Next-Gen Formula E Cars To Be Lighter And More Powerful

Formula E is readying for an overhaul for the 2022/2023 season with the introduction of Gen3 cars, which will be faster and lighter than ever.

According to electrive, recently published technical tenders released by the FIA reveal that the new cars will retain rear-mounted electric motors like the current cars but also include a secondary electric motor on the front axle. However, this second motor will only be used to recuperate energy, not deploy it, meaning that Gen3 cars will remain rear-wheel drive.

The cars themselves will be slightly smaller at 5,000 mm long and 1,700 mm wide. Total weight including the driver will also be reduced from the current 900 kg (1,984 lbs) to 780 kg (1,719 lbs), with nearly 100 kg (220 lbs) of this weight saving coming from a much lighter battery pack.

Also Read: Porsche Brings Electric 99X Racer To LA Ahead Of Formula E Debut

Also new for Formula E’s 2022/2023 season will be the introduction of high-speed charging during races. During the first few seasons of Formula E, drivers had to swap cars in the middle of the race. Since 2018, the batteries have grown in size and can now last an entire race. For season 9 of the championship, pit stops will return with ultra-rapid charging.

There are two powertrain scenarios being considered by the FIA. The first would see power capped at 300 kW (402 HP) during the race and 350 kW (470 HP) during qualifying or when attack mode and fan boost are enabled. The second scenario would see racing power capped at 250 kW (335 HP) and qualifying power limited to 300 kW (402 HP).

A cost cap on cars at $380,000, excluding battery and manufacturer parts, could also be implemented.

The FIA will finalize the rules for the 2022/2023 Formula E season in June 2020.