Whether you are an environmental enthusiast, a motorsports racing fan, or just like to bet on motorsports online, Formula E is a great way of getting involved in the world of motorsports and electric vehicles. The all-electric series is officially known as the ABB Formula E World Championship and features single seater fully electric race cars which are physically similar to those in the conventional Formula 1 series.
For the eco-conscious movements, Formula E is more than just a race—it’s a battle for the future. And 2023 ushered in the Gen3 racing cars, which have revised aerodynamics to make them better than the previous generations’ cars in terms of speed, efficiency, design, and overall performance. Their re-defined technology makes them lighter and more agile than their predecessors.
Technology and innovations used in making the Gen3 cars
With established automakers like Maserati, Portchester, Nissan, Nio, Jaguar, and Mahindra, Gn3 race cars are poised to provide intense compensation in most Formula E races. Besides, as technology advances, these cars will potentially become more software-focused, efficient, and powerful, turning Formula E into much more than batteries on wheels. Now let’s look at the innovative technology that sets Gen3 cars apart from their predecessors.
1. Attack charge validation
Initially, FE drivers would take advantage of the “Attack Mode” to boost their power temporarily during races. They would drive through designated activation areas to trigger a power boost for their cars. But the Attack Mode was later reinvented as “Attack Charge Validation ACV” for FE’s 2022/23 season. The ACV system requires drivers to stop for up to 4 minutes to add another layer of energy to their cars.
That means racers must leave the racing lines to boost their cars, which makes the race more exciting since they have to come up with strategies to win the race because the system has a limited number of activations. Besides, deviating from the race track could see them lose some valuable positions. For instance, if used too early, the power may not be of much help if not fully utilised, and if used too late, it may not help them get enough positions in the race.
2. Regenerative braking system
Gen3 cars lack the conventional rear hydraulic braking systems, which may sound scary considering the fact that its motor can produce up to 470 horsepower (350kW). But it’s fitted with an extra front motor and a generative braking system, both designed to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy when the car brakes. The front motor acts as a generator and can recover about 250kW, which can extend the car’s range, making Gen3 more efficient than Gen2 cars.
3. Battery technology
Formula E cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries capable of accepting an attack charge (flash charge) of up to 600kW (800 hp), which allows for pit-stop recharging during races.
The batteries are packed inside the safety frame of a Formula E car, just behind the driver. The frame is equipped with a flooding channel to allow flooding liquid to get into contact with the cell and stop thermal runaway. Moreover, the cars have very sensitive insulation monitoring devices for detecting insulation faults.
These Batteries can generate an impressive 350kW of power, making them more efficient and faster than Gen2 cars. By them accepting a much higher charge than their regulation limit, it makes their output relatively higher.
4. Built for sustainability
Gen3 cars are built with sustainability in mind. Almost all their aspects, including construction and infrastructure, use eco-friendly materials to minimise the motorsports industry’s carbon footprint. The materials used to construct previous generations of Formula E vehicles are repurposed and reused to make Gen3 cars.
For instance, worn-out tires of Formula E’s Gen3 cars are recyclable—they are made up of 26% sustainable materials. Besides, the newly introduced Formula E race cars are made of carbon fibre recovered from Gen2 cars. In order to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint, the series intends to power its future events using renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power.
Conclusion
Although Formula E is still in its infancy, the all-electric series has a lot to offer, particularly now that almost every industry is gearing towards zero carbon emissions. Motorsports fans and environmental advocates are bound to witness speed, sustainability, and efficiency in motor racing.
