The FIA has announce the appointment of the French-owned global producer and supplier of electricity, EDF, as an Official Technical Supplier for audit and research tests of propulsion, charging, and electrical safety in motor sport. EDF is a leader on research issues surrounding electric vehicles, batteries and charging systems.

The three-year agreement will promote the sharing of information and best practices between FIA and EDF technical experts on issues concerning the use and practical application of electric battery cells and packs, engines, transmission and charging systems, and infrastructure.

Welcoming the partnership, FIA President, Jean Todt, said: "I am very pleased to welcome today's agreement with EDF which will spur innovation and collaboration on the next generation of electric vehicles. As one of the foremost companies today which carries out research on electro-mobility, EDF will bring invaluable expertise and input to our championships, allowing the FIA to further strengthen its position as a leading promoter of new technologies."

Bernard Niclot, FIA Technical Director said: "2014 is a year of major technological revolution for the FIA's championships with powerful hybrid engines coming into the F1 and World Endurance Championships, and the establishment of the new Formula E Championship. In this context of new technology development, EDF's high level of technical expertise is essential and I welcome this partnership."

Bernard Salha, Senior Executive Vice President Head of Research & Development added: ‘'I am very glad of this agreement with FIA which enable EDF to be technically involved at the highest level of motor sport and thus to contribute to the progress of new technologies, with notably the use and promotion, at the world level, of electrical energy and perspectives of further technical evolutions, whose some of them will be also used on private cars."

The energy company's involvement also includes its competence in electricity to support FIA in the development of appropriate standards and regulations for electric and hybrid racing vehicles, in particular with regard to safety and emergency training.

EDF will also work with the FIA to conduct literature reviews and testing, as well as audits of those FIA Championship races where cars are either fully or partially based on electric propulsion systems.