e-miglia 2011: Second edition of the International Rally for ELECTRIC Vehicles

125 years of the automobile, and where has it gotten us? Almost one billion vehicles worldwide, an enormous economic factor, and high individual mobility. The vehicles however require fossil fuels for the most part and the supplies aren’t inexhaustible. One solution, which is being assisted with incredible amounts worldwide, is undisputed electric mobility. Not overnight, but there are supposed to be one million vehicles in Germany by 2020, Angela Merkel declared. Skepticism is still widespread amongst car drivers, mostly founded on ignorance. This is where the e-miglia steps in. In its second year, the first international e-rally only for electric vehicles also pursues the goal to show the world how appealing and powerful e-mobiles already are today. Electricity comes from a power socket, which can be supplied by renewable resources.

Statement of the Director of the Bavarian State Chancellery, minister of state, Siegfried Schneider, at the pre-e-miglia press conference in Munich in August 2010: “I am certain, that an exciting and spectacular event such as a street rally can make an important contribution towards convincing people of the possibilities and opportunities of electric mobility, as well as creating a high publicity event, that advertises this environmentally conscious and innovative future technology.”

The premiere of the e-miglia in 2010 already demanded more from the 25 participating vehicles than many thought they had in them. High passes in almost freezing temperatures, partly in continuous rain – aren’t friends of electricity. Daily ranges of up to 170 km, at the time for many not manageable with one “tank”. All of them however overcame the strains and crossed the finish-line. Clear winner: e-mobility. That incites to higher goals. And these will appear from August 1st - 5th, 2011 when the e-migliaisti once again hit the streets quietly and with equal-zero-emission.

Rally manager Richard Schalber is taking higher literally: “With its 2094 meters the Jaufenpass was already pretty respectable, but today the participants have to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. That’s about 500 meters difference in altitude added. ” The Grossglockner High Alpine Road lies in the heart of Austria and in the middle of the National Park Hohe Tauern. A region with lots of history, tradition, nature, and foresight.

Dr. Johannes Hoerl, Director of the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrassen AG: “The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the only high alpine panorama route worldwide in the middle of an internationally recognized National Park. Its special feature is the integration in the distinctive natural landscape and its unique pipe routing. We utilize and support eco-friendly technologies.  And one of them is of course electric mobility. With the tallest e-pump in the world and special rates for e-mobiles we advocate the awareness for these future technologies. The e-miglia 2011 crossing the Grossglockner for the first time, emphasizes our endeavors. ”

Today the entire Engadin is blanketed with snow, especially St. Moritz, the most famous Alpine meeting place. St. Moritz is also green however. When the e-miglia arrives in St. Moritz on August 5th, the audience at the finish line will marvel: e-mobiles – quiet and clean – innovative.

Almost 150 years ago, winter tourism was invented in St.Moritz. Today, the Alpine destination is considered the epitome of exquisite resorts all over the world. The Engadin celebrates holidays picture-perfect, in style and with charm.

Here’s where visionary ideas are born: the first electric light in Switzerland lit up in St. Moritz, here’s where Europe’s first «Palace Hotel» stood, standards are still set here – like for example the Ski World Championship 2003, the first Alpine occasion, during which sustainability was consistently counted on. Furthermore, with the energy project «Clean Energy» an Alpine vacation destination was for the first time consequently committed to the use of renewable energies.

The worldwide first “quiet” and clean international street rally fits the Engadin and St. Moritz: environmentally conscious, but sportive and lively at the same time. “We’re very happy that we’re part of the e-miglia as the location for the final stage.  That way we can complement the numerous requirements St. Moritz as Switzerland’s 101st energy city has to fulfill, as well as the efforts in all of the Upper Engadin in a valuable way” so Ariane Ehrat, CEO of the Tourism Organization Engadin St. Moritz.

With St. Moritz as the final location of the e-miglia, four countries will be traveled for the first time in 2011. A terrific event in a unique landscape is just as certain as is a memorable finish. The participants have to cover a total of 800 km starting in Munich, which amounts to a daily range of 200 km. An additional challenge.

More information and webisodes on: www.e-miglia.com

Registration is now open on: http://www.e-miglia.com/participants/registration/