We have known everything about Formula 1 for years. But what lies beneath the sinuous lines of a Formula E still remains a mystery to many. Also because without an internal combustion engine with cylinders that go up and down – the classic parameters of a car are missing, i.e. displacement, horsepower, etc. – understanding how an electric car is made becomes more difficult. It must also be said that the Formula E single-seaters are the subject of a frenzied evolution, linked to the development of batteries and electronic systems. We started with the first season of 2014 where all the cars – built then as now by our Dallara in Parma – were all perfectly identical, both on the outside (chassis and bodywork) and inside (battery and engine). Then in the second year of racing, teams and manufacturers had the freedom to design and develop components such as the engine, inverter, gearbox and rear suspension. With an increase of 20kW of power – the maximum usable power in the race increased to 170 kW – with 200 kW available during practice and qualifying.
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The turning point, however, came in the third season with the arrival of the spectacular maxi front wing and completely revised aerodynamics. There was also a 50% increase in regenerative capacity – the amount of energy recovery allowed under braking increases from 100kW to 150kW – and an 8kg reduction in overall weight – minimum weight (including rider) from 888kg to 880 kg. And the following year there was a further increase in power of 10kW: from 170kW to 180kW.
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We arrived at the used car today, which debuted in the fifth season and was renamed “Gen2” because it is actually a completely new car. And not only from a design point of view: there is a new monocoque and above all the same Halo system of the F1 for the protection of the driver’s head. Sure, all the teams and drivers still use the same chassis and bodywork but they produce and develop their own solutions for the engine, inverter, gearbox and rear suspension.
The big news, however, is the increased range, with a new battery, which provides almost double the energy capacity – going from 28kWh to 54kWh, riders can finally complete the entire race without the need to pit stop for the car change as it happened in the past. A nice extra hand for the show. By the way: the power for the motor has become equal to 200kW instead of 180 kW – and 250kW available for testing and qualifying. Integrated into the new race format, it is mandatory for drivers to activate the attack mode (a particular setting of the car that lasts a short time but is used for overtaking), temporarily increasing the power levels to 225 kW for a short period of time. Power levels that from this year have reached 220kW, with an increase in power of about 20kW compared to Season 7 with power during the attack mode that also increases up to 250kW.
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But we are already working on the Gen3 that will debut next year, a kind of monster because it will have a new front engine, which adds 250kW to the 350kW already delivered by the rear one, doubling the capacity of the current Gen2 for a total of 600kW. So the top speed will reach 320 km / h (now it is at 280), with a weight / power ratio twice as efficient as an equivalent internal combustion engine. Not only that: 40% of the energy used in the race will be produced by regenerative braking, not to mention that the Gen3 will also be the protagonist of a completely green sprint: through an innovative process, all the damaged parts – in the race and not – in fiber carbon will be recycled by the aviation and aerospace industries into new reusable fibers. The tires themselves will be made up of 26% entirely sustainable materials, delivered through an innovative pioneering process.
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But in the meantime, let’s go back to analyzing today’s car, with a complete technical data sheet. Here she is.
Single-seater FIA Formula E Gen2
- Full speed – 280 km/h
- Acceleration – 0-100 km / h (0-62 mph) in 2.8 seconds
- Maximum power – 250kW, eqv. a 340 cv
- Competition modalities – 220kW, eqv. a 272 cv
- Maximum regenerative capacity – 250kW
- The amount of energy that can be delivered to the Mgu (the engine) by the Ress (the battery) is limited to 54 kWh. This is monitored by the FIA.
- fan boost (to be used in the race only) – 100kJ of extra energy to five drivers with the most votes
MEASURES
- Overall length – 5160mm
- Overall width – 1770mm
- Overall height – 1050mm
- Front overhang – 1553mm
- Rear overhang – 1505mm
- Ground clearance – 75mm (max)
- Step – 3100mm
- Minimum weight (inc. Pilot) – 900 kg (battery – 385 kg)
- Tires – 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport for use on both wet and dry tracks
- Power – 250kW (340 cv)
- Capacity – 54 kWh
- Battery
- Battery weight – 385kg
- Charging time – from zero to full in less than an hour
- Duration of the race – 45 minutes, plus one lap
The battery is the beating heart of the car, it is located behind the driver and is integrated into the chassis, which means that quick battery replacement is not possible during the race. It is one of the key areas for car development, on which efficiency and range are based, with the new unit able to run at higher speeds for nearly twice as long – doubling the numbers in just four years. It is a specific part, which means that each team receives the exact same equipment, focusing development on ancillary components and keeping costs under control.
Powertrain and gearbox
- Engine noise level – 80 decibel (dB)
- Motor – Rotor and stator
- Rpm (rpm) – 20.000
The motor takes the energy generated by the battery and transfers it to the wheels. Each team has the option to produce their own engine – or to purchase similar technology from a competitor. The motor is divided into two main components: the rotor and the stator. The rotor contains magnets, while the stator comprises coils of copper wire. When electric current passes through the wires it generates a magnetic field. The magnets in the rotor are attracted and repelled, causing the motor to spin.
Inverter
Conversion rate from direct current to alternating current: 10,000 times per second.
The inverter takes electricity from the battery and converts the charge from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which is used to transfer energy to the wheels. Teams and manufacturers are free to develop it to their liking, with advantages in terms of size, weight and layout.
Transmission – Gearbox
Number of gears – various solutions (between 1-3 gears)
The gearbox is controlled by the driver thanks to the paddles behind the steering wheel, through which he can strategically exploit the power available. It is at the discretion of each team to determine the amount of gearing – most drivers choose to use a single gear. This means less time wasted changing gears.
Bodywork, chassis and halo
Chassis – Dallara
Car body – Spark Racing Technology
The chassis of the car and the safety cell is built by Dallara, an Italian chassis manufacturer, and is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. The structure is reinforced to withstand high impacts and pass the stringent tests of other categories of single-seaters. The bodywork and wings are produced by Spark Racing Technology – a French company created specifically for Formula E with experience in other series. The regulations do not allow teams to develop single-seater wings – this encourages teams to actively focus research and resources on developing components that will lead to accelerated adoption of electrified vehicles. The new design also includes the Halo system, which protects pilots from flying debris and prevents the helmet from coming into contact with large objects. The Halo system is LED lit – with different colors indicating the different power modes.
Tires
Diameter – 18 pcs
Custom 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires for use in both wet and dry asphalt conditions. Formula E specific Michelin racing tires. They are different in two ways. Firstly, they have a low shoulder and are designed for 18-inch wheels. Secondly, they can be used in any weather condition. This approach leads to higher levels of efficiency and rolling resistance, as well as fewer tires required for each race. A normal slick tire cannot be used in wet asphalt conditions, which means that intermediate tires must be carried to each race in rainy weather. This is not the case with Formula E.
Steering wheel
- Buttons – 10
- Mobile dials – 5
- Shift paddle – 2
The steering wheel is the most important tool for a driver, not only to drive the car, but also to manage power delivery, monitor battery usage and stay in touch with the team.
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