Envision Virgin Racing confirmed as COP26 partner for ‘together for our planet’ campaign

A series of digital events will be hosted by the company in the run up to COP26

The Silverstone-based outfit, which is part of the Envision Group, will work on Government campaigns in the build-up to COP26 – viewed as a crucial summit to deliver raised climate action.

The team’s two fully-electric race cars will be branded with the ‘Together for Our Planet’ slogan as it competes this season, which starts next month and will conclude in London later on in the year.

With the UK Government committing to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, as part of the net-zero emissions target for 2050, Envision Virgin Racing will use its platform to raise awareness of decarbonisation in the transport sector.

Specifically, a series of digital events will be hosted by the company in the run up to COP26. A children’s competition to design an environmentally inspired race suit to be worn by the team’s drivers will also be created.

Envision Virgin Racing joins the likes of Sky in being confirmed as a corporate partner for COP26.

Alok Sharma, COP26 President Designate, said: “I am delighted Envision Virgin Racing are taking the Together for Our Planet campaign ‘on tour’ and inspiring people around the world to take urgent climate action ahead of COP26.

“We know that electric vehicles are greener, cleaner, and better for the planet. To meet the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement, we need to clean up the air we breathe by doubling the pace of transition to zero-emission vehicles.”

Last year, Envision Virgin Racing was certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust, the first team in the Formula E series to achieve the status. The company has been certified to PAS 2060 carbon neutrality standards, which covers operational facilities in Silverstone and London and race and business travel for up to 40 staff members.

In 2016, to raise awareness of melting ice caps, Formula E partnered with Julius Baer, Visa, DHL, Schaeffler, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Mumm Champagne House to run a zero-emissions sports car across the Arctic ice cap.

Since then, a documentary has been created, directed by Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens and Malcolm Venville and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. It follows the racing series across unique locations and how EVs can assist the fight against climate change and deadly levels of urban air pollution.

Envision Virgin Racing’s Managing Director Sylvain Filippi added: “Envision Virgin Racing, Formula E and the UK Government are all at the forefront of the EV revolution, especially with so many personnel, vehicles and infrastructure-based and built right here in the UK. As such, we are honoured to be joining forces with what is the most important climate event of the year and playing a pivotal role in encouraging motorists to make the switch and, more importantly, tackle climate change before it is too late.

“Through the exciting platform of motorsport, we’re able to showcase the true potential of electric vehicles as we compete in cities across the globe, developing innovative technology that will filter from the track to the road and accelerating the adoption of EVs.”

edie recently spoke to Envision Virgin Racing managing director Sylvain Filippi to discuss how the sport can use its platform to showcase “exciting” low-carbon solutions to inspire a broad audience. Read the full interview here.

Matt Mace