Commentary: High-performance EV sales pick up speed – but will they ever be loved as much as petrol cars?

SINGAPORE: After a two-year hiatus, the Formula One (F1) race has kicked off this weekend in Singapore.

While tens of thousands of fans flock to the grandstands, others might be more concerned about the Grand Prix’s environmental impact, with the return of the deafening race cars and opulent parties.

After all, the F1 championship has set itself a 2030 net-zero target, and is developing its own “100 per cent sustainable fuel” from biomass. Race organiser Singapore Grand Prix said more energy-efficient LED lights will be used as track lighting from 2023, and electric or hybrid support vehicles will be adopted where possible.

But will we ever see the day of zero-carbon electric sports cars?

As a motorsport presenter, I get asked if diehard fans can accept the idea of an electric sports car. The answer is yes. Even if not, views will have to evolve in a rapidly changing world.

The real question should be: Will they buy one, drive it and enjoy it?

Luxury carmakers are tapping into the momentum gathering behind electric vehicles (EV), with Ferrari and Aston Martin committed to launching fully electric models by 2025.

It’s not clear if all car enthusiasts will be on board. Without doubt there is something special about shifting through gears in an H-pattern, feeling the revs with each downshift and hearing the roar of a V8 engine.

You feel connected, like the car is an extension of your body. You are involved in the power and torque when a car pounces off.

Back in 2015, my husband and I set up an electric go-kart circuit, instead of a traditional petrol one, because we knew Singapore would soon move into a world of electric.

Very much like EVs, electric karts are controlled by electronic control units, so that the power distribution