After tantalising motorsport fans for a long time with CGI shots and teasers, FIA has finally taken the covers off the future machine of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show 2018.
The revelation was done by FIA president Jena Todt; founder and CEO of Formula E Alejandro Agag, and by ABB’s robot arm. ABB is the title partner of the championship.
The car has a top speed of 280kph and the ability to travel double the distance of the current car. Due to the improved range, this next-generation model (Gen2) does not require a mid-race car swap from Season Five onwards.
Todt said, “It’s incredible to see the progress made in just four years - to double the range of the car and to increase the power output is a fantastic achievement.”
With the likes of Jaguar, Audi, DS, Mahindra Group, NIO, Renault and French manufacturer Venturi already competing in the championship, seasons five and six will see BMW, Porsche, Mercedes and Nissan join the ranks as the world's first all-electric single seater championship continues to grow.
Aside from the dramatic batmobile-like bodywork, the Gen2 Formula E car will benefit from the new Halo head protection device, which forms part of the chassis. With a nifty strip of LED lighting, fans will be able to follow the strategy of their favourite team or driver - with the lights indicating different power modes and other race-related information.
The amount of energy that can be delivered to the MGU (the motor) by the RESS (the battery) is limited to 54 kWh. This will be permanently monitored by the FIA.
Keeping the car planted on the track is the job of the new Michelin Pilot Sport all-weather tyre, specifically designed for electric street racing. Lighter than its predecessors, these tyres also create less rolling resistance, helping the cars travel faster for longer.