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Formula E Unveils World’s ‘Most Efficient’ Race Car, Is Net-Zero With Eco Parts
By Ell Ko, 01 Dec 2021
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Image via Formula E
With much of the automotive industry making its way to a more sustainable, electric future, it’ll probably come as no surprise that the racing world is doing the same. Formula E has just announced the Gen3, which is touted as “the world’s most efficient racing car.”
Image via Formula E
With a motor capable of providing up to 350kW of power and a top speed of 200mph, the Gen3 is net-zero-carbon and has been designed with sustainability as the core concept. Plus, its tires are made with 26% sustainable materials, and carbon fiber parts will be recycled.
Electric motors that power the car are “substantially” more efficient than the traditional ICEs, Formula E states. As compared to a 40% of electrical energy converted to mechanical energy (motion) in high-efficiency ICEs, electric motors are able to convert upwards of 90%.
“In designing the Gen3 car, we set out to demonstrate that high performance, efficiency and sustainability can co-exist without compromise,” states Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, in the press release.
“Together with the FIA, we have built the world’s most efficient and sustainable high-performance race car. The Gen3 is our fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car yet.”
Image via Formula E
The Gen3 is also the first formula car with powertrains at both front and rear, with 250kW and 350kW respectively. Totalling 600kW, the powertrains will have more than twice the regenerative capability of the Gen2, as noted by Engadget.
40% of the energy used by the car will be produced through regenerative braking, according to the firm. This, along with the inclusion of the front powertrain, will make the Gen3 the first-ever formula car that won’t need to incorporate rear hydraulic brakes.
Lighter and smaller than its predecessor, the Gen3 is said to enable its drivers “faster, more agile wheel-to-wheel racing.”
Formula E manufacturers plan to take delivery of Gen3 cars early next year. Teams will use the Gen3 in the 2022-23 season, and can start testing it as soon as the spring.
The future’s coming.
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) November 29, 2021
And there’s no turning back.
Gen3. Season 9. 2022/23. #ChangeAccelerated
[via Engadget, images via Formula E]
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