The Extreme E-SUV ODYSSEY 21 is unlike anything else in motorsport. The cutting-edge technology our industry-leading partners have employed in its design and construction has resulted in a stunning car, capable of the highest performance in the toughest and most varied environments on the planet. Extreme E’s combination of top-level sporting competition and ultra-demanding environments will also prove to be a significant research and development platform for manufacturers, driving further advancements in sustainable mobility.”

“Whether it’s in the Arctic, Himalayas, Amazon, Sahara or on Indian Ocean Islands, this car will showcase the ability of E-SUVs, not only to motorsports enthusiasts, but also to consumers who are looking to make their own difference to the planet by choosing an electric SUV.”

Testing of the prototype will get underway in September, with delivery of 12 cars from Spark Racing Technology to follow in March 2020. Group testing then takes place mid-way through 2020 before competitors board Extreme E’s unique floating paddock, RMS St. Helena, ahead of the opening race in early 2021. We’ll certainly be watching. If we can’t get ourselves a seat by then that is…