Formula E unveils Gen3 in Monaco
It was in the run-up to the Monaco E-Prix that the FIA and Formula E presented the new generation of electric single-seaters, the Gen3, which will start in season 9 in 2023.
The future of all-electric motorsport was revealed by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) at the Yacht Club de Monaco, where the third generation Formula E was unveiled to the public.
Formula E unveils Gen3
The Gen3 is the world’s first race car designed and optimized for city racing. It will make its debut in Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, where some of the world’s biggest manufacturers battle it out on the streets of some of the world’s most iconic cities.
Developed by engineers and sustainability experts from the FIA and Formula E, the Gen3 is the pinnacle of high performance, efficiency and durability. Designed to show the world that high performance and durability can co-exist without compromise, the Gen3 is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that takes it from race to road.
While aerodynamic development programs have played a central role in the progressive improvement of motorsport for decades, the launch of the Gen3 propels software engineering as a new battleground for motorsport innovation and competition. Gen3 performance enhancements will be delivered as software updates directly into the in-car advanced embedded operating system.
Seven of the world’s biggest automakers have registered with the FIA to race the new Gen3 in Season 9 of the ABB FIA World Championship, with pre-season testing this winter. These are: DS Automobiles, Jaguar, Mahindra Racing, Maserati, NIO 333, Nissan and Porsche AG. The design, engineering and production innovations for the Gen3 race car are as follows:
The performances:
- The fastest Formula E car to date with a top speed of over 322 km/h.
- The most efficient single-seater ever, with over 40% of the energy used during a race produced by regenerative braking.
- Energy efficiency of around 95% thanks to an electric motor delivering up to 350 kW (470 hp), compared to around 40% for an internal combustion engine.
- The first-ever single-seater with front and rear powertrains. A new front drivetrain adds 250kW to the rear’s 350kW, more than doubling the regenerative capacity of the current Gen2 to a total of 600kW.
- 600kW ultra-high-speed charging capability for extra power delivery while racing, nearly double the power of the world’s most advanced commercial chargers.
- The first single-seater that will not feature rear hydraulic brakes thanks to the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability.
Every aspect of the production Gen3 has been re-engineered, redesigned and rebuilt to ensure the car is the benchmark for high-performance, durable racing without compromise. For example, natural materials have been introduced in tires, batteries and body construction, taking into account the life cycle.
Sustainability:
- Gen3 batteries are among the most advanced and longest lasting ever made. They are made of minerals from sustainable sources, while the battery cells will be reused and recycled at the end of their life.
- Flax fiber and recycled carbon fiber will be used in body construction for the first time in a single-seater, with recycled carbon fiber from retired Gen2 cars using the full amount of virgin carbon fiber used. This will reduce the carbon footprint of Gen3 bodyshell production by more than 10%. All used carbon fiber will be reused for new applications thanks to the adoption of an innovative process from the aeronautical industry.
- Natural rubber and recycled fibers will make up 26% of the new Gen3 tires and all tires will be fully recycled after the race.
- The Gen3’s carbon footprint has been measured from the design stage to inform any measures taken to reduce environmental impact, while any avoided emissions will be offset as part of Formula E’s commitment to in favor of net zero carbon.
- All Gen3 suppliers adhere to the strictest international standards for reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing (ISO 14001) and will be rated 3 stars by the FIA environmental accreditation.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Both technologically and environmentally, the Gen3 provides new standards in this sport. The FIA and the Formula E development teams have done a superb job, and I thank them for their hard work on this project. I’m delighted to see that so many top manufacturers have already signed up for the next era of the Championship and I’m looking forward to the Gen3 racing debut in Season 9.
Jamie Reigle, Managing Director of Formula E
Monaco is the spiritual home of motorsport and there is no better place to unveil our Gen3 racing car. The Gen3 disrupts and defies motorsport convention, setting the benchmark for uncompromising performance, efficiency and durability.
Together with the FIA, we are proud to unveil the Gen3 to Formula E fans and show the entire sports industry how elite sport, high performance and sustainability can successfully coexist in the Formula E championship. ABB FIA Formula E world. We can’t wait to see how our teams and drivers push the car to its limits in 2023.