Formula E: From green races to clean mobility

If you have been following motorsport for the last decade, then you have definitely come across Formula E. Officially called the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this is the highest class of competition for open-wheel single-seater racing cars which run on electricity.

While the first ever automobiles made about two centuries ago were actually electric, the poor range and low power output, compared to combustion engine vehicles, made them obsolete by the early 20th century.

However, with increasing concerns for the environment, electric cars have now positioned themselves at the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and sustainability. And with more and more electric cars on the road, it was only a matter of time before a redefining motorsport of the new era was established that increasingly focuses on reducing carbon emissions and embracing clean energy.

While Formula 1 has been there ever since the end of World War II, the idea for Formula E was first conceived in 2011 by Jean Todt, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and Spanish businessman Alejandro Agag.

In 2014, the vision came to life with the inaugural Formula E season held in Beijing.

The first EVs to participate in the series, known as Gen1 cars, were only capable of producing 200 horsepower, with a top speed of around 225 kmph (140 mph). With limitations in battery technology, drivers back then had to switch cars mid-race to complete the event.

By 2018, Gen2 cars were introduced, marking a significant leap forward in both performance and technology. Power now increased to 270 horsepower, with a top speed of 280 kmph, making them faster and more efficient.

Since 2023, the current Gen3 cars represent the most advanced EVs to be ever built. Capped at a maximum power output of 470 horsepower and top speeds of around 322 kmph, these are lighter, more advanced, efficient and greener than ever before. However, this was not always the case.

If you have seen any EV upfront, you would realise that they look a little different from the traditional vehicles. They are designed with a focus on maximising aerodynamic efficiency and it is no different in Formula E, especially considering that it is also organised on city street circuits.

It further influences the effect of "Attack Mode" — one of the most exciting zones of the track. Here, drivers are allowed to temporarily boost their power output by 30 kW, providing overtaking advantage, but at the cost of requiring to alter racing lines. It is a strategic layer to the race and showcases the technological influence that determines the racing dynamics.

What is inside a Formula E race car

At heart, powering every Formula E car is a combination of an electric motor, an inverter, and a gearbox. Unlike internal combustion engine cars, the powertrain of EVs are able to deliver instant torque and unmatched efficiency.

In traditional motorsport, pit stops are meant for occasional refuelling. However, given that cars must complete races in a finite amount of energy stored in the batteries, energy management becomes a crucial aspect in Formula E.

Hence, instead of being able to go all out, drivers and teams need to optimally balance speed with efficiency, emphasising on sophisticated energy recovery systems to maximise their performance over the race distance.

In any EV, the battery is the most critical component. With every Gen, there has been vast development in battery technology. The current Gen3 battery, developed by Williams Advanced Engineering, represents a capacity of 51 kWh and is smaller, lighter, and more energy-dense than ever before.

Lately, a significant leap in battery technology is the introduction of ultra-fast charging. While still in their infancy, these systems could allow for rapid mid-race recharging in future seasons and may also trickle down to the consumer EV market which faces its biggest hurdle in terms of fast charging infrastructure that is critical to widespread adoption.

When it comes to energy recovery systems, regenerative braking is an area that saw immense technological innovation. The idea is similar to a generator. Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during braking, converting it into electricity that recharges the battery, improving efficiency and range. In Gen3 cars, this technology recovers up to 350 kW of energy, making them the most efficient electric race cars ever built.

It is not only about saving energy; this brake-by-wire system further allows for even distribution of braking force, thus ensuring precise control for all four wheels, thus, not only recovering energy but also helping with performance.

The trickle-down effect: From tracks to roads

One of the core ideas behind the whole Formula E series was to accelerate innovation in the EV industry and consumer vehicles. And definitely, various advancements which were originally done to gain an edge in the series, has ultimately trickled down to the road-going consumer EVs, particularly in terms of design and performance.

Take the Nissan LEAF for example — a longtime competitor in Formula E. Through learnings from motorsport, Nissan was able to develop what they call the "e-Pedal". This is an advanced regenerative braking technology which allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate using just one pedal, significantly improving driving efficiency.

Jaguar is another key player in Formula E. with experience from Formula E, the brand was able to develop its award-winning I-PACE electric SUV.  With a focus on reducing drag and optimising downforce, which mirrors the enhancements of Jaguar's Formula E cars, the I-PACE had improved efficiency, range, and performance.

Even the Audi Q8 e-tron, which is officially available in Bangladesh, had a few developments influenced by Formula E, especially its advanced battery management systems and energy recovery techniques. For example, with its 71 kWh, Audi claims the e-tron can go about 300 km in a single charge.

A glimpse into tomorrow's mobility

However, it is not the end of technological enhancements. Rather, it is only the beginning. The latest Gen3 cars have been a leap forward, being faster, greener and more efficient than ever before.

In the EV industry, a highly sought after technology is autonomous driving. And obviously, Formula E has already experimented with it. Through its support series, Roborace, Formula E has conducted autonomous racing with self-driving electric cars.

While fans may not see fully autonomous racing in the main series any time soon, analysing the data received from observing the behaviour of EVs in high speed races can significantly contribute to the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in consumer vehicles.

All in all, in its decade-long journey, Formula E proved to be more than just a motorsport series and a source for new technologies that will define the future of transportation. As the world works towards a more sustainable future,

Formula E sets the pace for the race to a cleaner, greener world.