Formula E Gen3 comes with increased energy efficiency
Formula E, the motorsport championship for electric cars, has introduced the third generation of its vehicles. It is characterised above all by a further increase in electrical efficiency.
The design of the new vehicles which will debut in season 9 of racing series, is inspired by the delta wing of fighter jets, the race organizer says. Probably more important is what is hid by the chassis: The electric and electronic interior. As usual, the organiser did not let out too many details – the vehicle is still treated as top security device – but at least he deigned to publish some basic facts.
The Gen3 car claims to be the world’s most efficient racing car – at least 40% of the energy used within a race will be produced by regenerative braking during the race.
It is also 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. The 350kw (470BHP) electric motor gives the car 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 (ICE).
The powerful effect of recuperation – when switching to generator operation, the motors exert a strong braking effect – made it seem dispensable to the developers to equip the rear axle with an ordinary hydraulic brake.
All in all, the new design is lighter and smaller than the Gen2, which enables faster, more agile wheel-to-wheel racing, the developers say.
To emphasise their greenness, the designers claim that the Gen3 is the first formula car aligned to Life Cycle Thinking with a path towards second life and end of life for all tyres, broken parts and battery cells. In addition:
- The Gen3 will be net-zero carbon, maintaining the championship’s status as the first sport to be certified as net-zero carbon since inception.
- All carbon fibre broken parts will be recycled by an innovative process from the aviation and aerospace industry into new fibres reusable for other applications.
- A pioneering process will deliver 26% sustainable materials into the composition of tyres.
- The Gen3 is powered by electric motors that are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines (ICEs) as they can convert over 90% of the electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion) compared to approx. 40% in high efficiency ICEs.
The vehicle was presented under top-security conditions to an exclusive group of Formula E manufacturers, teams, drivers and partners in Valencia, Spain, where pre-season testing is underway for Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which begins in January.
Related articles:
$326m for solid state battery plants
Racing formula to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to the racetracks
Williams wins 350kW Gen3 Formula E battery deal
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
