F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella now an "Electric Ambassador"

Sure, Formula 1 is trying to introduce fuel-savings technologies in the coming years, starting with the KERS system that is currently being tested. Will we ever see the day when electric F1 cars are whizzing past gawking spectators across the world with the top drivers at the helm? Could be, but it's not in the directly foreseeable future. Current F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella is now a certified "Ambassador of the Electric." We have visions of the Force, India driver getting down on one knee and being awarded his new title, like a Knight. Probably didn't go down like that, but it's the picture in our heads anyway. The Force India team apparently has two Vectrix electric scooters that it uses when the insane speed of its F1 cars isn't required. Now, Fisichella has one of his own, as the company has given him one as part of his new role.

It seems that racing drivers have taken a liking to the electric Vectrix scooter. According to the manufacturer, Eddie Jordan, Damon Hill and Adrian Sutil all ride their own, though we're not sure that these racers have actually been Knighted proclaimed "Official Electric Ambassadors."

[Source: Vectrix]

PRESS RELEASE:

F1 Driver Giancarlo Fisichella receives Vectrix "Electric Ambassador" Certificate

In celebration of the European Sustainable Mobility Week - Sept 15 - 25, Vectrix continues its commitment and activities in support of the deployment of Zero Emissions vehicles and Environmental Protection in all major capital cities.

In the magnificent setting of Villa Borghese, Vectrix awarded, Formula One driver Giancarlo Fisichella, with the certificate "Ambassador of the Electric" for his illustrated initiatives towards environmental protection and as a stimulus to continue to convey the actions aimed at a more sustainable mobility.

During the event, friends, journalists and supporters of electric vehicles gathered on the beautiful terrace of the Casina Valadier, which was the setting for a presentation of a Vectrix maxi-scooter to M.Fisichellafor hispersonal use. M. Fisichella who is already familiar with the Vectrix through his F1 Team Force India who own two Vectrix bikes, said. "I am grateful to Vectrix for this recognition, especially for the opportunity to use one of these extraordinary vehicles to commute during my stay in Rome. Getting around safely without polluting and silent, is an extraordinary feeling that gives me the opportunity to contribute, to some extent, and reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, for which we are all responsible.

Giovanni Deleo, MD of Marketing and Communications for Vectrix Europe" said. "We award this recognition to those public and private personalities who stand out as making a special contribution to environmental protection issues with particular regard to the support of urban mobility We are proud to have among our most eminent Ambassadors this great Italian driver and we recognize and appreciate his professionalism and encouragement supporting this cause.

Alex Bamberg, Managing Director, Vectrix UK Ltd, said. "M. Fisichella is among several other Formula One personnel who recognise the advantages and technology of the Vectrix, Eddie Jordan, Damon Hill and Adrian Sutil all ride a Vectrix maxi-scooter, The Vectrix incorporates state of the art technology as well as world class components which result in a supremely designed and engineered vehicle. It is endorsements from experts such as M. Fisichella who understand this technology that can help to drive the acceptance of zero emission transportation into the 21st century and make a positive impact on reducing the World's carbon emissions."


Key Features of the Vectrix Scooter: The Vectrix Vision

• Zero carbon emissions
• Fully charged range up to 68 miles
• Top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h)
• Acceleration 0-50 in 6.8 seconds
• As responsive as a 400cc scooter but with a
125cc classification, making the bike
accessible to anyone with a provisional licence
who has completed CBT training.
• Multi-function throttle controls a slow-speed
reverse for greater manoeuvrability and easy
parking
• The onboard charger recharges the scooter in
just over two hours from a standard 110/220V
(3 pin) power socket.
• Low noise for reduced sound pollution
• Estimated battery life of 10 years (based on
5,000 miles per year)
• DAaRT™ system – Twist back the throttle for
instant acceleration, and twist it forward to slow
down smoothly and safely, in addition to the
front and back Brembo disc brakes.


The Vectrix Vision

The Vectrix maxi-scooter is a pioneering
solution to the chronic problems of vehicle
emissions, urban congestion and high fuel
costs. Vectrix is the first company to design,
develop, assemble and sell high performance,
zero emission, two-wheel electric vehicles.
Incorporating several leading-edge patented
technologies, the Vectrix has the lowest
environmental impact of any comparable
vehicle, car or motorcycle, according to the
European Union's Cleaner Drive rating.

Founded in 1996, the Company is
headquartered in Middletown, Rhode Island
and has a modern production facility in
Wroclaw, Poland, where its vehicles are
assembled, and an engineering and test facility
in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The maxi-scooter is just the start. Its unique
engineering platform and research team will
allow Vectrix to develop a broad product range
to respond to growing consumer and corporate
demand for carbon neutral vehicles and the
urgent need to de-carbonise road transport
worldwide.