Formula E is relatively new, with the debut of this car race category that can be traced back only to September 2014. Moreover, Formula E is profoundly different from Formula 1, which has entertained all the car race viewers and lovers for years. Therefore, it should not be surprising that Formula E has been discredited a lot by Formula 1 veterans since its birth. However, chances that such a negative view can be mostly related to a low level of knowledge of the matter are high, and it is for this reason that today we are here to talk about the technology behind Formula E. Truly, how familiar are you with the topic? You are about to find out!
Formula E’s features
Differently from Formula 1, until last year Formula E racers had to change car halfway through the race since the battery did not have enough energy to complete it on its own. Nowadays, batteries have become dramatically more powerful than they used to be, improving their storage and increasing their output up to 200 kW. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Formula E single-seaters use brushless motors drive and recharge a small amount of energy when braking, an element that becomes essential for the drivers, whose chances of success widely depend on their capability to manage the energy during the race.
The battery’s technology
The composition of Formula E batteries greatly varies from the ones of street cars. The formers are composed of lithium-ion cells called NMC (Nickel, Manganes and Cobalt) and finding the right proportions between these elements has a direct influence on the balance between the battery’s duration and the maximum output power. In other words, it is essential to the proper functioning of the car itself and its performance on the circuit. In light of this, new developments occur on a daily basis in Formula E, with the aim of guaranteeing the most advanced and evolved technology possible.
BMW’s avantgarde
In this sense, the technology behind BMW’s Formula E is the greatest example available. The world-wide famous cars producer is indeed about to launch its Formula E model, which claims to be revolutionary for the field. First of all, their single-seater is going to be equipped with a new chassis and aero package able to generate more downforce than we have ever seen before. However, the most important change for the Formula E category will be represented by BMW’s battery, with a cell that is going to be able to last for an entire race. A revolution for the current racers, who will soon have to adapt to this new, thrilling change that has the goal to turn upside-down the entire landscape of Formula E.