Formula E continues to be labelled ‘too quiet’ and ‘not fast enough’ to be deemed ‘proper’ racing. Yet the on-track action is more competitive than most championships, while the engineering behind the scenes is arguably more challenging and technically relevant to today’s automotive sector than the likes of Formula 1. Not convinced? Please read on.
From the outset, the format of Formula E has been carefully orchestrated to prioritise the efficient use of energy from the battery. Throughout its nine seasons, and three generations of cars, the regulations have continued to limit the amount of energy available during a race, forcing teams to use the available energy as efficiently as possible to reach the finish line. Ideally first.
Although this doesn’t sound particularly thrilling on the face of it, it is analogous to managing the tyres in Formula 1, or fuel saving in endurance racing. Motorsport regulations are designed to limit teams in one way or another, so they have to manage their pace using a variety of strategies, which is the key ingredient for an exciting race.
However, in addition to managing energy, Formula E teams also must keep the battery within an optimum temperature window, maximise the amount of regen’, manage tyre performance and attack modes, all whilst controlling a hot-headed driver fighting for position. This is what makes Formula E racing so demanding for the engineers working in it and fascinating for the fans watching it.
Limited energy
So, why do teams need to manage energy in the first place?
‘The simple reason is, we start the race with
