TOULOUSE, France—Inspired by auto racing’s popular Formula E series, Air Race E plans to hold its first series of competitions in 2020 in partnership with Airbus. The competition aims to drive the development and adoption of cleaner, faster and more technologically advanced electric engines that can be applied to urban air mobility vehicles and, eventually, commercial aircraft.
Eight electric-powered airplanes will race directly against each other on a tight 3-mile circuit only 33 feet above the ground.