Formula E was simply electrifying. Lousy quips aside, Porsche have announced that they have successfully tested the Gen3 Formula E car that will race in the 4th Season of the Formula E world championship and it’s definitely one for the books.
While not as rowdy as their full-bodied F1 cousins, the Formula E cars are shaping up to be some serious track weapons. The Gen3 Formula E cars are at the forefront of electric mobility and electrified automotive motorsport. The Gen 3 cars are lighter, more powerful and more efficient than their predecessors.
Compared to the Gen2 car (250kW), the 99X sees an increase of 100kw. As for its efficiency, the Porsche 99X is able to recover double the amount of the previous generation with the charging capability also doubling compared to the previous generation. This coupled with regenerative braking, which recovers over 40% of the powertrain’s energy, means that the Gen3 is able to run longer.
In line with the overarching theme of sustainability in Formula E, the Porsche 99X’s batteries are composed of sustainably sourced materials and after each race recycled or reused. Enclosing the cutting-edge battery tech is an insanely light carbon fibre chassis that looks like it’s been pulled straight out of George Lucas’ dreams.
All the advancements introduced into the Gen3 cars can be seen in the 99X’s race debut on the 14th of January 2023 at the Mexico City E-Prix event. Fun fact, Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S has been brought in as the safety car for this all-electric racing series.
“The cards are being reshuffled with the new Gen3 cars” – Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E
South Africans were enthralled by the idea of some high-octane, or rather high-voltage, motoring action making its way to our seemingly electricity-scarce shores. The consistent growth of this emerging motoring niche will undoubtedly find its way to the streets of SA. Fingers crossed.
Keyword: All you need to know about The Porsche 99X Formula E racer