The story has been updated to correct powertrain details for the new Formula E race cars
Formula E officials confirmed they will unveil the series’ third-generation all-electric race cars next month, though a number of details have already begun leaking out.
Considered the premier battery-powered race program, Formula E has been amping up the power and features of its open-wheel racers since the program got off to a shaky start in 2014. The new cars will feature dual powertrains for the first time, delivering both more power and with their top speed now climbing to 200 miles per hour.
“Formula E’s Gen3 race car represents a leap forward for motorsport and electric mobility,” said Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle. “Designed to demonstrate that high performance, efficiency and sustainability can be packaged together without compromise, the Gen3 car is our most powerful, lightest and fastest race car to date.”
April debut
The third-generation racer will make its debut at an event in Monaco April 28, jointly sponsored by Formula E and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Formula E teams will begin testing the new model this spring and they’ll replace the existing race cars later this year, at the start of the 2022-2023 season. It will be the ninth season of what is widely considered the premier all-electric racing series.
The FIA already revealed some of the key details about the Gen3 racer. It will be the first to feature front and rear powertrains capable of making a combined 600 kilowatts, or 816 horsepower. And they’ll be able to top out at 200 miles per hour. That’s well short of what today’s Formula One cars can deliver — with a peak 1,000 horsepower and top speeds exceeding 231 mph. But this marks a significant upgrade from the all-electric Gen2 model.
The new Gen3 racer also will be able to regenerate significantly more energy otherwise lost during braking and coasting. That should enhance the ability of drivers to push things to the limit. Currently, they often have to back off the throttle at various times to ensure they have enough power to complete a race.
Getting the message out
Formula E has come a long way from its early days when the original race car had such limited battery capacity drivers had to stop mid-race, and jump into a second vehicle to reach the finish line. The Gen2 cars were the first capable of completing a race on a single charge — though drivers often reached the checkered flag running on the electric equivalent of fumes.
Among the questions likely to be revealed next month will be how many teams will join the series next season. While some early participants have backed out, there has been a line of potential team sponsors hoping to use the series to gain credibility and experience at a time when the auto industry is rapidly migrating from internal combustion to battery-electric propulsion.
Sponsors clearly hope that they can take advantage of the traditional motorsports mantra: “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.”
A few twists
To add to the interest in racing all-electric vehicles, Formula E organizers have added a few unique twists, some borrowed from the videogame world. Among other things, drivers must take detours off the main racing line several times during a race. But they also can then “power up,” the electronic controllers in their vehicles unleashing additional power for short bursts that can be used to move to the head of the pack. Fans also can give a boost by voting for favorite drivers.
Next month’s unveiling could see some new gimmicks introduced for next year’s season.
The Monaco event also has a roundtable event on the schedule and it is expected to offer some insights into the changes expected when the fourth-generation Formula E race cars debut several years from now.