Sustainability Conference: Change.Accelerated.Live.
"INNOVATION IN MOTION: GLOBAL FORCES BEHIND MOBILITY TRANSITION"

China, as the world’s largest automotive market and a key player in global sustainability efforts, has become a focal point in transport electrification. The country’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) goals, propelles by strong government policies and investment plans, are helping to reshape the global automotive landscape. This panel will delve into how the electrification of transport in China is accelerating, with a particular focus on the role of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in driving this transition.
As the world’s first fully-electric motorsport series, Formula E serves as both testing ground for cutting-edge EV technology and a platform to inspire innovation in the broader automotive sector. Over the years, Formula E has fostered partnerships with Chinese car manufacturers such as BYD, NIO, and Geely, helping them advance their electric vehicle strategies and integrate breakthough EV technologies into their consumer products. This collaboration between motorsport and automotive industries is pivotal in demonstrating the performance potential of electric vehicles on a global stage.
In this panel, we’ll explore the intersection of high-performance motorsport and mass-market electric vehicle production, examining how Formula E helps bridge the gap between advanced EV technology and the needs of millions of car users. Experts from the motorsport, automotive, and policy sectors will join the discussion to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by this electric future and how China’s leadership in the sector is paving the way for global change.
Key topics include:
The role of Formula E in advancing EV technology and increasing public awareness of electric transport.
How Chinese car manufacturers could leverage the Formula E platform to enhance their credibility and recognition in the EV space.
The impact of China's regulatory environment on the growth of the electric vehicle market.
Global trends in trade and tariffs regulations: impact on the automotive sector
Collaboration between automotive manufacturers and motorsport teams in developing next-generation electric mobility solutions.
Join us as we take a deep dive into how China's transport electrification journey is not just shaping the country's future, but also influencing the global transition to a more sustainable and electrified transportation ecosystem.
AGENDA
09:00 – 09:30 | ARRIVAL & REGISTRATIONS
09:30 – 09:45 | SESSION I
High-Level opening
Speakers:
Shanghai City Representatives / Government Officials (tbc)
Ellie Norman, CMO, Formula E
Sara Mariani, Director Sustainability Diversity and Inclusion FIA
Zhou Xiaoxu, President of the FIA Electric and New Energy Championships Commission
09:45 – 10:00 | SESSION II
Keynote Presentation:
Accelerating Transport Decarbonization in Asia
2024 saw an array of challenges facing the global automotive and freight markets, from rising trade barriers to slowdown in electric vehicle transition in some markets. Reaching 2050 net-zero targets is still possible, but will require swift progress on renewable generation and on adoption of zero-emission vehicles. With technology advancements, policy support and growing investments across the supply chain, Asian countries could forge ahead in decarbonizing their transport systems.
Speakers:
Siyi Mi, Electrified Transport Analyst, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
10:00 – 10:30 | SESSION III
Panel Discussion:
Driving Change: Sustainable Mobility Transition
This Panel will be looking at how electridication, shared mobility, alternative fuels and other forms of sustainable mobiltiy will imopact the road trasnport in the coming decades.
Speakers:
Wan Heping - FIA Foundation Trustee (tbc)
Ran Wang - General Delegate for China, IRU
Zhang Tao, CAMF (tbc)
Alex Way, Counsellor, Net Zero and Sustainable Development, British Embassy Beijing
Moderated by Sara Mariani, Director of Sustainability Diversity and Inclusion, FIA
10:30 – 11:05 | SESSION IV
Panel Discussion:
Powertrain Innovation Roadmap
This session will explore breakthrough technologies reshaping existing powertrain roadmaps, along with the critical infrastructure and primary energy solutions enabling this shift. From powerful batteries to hydrogen and sustainable fuels – some of the leading car manufacturers in Asia will share a powerful story on how these latest innovations are driving the transition to sustainable mobility.
Speakers:
Pascal Vasselon, Toyota Advanced Technologies
Representative, Hyundai
Steven Zhao, VP of Zeekr Group and Chairman of Zeekr Power
Jaguar (OEM speaker) tbc
Moderated by Zhou Xiaoxu, President of the FIA Electric and New Energy Championships Commission
11:05 – 11.30 | COFFEE BREAK
11:30 – 12.00 | SESSION V
Panel Discussion:
Racing Ahead: The Role of Formula E in Driving Transport Innovation
This session will explore how the world’s premier all-electric racing series acts as a testbed for cutting-edge technologies in electric mobility, battery performance, and energy efficiency. Discover how Formula E partners and teams join forces to accelerate innovation, inspire change, and drive real-world impact beyond the track.
Speakers:
Sylvain Filippi, Team Principal, Envision Racing (tbc)
Marek Nawarecki, Sport Circuit Director, FIA
Formula E Partner ( Fortescue / ABB) tbc
Moderated Beth Paretta, VP Sporting, Formula E
12.00 – 12.30 | SESSION VI:
Panel Discussion:
Navigating China's Trade Landscape: Tariffs, Trade Policy, and the Future of the Automotive Industry
As global supply chains shift and trade tensions reshape international markets, it is crucial to understand China's evolving trade environment. This panel discussion will unpack the complexities of tariffs, regulatory frameworks, and trade policy impacting the automotive sector.
Speakers:
Samir Hamrouni , CEO, World Free Zone Organization
Weisi Xie, Shanghai Director, the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (EICN)
Yan Yun, Director of the Trade Development &Cooperation Center of CCPIT / Ministry of commerce representative (tbc)
Habib Turki, Chief Development Officer, FIA
Moderated by: Siyi Mi, Electrified Transport Analyst, Bloomberg NEF
12.30 – 12.45 | ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FIA PARTNERSHIP WITH CATARC & CLOSING
FIA & China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) (tbc)
12.30 – 13.30 | NETWORKING LUNCH