ABB Formula E at Rome E-Prix promotes sustainability

Rome E-Prix showcases ABB's E-mobility infrastructure technology, Race announces summer debut of ABB's new E-mobility facility, boosting the company's expansion and innovation in the sector, DHL joins ABB's Energy Efficiency Movement; both will reduce carbon footprints, Simona de Silvestro stars in ABB's latest Girls on Track video.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship heads to Rome’s EUR business district this weekend, for the fourth staging of the Rome E-Prix – which will once again be a double-header event.

One of the longest tracks on the calendar at 3.385km, the Circuito Cittadino dell'EUR races around the Obelisco di Marconi, against the backdrop of the Colosseo Quadrato. The 19-turn circuit is technical and fast, featuring long straights, undulations, elevation changes and a host of passing opportunities  –  all of which will test the limits of drivers, cars and teams.

Theodor Swedjemark, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at ABB, said: “The layout of the circuit here in Rome really provides an opportunity to showcase just what electric vehicles are capable of, changing people’s perceptions of the technology that will help us drive progress towards a more sustainable future. And it’s the perfect venue for us at ABB, as it is here in Italy that our industry-leading Terra series of EV chargers and heavy vehicle chargers are manufactured.”

A new $30 million ABB facility in San Giovanni Valdarno serves as a global Center of Excellence and production site for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The 16,000 square-meter plant, to be officially launched this summer, produces ABB’s full portfolio of direct current (DC) electric vehicle battery chargers – from domestic units to systems for installation in public areas and those dedicated to urban public transport. This new state-of-the-art manufacturing base will help further support ABB’s growth and innovation in the E-mobility sector.

ABB’s involvement in E-mobility in Italy stretches far beyond the charging infrastructure. It also provides state-of-the-art compact traction converters, high-power on-board energy storage systems, and
E-drivetrain technologies which enable energy-efficient and emission-free mobility.

One such example is ABB’s role supporting rail operator Trenitalia as it moves towards zero-emission vehicles. ABB recently worked with the company on a pilot project for locomotives traveling on non-electrified lines near Reggio Calabria as part of a feasibility and economic study. The pilot included hybrid propulsion technology, along with energy storage systems that allow trains to recover energy from braking so it can be re-used. These technologies are particularly fitting in a country like Italy where many railway lines are not yet electrified. The project is a prime example of the work ABB is encouraging and highlighting though its Energy Efficiency Movement. This multi-stakeholder initiative was launched in 2021 with two goals: to raise awareness of how advanced technology can mitigate climate change, and to drive collective action to reduce energy consumption worldwide.

It was announced this week that Deutsche Post DHL Group, a leading global brand in the logistics industry, has joined the movement. The two companies have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support each other in the execution of their own sustainability strategies. DPDHL and ABB will cooperate on projects to reduce ABB’s carbon footprint in its logistics facilities as well as the transportation of goods. The two companies will also work together to help make DPDHL logistics and office facilities more energy efficient, with a primary focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems where high-efficiency electric motors and variable speed drives can achieve major reductions in energy use.

“We welcome DPDHL to the movement and appreciate their public commitment,”

said Tarak Mehta, President of ABB Motion.

“We also look forward to partnering with them on projects that will help us both adopt technologies that are critical to achieving a low carbon future.”

The collaboration furthers the existing relationship between the two companies, as DHL is the logistics partner for ABB’s Formula E program, helping to ensure transport of all event materials is as sustainable and efficient as possible.

These partnerships and initiatives complement ABB’s Sustainability Strategy 2030, under which ABB has also launched its Climate Initiatives program, to be implemented throughout Season 8. Included within the program are a series of Climate Talks, the second of which will be held ahead of the race in Rome. Co-hosted by the Swiss and Swedish Embassies, the panel will feature Theodor Swedjemark, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at ABB, Antonio de Bellis, E-mobility Lead Manager at ABB Italy, Julia Pallé, Sustainability Director at Formula E, and Lucas Di Grassi, ABB Ambassador and driver for ROKiT Venturi Racing.

Another partnership ABB has within the sport which supports its Sustainability Strategy 2030 is with FIA Girls on Track, to help inspire and empower the next generation of women. As part of this, ABB is producing a video series throughout the season to highlight the many incredible women working in the Formula E paddock. The third video featuring ABB ambassador and Tag Heuer Porsche reserve driver, Simona de Silvestro, was released today.

An updated version of ABB’s Mission Film is also now available to view here. The video highlights how the Championship is more than a race – it is a platform to showcase and develop the world’s most advanced e-mobility technologies, which are helping to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

Following the races in Rome, the Championship will return to Monaco for round 6 on April 30.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.

Source: ABB news