A new type of race car debuts Monday in Las Vegas with the public unveiling of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, a fully electric vehicle capable of reaching 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour or more. The debut is a first glimpse of sorts at Formula E, an all-electric version of the hallowed Grand Prix racing circuit that begins this year in September in Beijing. For the inaugural season, all ten teams will run the Spark-Renault vehicle. (See related story: “Electric Cars Hit Milestone With First Grand Prix Race Ahead.”)

The new race has drawn celebrity support and international participation, with hopes that an electric Formula competition will boost fuel efficiency while adding an imprimatur of eco-friendliness to a sport not