The new Gen3 Formula E car has been revealed in Monaco ahead of this weekend’s E-Prix, and it’s certainly the most striking iteration we’ve seen from the electric racing series so far.
Formula E’s next-generation car will make its debut in the 2023 season, replacing the Gen2 car that first raced back in 2018. It will be faster, lighter and more sustainable.
With a maximum power output of 476PS (350kW) and projected top speeds of more than 200mph, the Gen3 car ought to be noticeably quicker than anything we’ve seen in Formula E so far. It features two powertrains, one at the front and one at the back, which together will help to boost energy regeneration to more than double that of the Gen2 car. As a result, the Gen3 car will not feature rear hydraulic brakes and instead rely far more on regen to slow the car.
Plans for mid-race pitstops in Formula E remain in place, and the Gen3 car is capable of 600kW “Ultra-high-speed” charging, replenishing the battery in around 30 seconds.
Sustainability is, of course, a huge part of the Formula E ethos, and this new generation continues to build on that fact. Battery cells will be reusable and recycled at the end of their life, the carbon fibre used to build the new cars will be recycled from Gen2 machinery, and the Gen3 tyres will be made up of 26% recycled or natural material and fully recycled after a race.
The Gen3 car will also make the most of cutting-edge software engineering technology, and teams will be able to implement performance upgrades via software updates to the car’s inbuilt computer.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the FIA, spoke of the new standards being set “both technologically and environmentally,” by the Gen3 car.
Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, said: “The Gen3 disrupts and challenges the conventions of motorsport, setting the benchmark for performance, efficiency and sustainability without compromise.
“Together with the FIA, we are proud to reveal the Gen3 to Formula E fans and demonstrate to the wider sports industry how elite sport, high performance and sustainability can successfully co-exist in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. We cannot wait to see how our teams and drivers push the car to its limit in 2023.”
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