Formula E (edaldridge/Bigstock.com)

For many people, the electric car is not synonymous with speed. But a new racing series – Formula E – may be about to change all that.

20 leading racing drivers will be on the streets of London this weekend, reaching speeds of 140mph in their all-electric cars.

Unlike the growling petrol-guzzlers of Formula One, 'FE' cars are efficient and environmentally friendly – as well as being very powerful.

For the growing number of proponents of electric car technology, the new racing series will help spread the word about the potential of the electric automobile.

While it may be the first season of Formula E, the series has already attracted a great deal of investment. Among the teams involved are Richard Branson's Virgin, as well as Renault and Audi.

In many ways, the backdrops to FE will be more exciting than those of Formula 1 – since the series is set in the hearts of cities like Miami, Moscow and Berlin. And this weekend, it is London’s turn.

McLaren motors

All the cars are powered by McLaren all-electric Motor Generator Units (MGUs), which deliver up to 270bhp.

However, this bhp is only permitted in qualifying and practice runs. During actual races engines will be limited to 202.5bhp.

Swapping cars during pits-stops

Each car can go for around 30 minutes before a pit stop is required. Interestingly, the drivers must change cars during pit stops, since changing batteries is simply too dangerous.

Formula E also features a unique public voting system called FanBoost, which awards the three drivers with the most votes a five second 'power boost'.

Formula E could be a terrific driver of electric battery technology, as each constructor looks for ways to deliver more power for longer – but while ensuring the cell weight does not exceed 300kg.

Fancy watching Formula E this weekend? If you can't head into central London, you can catch it on ITV4 or ITV Player.