Rory Reid vs António Félix da Costa: Can a motorsport beginner beat a Formula E world champion in his own DS E-Tense?

Ask yourself this question: What’s the fastest electric car in the world? Could it be a Tesla, or a Porsche Taycan? If you answered yes to either of those, you’d be mistaken. The fastest electric car in the world is actually a Formula E racing car.

Formula E is the world’s first international all-electric single-seater grand-prix equivalent, officially now known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Initially dreamt up and drafted on the back of a napkin back in 2011 by Formula E Founder Alejandro Agag and FIA President Jean Todt, it’s now the fastest-growing motorsport series globally.

Returning for a seventh year, the Formula E World Championship will begin in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and end in Seoul, South Korea.
The 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to be yet another adrenaline-fuelled tour around the world, consisting of 16 races across 12 worldwide locations, so grab your diary guys - the dates are as follows: • Race 1 – 28th January 2022, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia • Race 2 – 29th January 2022, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia • Race 3 – 12th February 2022, Mexico City, Mexico • Race 4 – 5th March 2022, Location TBC • Race 5 – 19th March 2022, China (city TBC) • Race 6 – 9th April 2022, Rome, Italy • Race 7 – 30th April 2022, Monaco, Monaco • Race 8 – 14th May 2022, Berlin, Germany • Race 9 – 4th June 2022, Jakarta, Indonesia • Race 10 – 2nd July 2022, Vancouver, Canada • Race 11 – 16th July 2022, New York, United States • Race 12 – 17th July 2022, New York, United States • Race 13 – 30th July 2022, London, United Kingdom • Race 14 – 31st July 2022, London, United Kingdom • Race 15 – 13th August 2022, Seoul, South Korea • Race 16 - 14th August 2022, Seoul, South Korea

Initially a concept car created by DS Automobiles, the DS E-Tense FE21 is one of the fastest electric vehicles out there, harmoniously combining innovation with reliability and using the latest electric technologies.
Engineered with a 100% electric 338 horsepower motor, the DS E-Tense FE21’s 0-62 time is an incredible 2.8 seconds, with the capability of reaching a maximum speed of 142mph. DS Techeetah have claimed two 1st place team victories with the E-Tense series in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 championships and are gearing up for another shot at the title in the new year.

Formula E Championship 2019-20 1st place winner António Félix da Costa has been formally competing since 2008 and has collected four 1st place wins throughout his racing career.
Taking on Auto Trader’s very own Rory Reid, how do you think Félix da Costa will fare? Watch the video on YouTube and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Are you in the market for an electric car, or just toying with the idea and want to know more? Check out our handy advice and news here:
• Common misconceptions of electric cars. • Electric cars in stock and available today. • The best electric cars on the market. • Guide to leasing an electric car. • Your chance to win a brand-new electric car in Auto Trader’s monthly giveaway.