Formula E is the first all-electric race series in the world. The goal for the definitely not vaporware series is to have 20 cars on the grid when it launches. As of last night, just four cars were confirmed. But the series got a boost this morning with the addition of Andretti Autosport as a team. That's American racing royalty.
Andretti Autosport is run by Michael Andretti, son of racing legend Mario Andretti and father of current IndyCar driver Marco Andretti. Michael isn't a slouch himself, in fact he's the opposite of a slouch. He's one of the greatest racers of all time.
Adding a name like Andretti gives the series a name with some weight behind it. It'll also help promotion in America, since the series wants to race in Los Angeles. Andretti will be fielding one car to run for the championship, and another to put "star" drivers in. That means one of his IndyCar drivers, like his son Marco, Ryan Hunter-Reay, or James Hinchcliffe.
The cars are the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, but has been built by a number of different manufacturers including Renault, Dallara, McLaren, and Williams, among others.
Now all the series needs is eight more teams and 16 more cars and to not be vaporware. It could happen! If all goes to plan, it will launch in September 2014.