Jaguar and e-Movement bring Formula E to South African TV
This past month saw some exciting news for South African television, as Jaguar South Africa and e-Movement had teamed up together to bring us the final six rounds of the 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The nine-day, six-race season finale was all broadcasted on SuperSport, from the 5th to 13th of August. All the races, including qualifying sessions, which were all screened live on SuperSport.
Even more thrilling news for local Formula E enthusiasts, as this will be only just the first taste of the of Formula E. After much studies been done by members of Formula E Operations, during site visits last year, as well as ongoing negotiation, Jaguar and e-Movement have provisionally secured a date for a Cape Town round in the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E Calendar.
Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, said that “This is a historic first in South Africa, and Jaguar is thrilled to bring the televised all-electric Formula E season finale to fans in our region. This package is an exciting new element in our support of e-Movement’s bid to secure a World Championship Formula E round on the streets of Cape Town.”
As part of Jaguar’s support for the e-Movement’s bid, the Jaguar I-PACE will be used to chauffeur Formula E partners and local government representatives at City, Provincial and National level during site visits and other bid-related engagements.
e-Movement Chairman, Iain Banner, who got to drive the Jaguar I-PACE during his visits, has expressed admiration for the I-PACE, describing it as ‘simply exhilarating under acceleration’. Banner has also stated that they are still working to finalize a commercial programme to support the staging of the five-day e-Fest event set in Cape Town. The event is planned for the later part of 2021, and information regarding it will be released in due time.
Also worth a look: the Jaguar TCS Racing Enters 8th Formula E Season with Top Drive and the Saying goodbye to Jaguar's beloved F-type.
FAQ
Q: What is Formula E and how is it different from Formula 1?
Formula E is the world's first fully electric single-seater racing championship, featuring cars that produce zero emissions and race through city streets rather than traditional circuits. Unlike Formula 1's petrol-powered V6 engines, Formula E cars run on battery power and reach speeds of up to 280kph, making it the perfect showcase for electric vehicle technology and sustainability in motorsport.
Q: When will Formula E come to Cape Town and where will the race be held?
Cape Town has been provisionally secured for a race date in the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E Calendar, though the exact date and street circuit layout are still being finalised. The race will take place on the streets of Cape Town rather than a permanent racing circuit, following Formula E's tradition of bringing racing directly into city centres for maximum spectator access.
Q: How can I watch Formula E races in South Africa?
You can watch Formula E races live on SuperSport, which broadcasts all races and qualifying sessions thanks to the partnership between Jaguar South Africa and e-Movement. SuperSport provides comprehensive coverage including practice sessions, qualifying, and the full race weekends with expert commentary tailored for South African audiences.
Q: What role does Jaguar play in Formula E racing?
Jaguar competes as an official manufacturer team in Formula E with their Jaguar Racing squad, developing cutting-edge electric racing technology that directly influences their road cars like the I-PACE. The brand uses Formula E as a testing ground for electric powertrains, battery management systems, and energy recovery technologies that eventually make their way into consumer vehicles.
Q: How much does a Jaguar I-PACE cost in South Africa?
The Jaguar I-PACE starts from around R1,849,900 for the base S model in South Africa, with the HSE variant reaching approximately R2,199,900. These prices position the I-PACE as a premium electric SUV that offers Formula E-inspired technology, 294kW of power, and a real-world range of up to 470km on a single charge.
Should You Buy It?
While this article focuses on Formula E broadcasting rather than a specific car purchase, if you're inspired by Jaguar's electric racing involvement and considering the Jaguar I-PACE mentioned in the piece, here's the deal. The I-PACE starts from around R1,400,000 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier electric SUVs on our market. It delivers 294kW of power and genuine luxury, but honestly, unless you've got serious cash to splash and want to make a proper statement about going electric, there are more affordable EVs entering the SA market. The I-PACE is brilliant if you can afford it, but for most South Africans, waiting for more budget-friendly electric options might be the smarter play right now.
