Williams, Mclaren, renault and Michelin have all contributed to vehicle which has a maximum speed of 220Km/h
The Spark Renault FE car was unveiled in Frankfurt today (Pic: Formula E)
The Formula E championship has unveiled the Spark-Renault SRT_01E electric car at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
All 10 teams and 20 drivers will use the car, which can accelerate from 0-100kph in three seconds, when racing starts in 2014.
The McLaren-designed electric powertrain will produce 133kw during races, generating a top speed of 220km/h (140mph). Italian firm Dallara designed the car’s monocoque chassis, made from carbon fibre and aluminium.
Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams F1 Team, is responsible for the design and supply of the batteries and their battery management systems, while Michelin will supply tyres for the championship.
“I congratulate all partners involved in the production of the fully-electric SRT_01E car – it is a fantastic achievement,” said FIA President and former Ferrari F1 chief Jean Todt.
“The innovative technology deployed follows the best environmental practices, highlighting the potential of the Formula E Championship to spark a revolution in the development of new electromobility systems, not just for motorsport but also for everyday use.”
Formula E prototype car driving through the streets of Berlin by test driver Lucas di Grassi.
Ten teams, each with two drivers will race on 10 street circuits worldwide that include London, Beijing, Rome, Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles.
Formula E also revealed cars will be charged by wireless ground-based pads before and during races.
Pit stop involve a change of car: when the battery runs out, the driver will make a pit stop, then will run 100 metres to climb into a recharged car.
Telecommunications company Qualcomm has announced a multiyear agreement with Formula E to fit the pads on the cars. Drivers will park over the base pad and charging commences automatically.
“Our collaboration with the FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great opportunity to showcase Qualcomm technologies, but to evaluate and improve wireless connectivity and EV technology across the globe, especially in the host cities,” said senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Anand Chandrasekher of Qualcomm.
“We hope this arrangement will leverage mobile technology to enhance the fan experience and impact the global movement towards more sustainable living.”
As part of its advisory role, Qualcomm will evaluate the connectivity and mobile technology of each of the ten venue cities around the world, providing solutions to help enhance the spectator experience around the circuit such as live streaming to fans, video gaming and social media.
“The FIA Formula E Championship is going to become a showcase for electric vehicle technology,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of championship promoters Formula E Holdings.
“Qualcomm’s involvement will not only help us develop new advances in EV technology but also to provide our fans and the world’s EV community with the best race viewing experience possible.
“New technologies in connectivity, wireless and mobile, fit perfectly with a Championship open to new technology, not only for the cars but for everything around the venue.”
Formula E prototype at the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. (Pic: Formula E)