Formula One's governing body has been asked by the European Commission to set up a racing championship series for electric cars.
FIA president Jean Todt said the governing body was working towards the creation of new electric car, go-kart and single-seater racing categories.
The developments could mean an F1-style electric car championship taking place on Grand Prix circuits.
'We want as soon as possible to have new categories with new energy,' Todt told the Financial Times.
Todt said that a first season for electric car racing could come as early as 2013, and added: 'As much as we can do it all over the world, we will do it.'
The new idea has been discussed by Todt and Antonio Tajani, the European Union’s industry commissioner, who wants EU member countries to increase public adoption of electric cars.
The project fits into Todt’s strategy for F1 teams and other motorsport series to embrace hybrid and electronic technology.
It is believed that he is meeting resistance from the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
