80edays Around-the-World Electric Vehicle Rally Set Off From Barcelona, Arrived In Lisbon

LISBON, Portugal, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 20, 11 international teams, driving 100% electric cars to go around the world in 80 days or less, reached Lisbon, Portugal - the finish line of the shortest stage for the European part of the 80edays Electric Vehicle endurance challenge. Four days of the ultimate Electric Vehicle (EV) challenge have passed since Barcelona hosted the start of the major electric event of the year. Ten pure electric cars and an electric bus lined up at the Arc de Triomf to participate in ELDURO, the second episode of 80edays, making it the greatest around the world electric rally in history.

All the EVs have been thoroughly inspected by Dangerous Goods Authority and have been given the green light to pursue the rally. The odometers of each EV were also documented to keep tabs on the total distance covered by teams and the CO2 emission savings compared to fuel dependent cars.  At the grand stage set at Arc de Triomf, Team Spain pilot Rafael de Mestre, the 80edays initiator added that "the technologies are more than ready to take the steering wheel!  Hopefully, our journey increases more awareness for sustainable transport and proves that the electric cars are as good, if not better, than fuel consuming cars across different conditions and terrains."

A day before the start of the rally, a press conference was held at Hotel Miramar, Barcelona where all 11 registered teams – Team Spain, Team Austria, Team China, Team Czech Republic, Team Germany I, Team Germany III, Team Hungary, Team Italia, Team Switzerland I, Team Switzerland II, and Team United States – participated in "Q&A" session and interviews with the local media. The teams revealed their motivation to change the way we think of transport and sustainability and how EV technology is mature enough to spearhead the automotive industry. For more information on each team, visit -http://80diaselectricos.com/#teamselduro

Based on the route taken by Rafael in 2012, teams will be required to pass preset checkpoints across three continents and more than 40 major cities. They are expected to cross the Atlantic on the 21st and land in Halifax, Canada to continue their way to United States. Participants are looking forward to arrive at Los Angeles on the 8th of July and move to China, and back to Europe to complete the rally by 4th of September. Teams have the option to take a free ride from Astana (Kazakhstan) to Bucharest (Romania).                       

The diversity in ELDURO is commendable, and the leading choice for teams is Tesla Motors. One Tesla Roadster, the first fully electric sports car, and 8 Tesla Model S, the luxury sedan, are the EVs of choice of some of the strongest teams in the challenge.

Tesla, however, is not the only electric car representing the power of modern EV-technologies; DENZA, the Sino-German joint venture brand built in China, is also up for the challenge. The team captain Andrew Yi Zong, CEO of PHNIX ECO-Energy Solutions and one of the 80edays ambassadors, is driving one of the best electric cars from Asia, recently showcased at the Beijing Auto Show 2016. For more information about Team China's endeavor and upcoming activities, please visit http://phnixproducts.com/press-release-80edays-around-the-world-electric-vehicle-rally-in-denza-electric-car/

Innovative Modulo composite electric bus, developed by evopro, is definitely one of the big stories of 80edays. It is the first electric bus built in Hungary, and has been praised for its mechanics that can handle long haul trips. Built for urban and suburban use, it's already proving doubters wrong by taking a strong start in the rally.

80edays is on a mission to prove that the EV technology is mature and ready to become a driver's first choice with its eco-sustainable outlook and infrastructure. The rally organizers, ambassadors and partners are joining hands in a bid to offset the greenhouse impact generated from the event. A cooperation on a carbon-offset reforestation project with myclimate, the 80edays official eco-partner, is highlighting the critical social issues that are emerging as a result of increased pollution and rapid deforestation.

More details about 80edays can be found in 80edays press releases at:

• AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS IN JUNE 2016
  
  Countdown has Started for 80edays Electric Vehicle Challenge
  
  http://ecograndprix.com/80edays/BARCELONA_PR_140416_NB.
  
• 80edays ARRIVES AT THE AUTO CHINA 2016 IN BEIJING
  
  The Presentation for ELDURO and Team China's Electric Vehicle of Choice Denza Receive Warm Applause from the Industry Giants
  
  http://ecograndprix.com/80edays/press/80edaysPR_Beijing_040516.pdf

About 80edays
In a world of growing emissions, critical climate change, and fossil energy dependence, the development of new technologies for vehicles gives us all the chance to use more competitive and energy-efficient transportation. But change is not possible without action. The 80edays Challenge 2012-2016-2020 aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility with the world's largest and most competitive 100% electric car rally around the globe. Get ready for 80 electrifying days that will show that electric cars have already become a driver's choice with silent, clean and sustainable power across any country and all types of terrain and climate. To learn more watch https://youtu.be/1mD6o8uLzNA, visit www.80edays.com, or call + 49 15752479970.

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