Big future in electric racing

Kiwi electric racing car driver Mitch Evans sees a big future in the new form of motorsport.

As electric vehicles become more mainstream the sport’s popularity will increase, he says.

Evans, 23, is already up with the pace in the Formula E field, finishing third in the recent Hong Kong series.

It was his Panasonic Jaguar Racing team’s first podium in the FIA Formula E.

Living in London close to the team’s headquarters, where he’s been since 2011, Evans is home until January 2 visiting his parents in Lynfield, West Auckland, and fulfilling media and other commitments.

He’s back for a fortnight’s holiday in February, probably his last visit here for most of that year.

The third E-Prix of the season is in Marrakech on January 13, followed by Santiago, Mexico City, Punta del Este, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Zurich, New York and the final event in Montreal on July 28 and 29.

It’s possible a round could be held in New Zealand later next year too.

Evans’ goal is to win at least one of those races.

He says the Jaguar team is more competitive this year in the Jaguar I-TYPE 2, his second season with them.

“It’s a whole new car this year, as we’ve had a lot more time to develop and are hitting our targets.”

Evans says it’s thanks to family and Giltrap Group support that he is in this position today.

The Evans family has a big pedigree in motorsport. His grandfather Laurie raced, and dad Owen, who runs Evans European panel and repairs in Auckland, drove Porsches and saloons, even qualifying for Le Mans.

A crash while setting a land speed record in New Zealand in 1996 nearly ended his life.

Brother Simon raced V8s and is now involved in endurance racing.

“So I had no choice really,” Evans laughs.

He was racing in GP2 events before taking up with the Jaguar electric racing team.

Evans says the future is electric racing and electric transport.

“Soon, nearly everyone will be driving them.”

Evans himself hopes that when not on the track he’ll be driving a Jaguar I-PACE electric car next year.

More about Mitch Evans features in the January EVtalk magazine.