The Four Key Areas of Gen3 Formula E

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s next generation is waiting in the wings and in our home of Monaco back in May, this new chapter was unveiled when the series lifted the covers off its pioneering Gen3 car.

With a radical design, the vehicle is faster and lighter than its predecessors but as the definition of innovation, it’s a car that is set to revolutionise the motor racing world.

The Gen3 will make its competitive debut in Season 9 to replace Formula E’s current Gen2 model but what is it that makes the car so special?‍

Sustainability-Centred‍

Sustainability is a crucial component in Formula E’s DNA and as the world’s first net-zero sport, the series is committed to advancing green technologies in pursuit of a brighter future.

As such, the Gen3 has been specially designed with environmental consciousness at the fore and through cutting-edge development, will be the world’s first net-zero carbon racing car.

The Gen3’s batteries are not only some of the most technologically advanced ever made but are also some of the most sustainable.

Manufactured using sustainably-sourced minerals, cells can be reused and recycled at the end of their lifespan to ensure continued usage outside of Formula E.

For the first time in the history of a formula car, recycled carbon fibre will also be used in bodywork construction, mixed with linen, and the Gen3 will feature repurposed materials from retired Gen2 cars.

All waste carbon fibre will also be used for new applications while new all-weather tyres, courtesy of Hankook, will be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan.‍

Power!‍

Alongside being the most sustainable, the Gen3 will also be Formula E’s fastest car to date and will elevate performance in the electric motor racing landscape.

With a maximum power output of 350kW – the equivalent of 470bhp – the Gen3 has 40% more power than its Gen2 predecessor and 75% more than Formula E’s first-generation car.

As such, the vehicle will have a top speed of over 200mph while, with a 95% efficient electric motor, will have double the efficiency of an Internal Combustion Engine car, making it the most energy-efficient formula car in the world.‍

Regeneration‍

In another first for international motorsport, the Gen3’s rear powertrain will be accompanied by an additional 250kW powertrain at the front which will transform regenerative braking.

While the car will remain rear-wheel drive, energy regeneration will be performed using both powertrains to provide regenerative capabilities of an unprecedented 600kW, removing the need for rear hydraulic brakes.

This will enhance the energy harvesting process and with more effective restoration, a minimum of 40% of all energy used during races will be produced by regenerative braking.‍

Aggression in Design‍

The Gen3’s radical aerodynamic design matches its underbody technological revolution and the vehicle has been specially designed with racing in mind.

The car is smaller than its Gen2 counterpart and by weighing in at 840 kilograms (including the driver), it’s also 60kg lighter, with 1.7bhp per one kg.

This will ensure that the Gen3 car has enhanced agility to match Formula E’s tight and twisty street circuits to improve wheel-to-wheel racing.

With radical aesthetics – inspired by the form of a fighter jet – Formula E will continue to disrupt in Gen3 as it continues to challenge the conventions of motorsport.