New research from The Australia Institute has shown that more than half (51%) of South Australians want Adelaide to host a fully electric Formula E Championship race, while just 11% of people oppose the idea.

Formula E is an electric motor sport series, similar to Formula 1, which has grown in popularity since its inaugural championship in 2014. Adelaide has repeatedly been suggested as a potential host city for the event in Australia.

Key Findings

–          51% of South Australians support hosting Formula E in Adelaide, while only 11% are opposed

–          50% think hosting the race would promote Adelaide and increase tourism

–          42% think it would increase interest in electric vehicles in South Australia

–          35% think it would attract investment to the state

–          Just 23% think hosting the race would cost more to run than it would make and 5% worry it would reduce Adelaide’s chances of hosting the Formula 1 again in the future

“Adelaide is a smart, modern and ambitious city when it comes to embracing new technology. Bringing Formula E to South Australia would put Adelaide on a global stage and help to show just how much our state has to offer,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, The Australia Institute’s SA Projects Manager.

“Melbourne can keep the Formula 1. In Adelaide, we’re looking to the future and are ready to host the ultramodern Formula E.

“With South Australia no longer pursuing its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Formula E could potentially become the next major, new event for Adelaide.

“Half of South Australians think hosting Formula E would help to promote Adelaide and increase future tourism, more than 40% believe it would increase interest in electric vehicles in South Australia and more than a third think it would attract investment to the state.

“Hosting major events like the Tour Down Under, Superloop 500 and the Fringe has made South Australia the Festival State. An annual Formula E Championship race would only add to that.

“There are green shoots of electric car manufacturing interest in South Australia and an event like Formula E, which celebrates electric transport and innovation, would help to encourage greater investment.

“Previously, Australia was one of just 13 countries in the world that could build a car from beginning to end. Adelaide was at the forefront of that and it could be true again, in the future, when it comes to electric vehicle manufacturing.”