Formula E is the electric spinoff from the Formula 1. The Formula E drivers scream around the race tracks in their all electric speed machines. With extreme acceleration and top speed, it is one of the most exciting and fastest racing events n the planet. Plus its a great look into the power and potential of electric vehicles for the future. It brings awareness and exposure to technology that could help save our planet.
10. First race in 2014
Formula E was conceived back in 2011 however it took until 2014 to get all the moving parts ready for a race. Organizing all the teams and races as well as developing the rules and regulations for the cars was an involved process but eventually it was all done. So far 5 seasons have been completed, with hopefully many more to come.
9. Use of high tech materials
Carbon fiber, aluminum and Kevlar make up the bulk of the car’s chassis. These high tech materials allow the car to be extremely strong and sturdy while remaining super light. The cars including driver and battery only weigh 800 kg.
8. The chassis is the same for all racing teams
While the chassis and batteries are the same for all the teams but they get to modify a few components as of the second season. Teams can modify and build the electric motor, inverter, gearbox and cooling system. These independent components can show the inspired creativity of the engineers on each team in their attempt to be the best.
7. Cars used to be swapped mid race
In earlier seasons (1-4) cars needed to be swapped out in the middle of the race due to the battery capacity. Drivers would have to make a pit stop to jump into the next vehicle which was charged and ready to go. As of the fifth season, the generation 2 Formula E cars with a larger 54kwh battery they can last the whole race.
6. Glycerine power!
Each team is in charge of charging their car’s batteries. The batteries are charged by generators powered by glycerine, which is obtained as a by product of bio-diesel production. This is great effort to reduce the amount of pollution used to power these cars. However in the future it would be better to see charging being done with more sustainable sources of electricity.
5. Formula E cars have a top speed of 280km/h!
The Formula E cars are able to hit 280km/h, which compares quite well to their Formula 1 cousins which have hit 300 km/h. Of course top speed isn’t the most important performance metric.Handling and acceleration are just as if not even more important in a race.
4. Acceleration is quick
The new Formula E cars with their 250kw motors are able to go from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds which also compares very nicely to the Formula 1 cars doing the same in 2.4 seconds. In a couple of years I’m sure we will see these rankings switch around as electric vehicle technology advances further.
3. Attack mode!
Starting in the fifth season, races included attack mode which gives drivers a 25kw boost of power when they drive through designated areas of the circuit. These areas are off the main racing line to allow for exciting attacks and passes during the races. However the location and duration of these boosts is decided shortly before the race to prevent teams from forming too much strategy around them.
2. Fan boost
Another boost for drivers comes from fans voting for their favourite drivers. The top five most popular drivers each get a 5 second boost window they can use in the second half of the race. This allows fans to support their favourite drivers and give them a helpful boost in the race.
1. Formula E is all electric fun!
The formula e is a super exciting race and fun for drives,teams and fans alike. Electric vehicle technology is the future and events like these races only progress the technology and make it better for everyone. So if you have any interest in racing, give Formula E a watch and support this great futuristic sport.
What do you think of Formula E? Already a fan? Or going to give a watch now? Let us know in the comments below, we cant wait to hear.
Alche is a passionate writer about many topics and wants to share knowledge in a simple way so all readers can enjoy and learn.