The city of Los Angeles hasn't seen big-league, sanctioned auto racing in years as far as we know (and if anyone out there knows the history here feel free to comment below or email the author).

But L.A. is scheduled to host the world's newest race, called Formula E. It's the brainchild of FIA, the folks who sanction the world's premier auto sport, Formula 1. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has apparently pledged to have L.A. put on an E event, even though …

… we really have no venue for it.

And, interestingly, the series is being billed as a “street race,” so maybe we should be prepared for the street closures.

London, Rome, Miami, Beijing, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are among the 10 other cities that will host the 140 mile an hour-capable zero-emission cars, according to FIA.

One option for our area is Long Beach, which is hosting its annual Grand Prix weekend on its downtown streets starting today.

But Villaraigosa says Formula E is coming to our town.

On Monday, Earth Day, the mayor will stand outside DWP headquarters downtown with Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag and race car driver Lucas di Grassi to unveil the series' new prototype car.

Somebody better ask him where in L.A. we can host this race. It's not scheduled to take place until next year, however, on an unspecified date.

Hybrid-enhanced racing has already taken place via Formula 1's KERS system, which harnessed power during braking for use later. Audi's top Le Mans cars also use hybrid power.

But this sounds like a first for pure electric vehicles. Let's hope they don't run out of juice like your iPhone.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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