Formula E has landed in Monte Carlo for the Monaco ePrix dispute. Before that, the electric series has taken advantage of this luxurious setting to have a date with its most immediate future, but also with the future of mobility. In fact, the promoter of the event and the FIA have presented their new single-seater ‘Gen3’ at the Monaco Yacht Club. Developed exclusively to compete on street circuits, the objective of Formula E and the FIA is to demonstrate that performance and sustainability can coexist.
Compared to its predecessor, the new car is shorter, smaller and lighter. From this base, the aerodynamic bet is totally different, as well as its mechanical base. In fact, the ‘Gen3’ is the first single-seater to have a front and a rear engine. On the front axle, it is equipped with a 250 kW electric motor -for regenerative functions- which is added to another 350 kW rear electric motor -with 95% energy efficiency-. With this powertrain, the ‘Gen3’ has more than double the regenerative capacity of the current ‘Gen2’ -600 kW- and reaches 350 kW of power.
Loading tweet…
1519738450999709696
The ‘Gen3’ is the most efficient car in history with 40% of the energy used in the development of a race coming from the regenerative braking system. As a result of the complex powertrain used, powered by batteries with ultra-fast charging technology, the ‘Gen3’ dispenses with rear hydraulic brakes and relies on regenerative braking to fulfill this critical role. Efficiency that does not collide with competitiveness, as the new Formula E car reaches 322 km/h.
As for its design, not only is it smaller, lighter and faster than its predecessor, but its shapes are completely different. The aerodynamic lines are straight and clean, to the point of almost looking like a paper design. The front wing is recessed under the nose and, like the ‘Gen2’, there is no rear wing. The wheel arches that broke so much with the harmony of its predecessor have been eliminated. The LED lights that indicate the activation of the different power modes are in the halo and behind the pilot.
The commitment to sustainability is total. ‘Gen3’ batteries are the most advanced ever made and are made from sustainably sourced minerals. Linen and recycled carbon fiber – sourced from retired ‘Gen2’s – bring the bodywork to life, while natural rubber and recycled fibers make up 26% of the composition of the new series tires, now supplied by Hankook. For now, DS, Jaguar, Mahindra, Maserati, NIO 333, Nissan and Porsche are the seven manufacturers that have opted for this ‘Gen3’.
Photos: FIA Formula E