Battery-electric single-seater can finally top 200mph and is even lighter than the last version
Formula E has pulled the drapes off its all-new Gen3 race car at this weekend’s Monaco e-Prix that will compete on street circuits around the world from next year.
Looking far more angular that the car it replaces, the third all-electric racer is also small in all dimensions that, organisers hope, will make it capable of even closer wheel-to-wheel action on some of the tightest and narrowest street circuits it competes.
The headline news is the Gen3 race car now comes equipped with an all-new 350kW rear electric motor that, combined with a 250kW front motor, allows it to exceed 200mph (322km/h) for the first time while weight falls to 840kg – 60kg less than the Gen2 car.
The innovation continues when it comes to energy clawed back under braking.
The latest FE single seater can recoup up to 600kW with roughly 40 per cent of all the energy used during a typical race attributed to regen. So powerful is energy recovered that the new breed of Gen3 racers now do without rear brakes altogether, using the electric motors for all their braking on the rear axle.
Key to unlocking higher levels of performance is also claimed to be new software and operating systems that are more advanced than ever before. Sustainability also takes a leap forward with the batteries made with sustainably-sourced materials and will all be recycled at the end of their life. The Gen3 cars are all made of recycled carbon-fibre too, that’s claimed to slash each car’s carbon footprint by ten per cent.
Next year marks the ninth season of Formula E, with seven car-makers – DS Automobiles, Jaguar Mahindra Racing, Maserati, NIO 333, Nissan and Porsche all signed up to compete. Commenting on the 2023 season founder of the Formula E, Alejandro Agag said: “The Gen3 represents the ambitious third age of Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
“The eyes of the world are on the Principality for the Monaco E-Prix and we are proud to reveal a car that has been two years in the making in the historic home of motorsport. My thanks go to the great team behind it at Formula E and the FIA – the future of all-electric racing is bright.”
Keyword: Third-gen Formula E racer revealed with more power