Powering potential: behind the scenes at the London E-Prix

What a weekend. On 15 and 16 August 2026, we teamed up with Formula E for a high-energy London E-Prix over at ExCeL London. 

Formula E is famous for top-tier electric racing and smart battery management, but our partnership goes way beyond fast laps. As certified B Corps, both giffgaff and Formula E share a simple, straightforward belief: brilliant tech and doing right by the planet go hand in hand.

Racing towards a circular future

Formula E’s drive for low-carbon innovation feels right at home with us. For us, real sustainability comes down to the smart, everyday choices we all make to look after the planet. 

We’re all about keeping tech up, running, and in use for as long as possible. Choosing a refurbished phone or trading in your old device with giffgaff Recycle is a super simple way to cut down your environmental impact without missing out on performance. Just like Formula E squeezes every bit of power out of its batteries, we’re here to help you get maximum value out of your gadgets.

Put your trackside knowledge to the test! See how much you know about our shared drive for circularity and sustainable tech with our quick pit-stop quiz below.

The giffgaff x Formula E Trackside Quiz

• When was giffgaff launched?
  Answer: 2009. We’ve been doing mobile a bit differently for over a decade now!

• What connects giffgaff, Formula E, and Big Issue Group?
  Answer: We’re all certified B Corps. Each of us is committed to putting people and the planet right alongside profit, blending top performance with circular thinking.

• What percentage of giffgaff phones sold in 2025 were refurbished?
  Answer: A whopping 66%. Visitors at our stand got to try out top-spec refurbished devices like the Samsung S25 Ultra 5G across all four condition grades, showing that pre-loved tech packs a real punch.

• What type of phones does giffgaff pass on to Big Issue vendors?
  Answer: Refurbished phones. Keeping good tech in circulation gives vendors reliable digital connection for work and everyday life.

• How many refurbished phones did giffgaff and Big Issue give to vendors and jobseekers in 2025?
  Answer: 687 devices.

• What is the overall goal of Big Issue Group?
  Answer: To help lift people out of poverty. Backed by Formula E’s Better Futures Fund, 20 Big Issue Recruit participants joined us over the weekend for 1-on-1 coaching, handy financial tools, and hands-on trackside experience.

Trackside with AJ

To bring the trackside buzz straight to our community, creator AJ joined us behind the scenes to capture all the excitement and chat with fans right through the weekend.

Catching up after the race, AJ shared what made it so special:

"Capturing the energy at ExCeL London was fantastic. Watching young recruits build their confidence on the stand while showing fans that refurbished tech can easily hold its own on a global stage made the whole event unforgettable."

Want to see the action for yourself? Check out the full video of AJ's time at the track over on our Instagram.

Roxy, our Head of Community, chimed in:

"The giffgaff stand was absolutely buzzing all weekend - it was brilliant to see it so lively from start to finish. Having the Big Issue recruits jump right in alongside our team members was wonderful, and getting to chat with so many of our members in person made it extra special."

Keeping tech in circulation

Our setup at the London E-Prix is part of our ongoing commitment to circular tech. Over the past year, 66% of all phones sold by giffgaff were refurbished, giving great tech a second life and saving our members money, while eSIM adoption jumped by 71% to cut down on single-use plastic SIMs.

A massive thank you to everyone who popped by our stand, tackled our quiz, checked their phone’s health, and cheered on our Big Issue Recruit team. Ready to make your next choice count?

Trade in your old device or snap up your next refurbished smartphone today over at giffgaffrecycle.com.