Formula E car makes debut in Las Vegas

Formula E's new fully-electric race car made its first ever public demonstration Monday, entertaining crowds with a high-speed display around the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino here.

Capable of speeds in excess of 150mph, the zero emission single-seater was driven by former Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi and gave invited guests and onlookers their first chance to see and hear the cars that will compete in the new FIA Formula E Championship -- the world's first fully-electric racing series beginning in September.

The championship will compete on 10 city-centre circuits around the globe including two races in the US -- Miami and Los Angeles -- which take place in the spring of 2015. Ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fan, whilst accelerating the electric vehicle market and promoting sustainability.

Unveiled in September 2013, the Formula E car has been designed and built by French-based Spark Racing Technology together with a consortium of the leading names in motorsport including Dallara (chassis), Williams (battery design), McLaren (powertrain & electronics), Renault (overall system integration) and Michelin (tyres).

The event was also held in conjunction with the International CES, a global consumer electronics and technology tradeshow, together with Qualcomm Incorporated, one of Formula E's Founding Partners and the championship's Technology Partner.