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| Venturi's VBB-3 broke the electric-car speed record in September by going 341.4 mph. |
Monaco-based Venturi Automobiles designs, manufactures and sells luxury electric vehicles. After declaring bankruptcy in '00, it was bought by
GILDO PASTOR who decided to turn the company's focus to electric vehicles. Along with
LEONARDO DICAPRIO, the company founded the Venturi Formula E team and competed in Formula E's inaugural '14-15 season, and continues to compete in the competition. Venturi provided Formula E team Dragon Racing with its engine and has partnered with Ohio State University to develop the Venturi VBB-3 which broke the electric-car speed record in September by going 341.4 mph. Venturi Automobiles Communication Dir
THIERRY APPARU answered questions on the team's record-breaking car and how its Formula E experience is evolving.
On the Venturi VBB-3 breaking the electric car speed record ...
Thierry Apparu: We are extremely happy about beating the speed record, especially since we've been chasing the record since '13. Bad weather conditions on the salt lake of Bonneville prevented us from beating it before. The car, with 3,000 horsepower under the hood, was nonetheless ready. It should be said that it was a great reward for the entire Venturi team and especially the students, since the construction of the vehicle was done in a partnership between Venturi and the automobile department of Ohio State University. Basically, the idea of (Venturi Automobiles Owner) Gildo Pastor was to find out how to attract the public to electric vehicles: build attractive-looking cars, via the performances and records -- we also have a record with the fuel cell -- and educate folks.
On Venturi’s first two seasons in Formula E ...
Apparu: The assessment is rather positive. We built a team from scratch, which is far from easy. Automobile racing is a lot of fun, but also pressure and stress. As of Formula E’s second season, FIA retained us as a builder and we even sold our engine to Dragon Racing. The Formula E promoters wanted us among the participating teams from the first season. Venturi has made electric vehicles since ’00, and we have put all of that know-how into Formula E. In terms of sporting results, season one was a learning season, especially knowing we could have won in Beijing for the inaugural race. The assessment of season two is positive, with one podium (second place in Long Beach) and points won at each race by Stéphane Sarrazin. This showed our consistency and the reliability of our technical solutions. We have high expectations for season three, bearing in mind that we are an outsider. But don’t forget that there are huge twists at the E-Prix, especially at the end of the race with the energy consumption of the batteries.
On Venturi’s partners ...
Apparu: The relationship with our partners is very good. We are very happy to have them with us. They bring their know-how, and help as we work to develop the car for future seasons. You have to be far in advance. In fact, we need solid partners to help research the future of our cars. It is therefore very important to grow the project with our team partners.
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| Thierry Apparu |
On Venturi’s prospects for the future ...
Apparu: We’re excited about our prospects because we’ve seen that the technologies are evolving very quickly. Notably the important components in the racing cars that are exported to the car for the public. We are working a lot on advancing this technology. I think it is very exciting to work on a project that allows the development of technology through sporting developments.
On Venturi’s goals as a builder in Formula E ...
Apparu: We have to keep in mind that we are a small manufacturer, with lots of ideas and who develops strong powertrains. Our core business is what’s in the car. When developing an engine like Antarctica (the electric polar vehicle) or the VBB-3, we go from one to the other in sequences, in developing different drivetrains. Formula E is clearly present in this process.
On Venturi’s communications strategy ...
Apparu: Venturi’s communication strategy is based on one idea: we are conquering the public to show the relevance of the electric vehicle. We can show that the electric vehicle is relevant today. There is still a psychological barrier to lift. We are trying to do that through communication and our actions.
