Electric Drive Transportation Association and Andretti Formula E Team Up to Promote Mainstream Adoption of Electric Vehicles

INDIANAPOLIS, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Andretti Formula E is further dedicating its commitment to sustainability in motorsports and the automotive realm through a strategic alliance with the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA). In addition to integrating Andretti Formula E with other EDTA member companies, the alliance will allow both organizations to collaborate on initiatives to advance and promote the use of electric drive technologies in mainstream application.

"The opportunity for EDTA and the GoElectricDrive Foundation to join forces with one of the most prestigious and successful organizations in racing history is an important milestone for the electric drive industry, and for the future of sustainable transportation across the United States," said EDTA President Brian Wynne.  "The Andretti Formula E Team's adoption and support of electrified automotive technologies illuminates the performance capabilities of electric drive for consumers, and will deliver the message of sustainability and energy security through the thrill of racing."

In 2013, Andretti Autosport announced its new division of racing, Andretti Formula E and became the first American team named to a group of 10 elite racing organizations worldwide to compete in the new fully-electric FIA Formula E Championship.

In addition to the EDTA alliance, Andretti Formula E has named GoElectricDrive to its list of official charity initiatives. The GoElectricDrive Foundation, 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization established by EDTA, strives to enable and accelerate the mass-market adoption of electric vehicles. By educating the market about electric drive, GoElectricDrive is working to further the cause of environmental sustainability, economic growth and energy security.

"I'm thrilled to have this relationship with EDTA," said Michael Andretti, racing legend and team owner of Andretti Formula E. "As an association of leaders in the electric drive industry, it provides a great platform to work with EDTA leadership and EDTA members on initiates advancing our Formula E program while supporting the goals of EDTA and GoElectricDrive."

The EDTA will head to Indianapolis, home of the Andretti Headquarters, May 19-21 for the 2014 EDTA Conference and Annual Meeting. This premier annual event for companies and industry professionals representing the entire electric drive value chain will see representatives from Michael Andretti's Formula E team as presenters.

The FIA Formula E Championship goes green this September with the opening round in Beijing, China.

About the Electric Drive Transportation Association: The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association promoting battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and conferences. EDTA's membership includes vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, government agencies and others. www.electricdrive.org and @electricdrive on Twitter.

About the GoElectricDrive Foundation: The GoElectricDrive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization, established by the Electric Drive Transportation Association. Our goal is to promote consumer awareness of electric drive vehicles, and to encourage their mass-market adoption. By educating the market about electric drive, we are furthering the cause of environmental sustainability, economic growth, and energy security. www.goelectricdrive.org and @goelectricdrive on Twitter.

About Andretti Autosport: Based in Indianapolis and led by racing legend Michael Andretti, Andretti Autosport boasts a wide racing portfolio rooted in tradition and designed for success. Together with Andretti Formula E and Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross, Andretti Autosport fields multiple entries in the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights and the Pro Mazda Championship, along with entries in the FIA Formula E Championship and Global Rallycross. The company boasts four IndyCar Series championships (2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012), two Indy Lights titles (2008 and 2009), one Pro Mazda championship (2013) and one USF2000 championship (2010) and has twice captured victory at the famed Indianapolis 500 (2005 and 2007). To share in the Andretti story, please visit online at AndrettiAutosport.com or AndrettiTV.com and follow along on Twitter via @FollowAndretti.

About the EDTA2014 Conference: Attendees include automakers, utilities, battery and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, government partners and end users.  #EDTA2014 will provide a forum for industry to discuss key topics such as technology advances and electric vehicle consumer adoption, while end users can network with transportation solution providers.  This is your best opportunity in 2014 to hear from and meet with leaders from across the entire electric drive value chain.  To exhibit, sponsor or register for the conference, visit www.EDTA2014.com.  #EDTA2014

SOURCE Electric Drive Transportation Association