Formula E has provided the first glimpse into its Gen3 car, which will make its racing debut for Season 9, following the conclusion of the upcoming 2022 season which kicks off in January.
The Gen3, with a shape inspired by a delta wing design, was unveiled to Formula E manufacturers during a presentation in Valencia this week – the location of pre-season testing for Season 8.
The car represents Formula E’s third iteration of car and it will be its most powerful and efficient yet, with the series claiming it to be “the most efficient racing car” with at least 40 per cent of the energy used within a race produced by regenerative braking.
It will also be the first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new front powertrain adds 250kW to the 350kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600kW.
An electric motor delivering up to 350kw of power (470bhp), capable of a top speed of 200mph (320km/h), with a power-to-weight ratio that is twice as efficient as an equivalent 470bhp internal combustion engine.
The car has also been made smaller and lighter, specifically to make it more agile in wheel-to-wheel battles on narrow street circuits.
There is also a focus on its environmental impact, with so-called “Life Cycle Thinking”. That means any damaged parts will be recycled along with used tyres, whilst the tyres themselves will be made from 26 per cent sustainable materials.
All suppliers are held to strict sustainability KPIs, notably achieving FIA 3* Environmental Accreditation certification by Season 9.
Jean Todt, FIA President, said: “The new Gen3 Formula E single-seater is a car created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability. The work accomplished by the FIA’s teams together with Formula E, since the launch of the discipline eight seasons ago, tirelessly seek to drive innovation and further the development of sustainable mobility. I have no doubt that this new single-seater will elevate Formula E to the next level.”
Jamie Reigle, Formula E CEO, added: “In designing the Gen3 car, we set out to demonstrate that high performance, efficiency and sustainability can co-exist without compromise. Together with the FIA, we have built the world’s most efficient and sustainable high performance race car.
“The Gen3 is our fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car yet. It is a creature designed for its habitat: racing on city streets in wheel-to-wheel combat. We look forward to witnessing it inspire and excite the next generation of motorsport fans in cities around the world from Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”
