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The new rules for Formula E vehicles 2018/2019

The world's first fully electric racing series - Formula E - is making massive progress with the start of the new racing season. The new technical possibilities make it possible to fall back on the new technology generation in racing in large steps. Preparations for the new season have been in full swing in the last few months. The new regulations will initiate even more upheavals for a larger and more exciting spectacle in the world's metropolises. We take a promising look at the brand new set of rules.

In an overview, we can refer to completely new chassis designs: a battery capacity almost twice as large, the elimination of the pit stop for the previous battery change, time trials, efficiency point evaluations, exciting power mode phases and completely new teams and drivers. At the meeting of the World Motorsport Council in Manila in summer 2018, the motorsport umbrella organization FIA decided on the revised Formula E rules for the new season.

time Trial

Formula E will only be held as a pure time trial. Instead of driving a set number of laps, as was previously the case, the E-races are always ended after 45 minutes plus one lap. The award point for the fastest race lap does not apply. From now on, the most efficient driver from the top 5 positions will receive additional points. In practice, the pilot with the lowest energy consumption receives a points bonus.

More horsepower on the route

Media launch BMW Formula E - Copxright green car magazine

The new generation of Formula E cars not only looks more futuristic, but will now be equipped with twice the range. The maximum engine output should only be sealed off at 250 kW (340 PS). This is a significant increase in performance compared to the vehicles previously used.

Boost mode

During the race, the rules allow a maximum output of 200 kW (271 PS) (previously: 180 kW (245 PS); in qualifying, the maximum output of 250 kW (340 PS) (previously: 200 kW (271 PS)) is permitted. The Boost Mode during the race allows a brief increase in output to 225 kW (306 hp). The mode can only be activated within a marked zone on the edge of the track and the length and frequency of the boost mode will vary depending on the track profile This mode can be recognized by an LED strip on the Halo safety system above the driver's helmet in front of the track and in front of the television. The “Fanboost”, which sets the Formula E cars to the maximum output of the electric motors during the race, is also particularly attractive spiced up to the full 250 kW (340 hp).

Teams and drivers

Formula E has long since developed into a test field for electromobility. So it is not surprising that two new global players in the field of electromobility will join the team field. The works teams from BMW, up to now technical partner of Andretti, and Nissan will start again. As an electric car provider, Nissan is taking over the e.dams team from its alliance partner Renault and will bring new momentum to the team around team boss Jean-Paul Driot.

The HWA team, known from the German Touring Car Championship, is also entering Formula E with its own team and will thus prepare for the planned future entry of Mercedes, which are expected to enter Formula E as a separate works team from the subsequent sixth season. HWA will use Venturi drives and present an interesting driver duo. According to press information, Edoardo Mortara will stay with the Monegasque team and compete for HWA alongside the new team-mate and previous Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa.

Prospects and plans

The rule changes presented as well as the new works teams and drivers lending the fifth Formula E season a completely new status in international motorsport. The races will enjoy a deserved higher level of attention in the metropolises of the world. And finally, some innovations from the experience in motorsport will flow into electric cars for road traffic.

Addendum

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N. Hawthorn
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