With the news that Formula 1 is going hybrid from the 2011 season onwards we received a stack of emails from people asking why F1 didn’t just go 100% electric right away. The good news is, starting next year there will be an open wheel racing series, it’ll be called Formula EF01 and will feature 10 races at different tracks around the world, the car will be the new all electric EF01 pictured above.

The EF01 reportedly has similar performance to a modern Formula 3 racer, it can reach 250kph (155mph) and makes the 0-100kph (0-62mph) dash in 3 seconds. The first EF01 prototype was built by the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula 1 Team and underwent wind tunnel testing at their facility in Brackley, England.

By 2013 it is hoped that other manufacturers will develop their own electric single seaters for the series and a set of rules and restrictions will be put in place to maintain a level playing field.

EF01 Specifications:

Maximum speed : 260 km/h

Acceleration : 0 à 100 km/h in less than 3 sec

Race autonomy : 20 to 25 minutes depending on the track

Gearbox : 2 speeds

Time in qualification lap : close to that a Formula 3

Time of recharge : between 1 and 11/2 hours

We’ll keep a close eye on this series as it develops and keep you abreast of any developments, should the situation should arise, I have dibs on the first drive.

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Via Formulec